by Abby Trapp | May 18, 2018 | albums, review
Chicago’s own Hidden Hospitals is excited to share the release of their new album Liars, which is officially out today. “Razor Blades” is the first track to kick off the album, and shows off Hidden Hospital’s pop-punk flare. “I want it all but everything won’t fit,” proclaims the band. The track remains angsty with lines like “rush to the razor blades” and “haunted crosses” highlighted among others. The title track “Liars” is very ethereal, more reminiscent of outer space. “Liars have lips who call out love,” the upbeat electronic pop track sings. “Liars” remains upbeat and funky, but with a sad lyrical message.
My personal favorite track is “Better Off”. On this post-apocalyptic track, Hidden Hospitals touches on the aftermath of a relationship and the toxic environment one can get caught up in. “I didn’t know what we had started, I couldn’t see the pieces then- pull us close found us toxic/how misleading it had been,” the band shares on a painful but truthful experience with listeners.
On the album, vocalist Dave Raymond says: “Sound is language, and our fluency and vocabulary 2018 is vast. Why not use it? I can make a guitar do anything, we can make a drum kit say or control anything, and that’s interesting to me. It’s the feeling of “kid in the garage with their amp turned all the way up.” I’m forever chasing that, and LIARS is the most recent expression of what got me there.”
Liars is available here.
by Madison Blom | May 17, 2018 | albums, review
For aspiring artist and writer James Alex of Beach Slang – now exploring uncharted territories with his new project Quiet Slang – “Rock and roll is sort of my consolation prize for wanting to have been a writer.” Both of these dreams are fulfilled as he performs all over the world and now hears lyrics, written by his own hand, shouted back to him while performing in front of hundreds of fans. On May 18th, alt-rock project Quiet Slang is set to release its debut, Everything Matters But No One Is Listening, which has earned the attention of an overwhelming amount of fans and critics all throughout the music industry.
Setting aside all of the hype surrounding this new release, there is a wonderful kind of artistry that is woven throughout each track. Each line holds poetic, relevant meaning to anyone who is lucky enough to hear it. Accompanied by the beautiful, hypnotizing rasp of Alex’s voice, the instrumental aspects of this album embrace the minimalistic nuances that are so clearly embodied in the title of this new rock outfit, Quiet Slang. As a wonderful tribute to the roots of this genre, the almost tangible melancholy of this album is wonderfully enticing and cushioned by the powerfully emotive cellos, piano and vocal talent.
In his own words, Alex explains that this group was brought together to convey one attribute: “Tenderness. I suppose that sounds overly simplified. But, still, it makes it no less sincere. Look, I’m trying to soften the world a little bit—there’s worse ways to be remembered.”
Throughout the album, certain themes are easily recognizable, the importance of sound and how silence can be more powerful. Along with this sentiment, each track emotes events and experiences that are relevant to young listeners and things that are often experienced at that age. With so much going for this upcoming group, it is almost impossible to ignore the blatant talent that is found within each verse of lyrical genius which has brought them to where they are now.
Keep your eyes peeled this Friday, and keep up with Quiet Slang here.
by Madison Blom | May 16, 2018 | albums, review
After her tour on NBC’s Emmy-award winning show The Voice season 13, Whitney Fenimore has found herself knee deep in a career that is just beginning. Although she has had so much happen in the space in between her tv appearance and the present, the most exciting news is yet to come as she releases her first ever full EP, Battle Within on May 18. Although the EP is scheduled to drop later in the week, we have had the chance to grab a sneak peak and are excited about Fenimore’s unique ability to seamlessly mesh so many genres–from country to folk and rock to pop.
One of the greatest skills that is highlighted by this Ep is Fenimore’s vocal flexibility. Within each individual track there is such a wide array of emotions that listeners pick up on just by the way she emotes each and every note. With each breath, this young artists draws energy and atmosphere into her long, beautiful melodies. Perhaps The Boot said it best when they proclaimed, “powerful, distinct vocals [and] strong melodies.” All three points accurately sums up all of the highlights presented in this wonderfully written and produced EP. Without a doubt, this will accelerate the career track that she has so clearly set for herself.
From being one of the strongest vocal contestants on America’s favorite pass time show to becoming one of the most credible and content reliable musicians of her time, Fenimore has nowhere to go but up as she continues to develop music that is both relevant and utterly breath taking. At age 28-the amount of quality work that we have seen is astounding. As each single on this track is unique and holds a different feel, fans are inclined to continue listening, viewing several different facades of Fenimore with each passing track. Look out for the release of Battle Within, scheduled to drop May 18. Until then check out her latest teaser, “Stones” which will be included on the release.
