Interview with Singer-Songwriter Jesse Norell on "Aorta Borealis"

in

Singer-songwriter Jesse Norell’s new album Aorta Borealis is special. Not only is it his return to music, but it also chronicles the struggles he and his family went through when his daughter Alyssa was diagnosed with CHD (Congenital Heart Disease). It’s a concept record of the most personal kind, dealing with all the emotions, and Norell hopes it raises awareness and aids in reducing the stigma of those living with Down syndrome.

Read More

OKnice's "Have You Tried Being Happy?" Review

in

Have You Tried Being Happy surpasses the size of the emcee’s last two projects in the first-days-of-lockdown experiment of The Social Distance and the chilly, late 2019 release of Winter Tape Vol. 1. Oknice’s effort to make a feel-good record falls short on this album, but that goes without saying it’s not filled with heavy doses of dopamine.

Read More

Alien Book Club's "Desecration of the Whispering Salamander" Review

in

Desecration of the Whispering Salamander proves to be just as eclectic as its name. Guitarist and vocalist, Anita, describes their work as “musical ADHD”, while bassist and vocalist, Andrea, chooses the words “chaotic and fun.” These descriptions are spot on, as Alien Book Club manages to weave aspects of numerous genres seamlessly into each song to create an exciting and entertaining listening experience.

Read More

Genetic Drift's "History's Contagious" Review

in

The Minneapolis four-piece returns on October 13th with History's Contagious, their first proper release in six years. The 25-minute album demonstrates maturing songwriting craftsmanship that hasn't faltered in the years since 2015's Sunrise Compromise, with lead single "VIgorous PHantasy" showcasing the group’s brand of garage pop through a refined lens.

Read More

Loser Magnet's "Empty Year" EP

in

Loser Magnet's debut EP "Empty Year" was recorded on one of the coldest days of this past winter in a DIY studio above a garage with no heat. You can almost hear how cold the band is, but it plays perfectly into their sound. The EP is full of distressed textures, wistful melody, and crafty songwriting. Thematically, it's an album about change.

Read More