NEW ADDS: The 1975, Broken Bells, Frankie Cosmos, and Sleater-Kinney & Margo Price
The 1975 - All I Need to Hear
Genre: Soft Rock
RIYL: Charlie Burg, Summer Salt
Be prepared for your early 2010s self to jump out—we have a new The 1975 album. “All I Need to Hear” is The 1975’s fourth single on their newest album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language, and it’s quite a departure from what we’re used to them putting out. I unknowingly heard this song last October when frontman Matty Healy opened for Phoebe Bridgers at the Greek Theatre, and I actually didn’t think too much of it then. Backed by strong piano and some fuzzy guitar, the track feels timeless and affectionate. Its simple yet vulnerable lyrics and progression leave us with a sweet-sounding ballad as we approach the end of the album.
- Hannah
Broken Bells - One Night
Genre: Indie Rock/Alt Rock
RIYL: Young the Giant, Circa Waves, Cold War Kids
I’m a big fan of Broken Bells, specifically the songs “After the Disco” and “The High Road,” so I was wondering if any of the songs on their new album INTO THE BLUE would be reminiscent of the work they’ve done before. What I loved about this track was that it adheres to their generally shimmery indie pop and rock sound while also giving you something new. It’s a 2022 album, but if I heard it played in tandem with “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama from The Karate Kid I don’t think it would seem out of place. That is to say, the synth ties together their modern sound with the stylistic elements that were all the hype back in the 80s. What I didn’t know was that lead vocalist James Mercer is also the frontman for The Shins. No wonder I’ve loved every Broken Bells song I’ve heard! Despite being a great track, I think the funky album cover would look great as college dorm room decor.
- Mia
Broken Bells - One Night
Genre: Indie Rock/Alt Rock
RIYL: Young the Giant, Circa Waves, Cold War Kids
I’m a big fan of Broken Bells, specifically the songs “After the Disco” and “The High Road,” so I was wondering if any of the songs on their new album INTO THE BLUE would be reminiscent of the work they’ve done before. What I loved about this track was that it adheres to their generally shimmery indie pop and rock sound while also giving you something new. It’s a 2022 album, but if I heard it played in tandem with “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama from The Karate Kid I don’t think it would seem out of place. That is to say, the synth ties together their modern sound with the stylistic elements that were all the hype back in the 80s. What I didn’t know was that lead vocalist James Mercer is also the frontman for The Shins. No wonder I’ve loved every Broken Bells song I’ve heard! Despite being a great track, I think the funky album cover would look great as college dorm room decor.
- Mia
Sleater-Kinney, Margo Price - Turn It On
Genre: Alt Indie/Folk Rock
RIYL: Le Tigre, Bikini Kill, Liz Phair
Sleater-Kinney was ingrained into my childhood, so I was thrilled to hear about their freshly released album Dig Me In: A Dig Me Out Covers Album. As the title suggests, the album is essentially a remastered version of their 1997 album Dig Me Out, but each song is featuring another artist. It’s actually a very cool concept as it pays homage to the original as it just passed its 25th anniversary. The featured artists aren’t necessarily covering the original songs, but instead reinterpreting them. In the case of "Turn It On," Margo Price added a country twist to the punk original. The prominent banjo riff that plays throughout is an excellent and catchy addition that brings out the country tonality in Price’s voice, a clever reinterpretation. Overall, I think this song, as well as others on the album (including featured artists like Wilco, St. Vincent, The Linda Lindas, and others) prove that songs can just get better with age, especially when other talented artists offer a new perspective.
-Shiloh