How’s everybody doing? Are your flowers coming in yet? Have you turned on your Air conditioning? Started blasting early 2000s pop-punk with the windows down? You don’t have to answer all at once; grab a cup of coffee, listen to some local music and get back to us when you can. we’ll be here.
Reviews by Ava Ferriero
Flavour - “The Tingler”
Some songs are just iconic — “The Tingler” is one of them. The beat is energetic and exciting. There isn’t one element that carries this song, each instrument and vocal contributes masterfully to formulate its electrifying feel. The song's rock-n-roll, adrenaline-fueled atmosphere pulls you in and makes you want to stay. Flavour really made a thrilling, timeless song with this one, and it’s worth a listen.
Senior Living - “Oasis”
“Oasis” starts out calm and vulnerable, and swiftly transitions to intense passion and heartache — much like anxiety, which can emerge suddenly. Senior Living uses this song to capture the feeling of being stuck in your head. They demonstrate the frustrations that come with anxiety and the inability to think rationally when your head is spinning. Sometimes, our minds sabotage us, and through “Oasis” Senior Living portrayed that infuriating battle between one’s brain and reality.
No More Death Stars - “I Can’t Surf”
With a dark and ominous lead in, you really don’t know where “I Can’t Surf” is going to go. The long instrumental before the vocals is like driving my car on a rainy day. It’s the kind of beat that is slow, but makes you want to think deeply. It’s almost helplessness reflected in the lead’s voice. No More Death Stars is using the inability to surf and instead sinking as a broader metaphor to depict their sorrow. It’s a vulnerable song demonstrating a lot of complex feelings and I love it.
TJ Foster - “Front Seat”
“Front Seat” emotionally murdered my soul but in a beautiful way. This song evokes so many emotions: nostalgia, longing, and melancholy. Our memories make up who we are. As someone who had a grandpa with Alzheimer's, watching someone you love lose recollection of their experiences is heartaching. As they lose their memory, you lose a form of them, and this song truly captured what that feels like. Foster reflects on trying to be there for someone who is incapable of recognizing your support or understanding your presence. This is a devastating song filled with love, and that love shows through every lyric.
James Mullen - “Spring Song”
I really enjoy the prominence of the vocals in “Spring Song.” The melody is very consistent and predictable, but it allows for emphasis on what the lyrics convey. It is a hopeful tune, as winter ends and June is approaching. James Mullen twists the idea of being lost to something optimistic. Instead of painting the lack of direction as a curse, Mullen makes it sound exciting. While he feels pressured to have a plan, he’s trying to take it day-by-day — which is a skill I need to improve. “I long to lose these shackles and just be,” he sings. I like that.
They Are Gutting a Body of Water & Horse Jumper of Love - “charter spec”
The drums are incredible throughout “charter spec.” It’s chaotic, yet intentional. I always enjoy songs that are unpredictable — this is one of them. You never know what instrument is going to take the lead next. The ending is hectic, and finishes with a loud screeching noise. The song is like the inside of my head: compulsive, unrestrained, but somehow cohesive. That’s exactly what makes “charter spec” relatable, and worth a listen.
Keegan James - “sea level”
The melody of “Sea Level” sounds almost majestic, like I’m a mermaid swimming through coral in the sea. Keegan James' voice is different in the best way. His vocals are so fun, effortless, and relatable. Through the song he laughs, yells, and talks like he’s having a conversation with the listener. The lyrics themselves complement the way he sings this song, portraying himself as a messy, imperfect human being. He touches on how he has successes and failures, but despite, always bounces back. “Sea Level” captures the ups and downs of the human experience in a lighthearted way, and I will definitely be put on my playlist.
I, Supernova - “Keystone”
A piano introduction is always a great way to evoke emotion in a listener. “Keystone” at first is a little melancholic, until about a minute in, and the tone changes to motivational. Layers are added to the piano melody that give the song a backbone. It starts to tone down, seemingly ending, and when you least expect it, the beat drops. It becomes chaotic and exuberant as all the instruments passionately combine at once. The flow and progression of this song reminds me of finding yourself. It feels like a journey from isolation, to contentment and hard work, until finally flourishing. It’s difficult to tell a story while lacking lyrics, but I, Supernova excelled at it.