NEW ADDS: Caroline Polachek, Kelela, Tennis
Caroline Polachek - Pretty In Possible
Genre: Alternative Pop
RIYL: Shygirl, Charli XCX, Sky Ferreira
Back with a bang after 2019’s Pang, American singer Caroline Polachek released her sophomore album under her given name, her fourth as a solo artist, on February 14th of this year. In release since summer 2021, Polachek debuted six singles before the full project’s arrival. "Pretty In Possible," the second track off the LP, saw the artist attempting to write a song (with her frequent collaborator Danny L. Harle) without “verses or choruses.” The result is a free-flowing poem, bouncing between anecdotes from Polachek’s own life to references to her musical inspirations. "Pretty In Possible" remains circular, a riddle indicated by its title, binding up the major points of the album in a mystery box it seems not even Polachek has figured out. A bundle of pop transcendence. Desire, I Want To Turn Into You is out now.
- Quinn Soltesz
Kelela - Happy Ending
Genre: Alternative R&B, Electronic
RIYL: Sevdaliza, Empress Of, Solange
A six-year hiatus sees singer Kelela returning with her hotly anticipated album, Raven, released on February 10 via Warp Records. Known for her pop and heavily electronic take on R&B, her last album, 2017’s Take Me Apart, saw the artist receive critical acclaim, a remix record featuring the likes of Kaytranada. “Happy Ending,” the second track on Raven, features a thrumming beat with cheeky lyrics overtop. Kelela is having fun, setting free from the more toned-down songs later on the album. Raven is out now.
- Quinn Soltesz
Tennis - Pollen
Genre: Indie Rock
RIYL: Toro Y Moi, Caroline Rose, Jay Som
Tennis returns with an electric release, Pollen, out February 10. Tennis is by no means a newcomer to the indie alternative rock scene, but there is something refreshing about their seventh release. The record covers new grounds, engaging and experimenting with different genre narratives while still maintaining cohesion from front to back. Tennis manages to create a signature sound and continues to pave the way for the alternative scene. Pollen will have you at the edge of your seat, bracing each twist and turn as it comes your way.
-KP