Weekly Release Spotlight
That one perfect album that we (and you) almost missed.
This Sporting Life by The Smashing Times
The latest release from The Smashing Times, titled This Sporting Life, proves to be a genre-bending, jangly extravaganza. This Sporting Life uses folk-inspired storytelling and lighthearted instrumentation to create a pleasant and enticing atmosphere of danceable music. With palpable influence of everything from lo-fi to whimsical folk, this album is a delightful nod to the nostalgia of 2010s twee.
I<3UQTINVU by Jockstrap
Jockstrap’s latest release, I<3UQTINVU (I Love You Cutie, I Envy You) can only be described as the evil twin of the duo’s 2022 debut, I Love You Jennifer B. Taking fragments of Jennifer B, as well as previous projects, combined with new samples, this album perfectly embodies the pure, experimental fun of Jockstrap. The album opens with the high-energy track, “Sexy,” and proceeds to hit just about every tempo and energy level thereon. From the ethereal harp of “I Feel” and “I Touch” to the rabid vocals of “Red Eye,” I<3UQTINVU is a masterful, yet playful showcase of Taylor Skye and Georgia Ellery’s range of musical ingenuity.
Aprender a Ser by Mint Field
Mint Field’s “Aprender a Ser” documents the band’s journey of learning to be, as the title suggests. Originally starting as a 2023 revisit of demos made during the lockdowns of 2020, this album evolved with the band as they solidified their sound and identity as a group. The span of this work is felt on every track, where some instrumentals remain from those original demos, enhanced by surrounding details added years later. Mint Field creates fluid, genre-less tracks that reflect upon one’s emotional growth in life. This project is a glowing example of slowing down, appreciating the creative process, and knowing oneself.
Census Designated by Jane Remover
Jane Remover’s sophomore album, Census Designated, is an emotional journey of self-realization, told with her instantly recognizable, glitchy production. Any given track can effortlessly bring layered, pensive vocals to an all-encompassing noise rock crescendo. In a slight shift from her earlier work, Jane Remover paces this album in a similar fashion to Ethel Cain’s Preacher’s Daughter, and showcases the unraveling turmoil of exploitation and isolation, set within a sonic landscape that reflects the chaos of her mind. Remover’s vocals are haunting and strained at times, yet elegantly carry the album to its most emotionally raw moments. As a whole, the album is an incredible, captivating listen.
Water Made Us by Jamila Woods
Multi Talented writer, poet, and musician, Jamila Woods’ latest album confronts past relationships and contemplates their meanings within her life. Woods describes different romantic relations and the ways in which they’ve both hurt her and inspired her personal growth. With interludes speaking about the impact of different types of love on one’s life, and raw, emotional lyrics across the album, Water Made Us reminds the listener of all the ways in which individuals can influence us, beyond their physical presence in our lives.
Collection by Patio
Patio’s sophomore album, Collection contains multitudes of complex and deeply personal lyricism, as well as punchy instrumentation influenced by both disco and post-punk. The New York City-based trio drew much of the emotions that are presented in this album from their experiences through the COVID-19 pandemic. Feelings of not being aligned with one’s own life, not having control, and the sporadic nature of living through this day and age are expressed by punching basslines and pushing guitar riffs. Patio’s honest and heartfelt album is not one to miss