“Fruitcake” by Subsonic Eye: Singular Indie Rock from Singapore
The singular Singaporean indie rockers Subsonic Eye just dropped their latest single from their upcoming album, Nature of Things. Part post-punk, part dream pop, part new wave, “Fruitcake” is an anthemic track brimming with depth, fervor, and raw sincerity. The group of five finds new life in liminal spaces in this sneak peek of their […]
“Cool Dry Place” by Katy Kirby: A Relatable Journey
While trying to come up with an introduction for this piece, something struck me. My mind was wandering about the state of the world and how we are swiftly approaching the end of this unprecedented year. A year which started off with such high hopes, it was the beginning of a brand-new decade, one which […]
“Verdant” by Floraphona and Naoba: Beguiling, Uncanny Pop
There’s a concept called the “uncanny valley” that’s become more relevant in recent years. As humans, we’re wired to feel empathy towards things, even inanimate objects, that have some humanlike qualities: it’s why everyone cried during WALL-E. The uncanny valley, then, shows the limits of that empathetic response. According to the theory, there’s a threshold […]
Retrospective Review: Laurie Anderson’s “Sharkey’s Day”
The first lyric of this song–that opens Laurie Anderson’s second album, Mister Heartbreak–are: “Sun’s coming up…like a big bald head poking over the grocery store.” With just that, Anderson has already invited you into the world of Sharkey, whoever that person might be and wherever they are. The feeling of morning has already been fully communicated […]
“Moonstone” by Parlour Magic: Catchy, Atmospheric Synthpop
One of my favorite things about electronic music is how it’s constantly pushing the envelope of sonic possibilities. Even when a producer uses vintage synthesizers or retro beats, the creative spirit of the music often feels forward-looking, or boundary-pushing. Maybe it’s just our tendency as humans to equate electronic spectacles with futuristic vision, but you […]
“Dreaming” by Motoi: Dreamy and Atmospheric
You know that strange, groundless feeling when you first wake up? Before you rush back into your body, before your brain flickers all the way on. For a full five seconds the world is blurry and the dreams are still caught behind your eyes, and you lie there blinking, trying to remember who and where […]
“Pretty Funny” by Pepper Said: Raw, Honest Fun
Some of my favorite childhood memories take place in the backseat of my mom’s blue minivan, music blasting and windows down with me and my sister’s hair whipping around our faces. Without fail, when we got in the car and the local alt-rock WFNX radio station was on we knew we were in for a […]
Josh Gilligan’s “Where Can I Go”: Sharp, Emotional Lyricism
Josh Gilligan’s forthcoming release, “Where Can I Go”, feels like rain battering against the window. Like watching the steam unravel from a mug of tea. Like aching for someone you shouldn’t want anymore. It’s nostalgic, visceral, and devastatingly tender. In a sound or a word or good company/Oh you come when I’m finally feeling free […]
GoodLuck’s “Back in the Day We Used to Run”: Wistful, Breezy Nostalgia
As the year draws to a close, the urge to look back and take stock of all that’s transpired becomes understandably irresistible. After enduring what has felt like one trial and hardship after another for the better part of the last twelve months, the notion of comparing our current and weary selves with the doe-eyed […]
“Mint” by Glom: Tackling Personal Disappointment
Disappointment certainly ranks high as one of life’s most unpleasant experiences. As someone who has lived through more disappointing moments than I’d care to recount, I can confirm that there is nothing worse than having your expectations dashed by the brute and impersonal force of reality, particularly if there was a good amount of emotional […]