Battle Within is out May 18th. Keep up with Whitney here.
by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | albums, review
Oakland based Wax Idols, are happy to release their fourth and latest album on May 16th, Happy Ending. Members if the band include Hether Fortune (vocals, guitar, bass, organ) with Peter Lightning (guitar, bass, organ, piano), Rachel Travers (drums), and Marisa Prietto (bass, backing vocals). Greer McGettrick has recently joined as a bassist. The post-punk band is versatile with Happy Ending, which explores a variety of topics such as philosophy, politics, and relationships.
Streaming on NPR, their song “Scream” is a punk hit. “Scream” touches in the internal conflict we all struggle with. “So I’ll scream…the only love I’ll have,” the band proclaims with its struggle to find love. “Crashing,” an anthem to the struggles life “This life and I never got along…so now I’m crashing hard,” the track testifies. The song keeps a slow and steady beat before rocking out at the chorus “Now I’m crashing hard.” “Mausoleum” remains a unique track. Wax Idols display their punk roots here with whiny female vocals, sounds of a tambourine, and a classic rock sound. “Mausoleum” is a great display is the versatility that Wax Idols brings to the scene.
Wax Idols Tour Dates
6.1 | Red Museum | Sacramento, CA
6.2 | The Holland Project | Reno, NV
6.4 | Neurolux | Boise, ID
6.6 | The Astoria | Vancouver, B.C.
6.7 | Barboza | Seattle, WA
6.8 | Cryptatropa | Olympia, WA
6.9 | Tonic Lounge | Portland, OR
6.15 | Eli’s Mile High Club | Oakland, CA
6.16 | The Hi-Hat | Los Angeles, CA
Keep up with the band
here and look for their album
Happy Ending streaming worldwide now.
by Gemma Harewood | May 15, 2018 | albums, review
UZ is an artist who has changed the face of trap music since he first emerged on to the scene. Revolutionizing the genre with his own spicy series “Trap Shit,” the Frenchman went on to release with a plethora of labels before creating his own platform. Quality Goods Records is where he has released his newest album The Rebirth, which signals a pivotal point in his career.
The artist is in the midst of a busy year; as well as releasing this LP, he has taken off on Part 1 of a tour across America and Canada, and rebranded his DJ mask. With Part 2 set for later in the year, we urge you to get yourself a copy of this release today. There are some blistering, knife-edge classic trap pieces, whilst UZ proves he is also capable of making something simplistic and ethereal in the form of the closing tune “Castle” ft. Nevve.
The Rebirth deserves a full, uninterrupted listen. You can do so by hitting the link below, or buying a copy here.
Keep up with UZ here.
by Abby Trapp | May 15, 2018 | albums, review
Courtship. recently released their debut album, Denial in Paradise. I had the pleasure of being acquainted with Courtship. earlier this month as I interviewed them. It was then that I fell in love with the first single off their album, titled “The Kind of Woman.” I was lucky enough to have a chance to listen to all of Denial in Paradise, an album where the tracks flow effortlessly to create a one-of-a-kind pop sound. “The Kind of Woman” is just the start and enters with a groovy 70’s feel. Courtship. sings “…the kind of woman I want to be with, you know I’m going to put a gold plated watch on her wrist,” on their idea of the ideal woman. The track even incorporates French. Listening to it made me feel like “the kind of woman.”
Following up “That Kind of Woman” is “Nice Guy.” The infectious track has Courtship. and me wondering as they sing “Why is it so hard to be a nice guy?/Could have had a nice life, friendlessness could never stop…I can’t even fake a smile,” Courtship. declares. “Nice Guy” is the perfect anthem not just for guys, but for a world that struggles to be nice from time to time. “Nice Guy” isn’t as somber as it sounds, the song stays upbeat with its synth and funky sounds.
“Perfect People” has a different, misunderstood and creepy feel to it. The vocals are emphasized here and Courtship. makes another great point “We’d do anything just to be perfect people, blonde and beautiful on the beach.” They are not far off, candidly calling out the societal pressures to look, be, and have “perfect things.” “Live! with D+J” remains the quirkiest track. The track is only 34 seconds long, but samples the band as if they were on a radio station with a DJ. It give the pop album a unique twist. Of course Denial in Paradise is more than just Courtship.’s latest album; it is an array of feel good, wind in your hair, summer night, love sick anthems.
Keep up with Courtship. here.
