Tennis - Pollen - Feb 10, 2023
The married pop duo of the band Tennis have come back with their 6th studio album, a record even punchier than the last. Having dropped three singles before the album’s release, it was clear that the album was going to be worth a listen. The first single, “One Night with The Valet”, showed listeners a new sound, relying less on acoustics in favor of a synthy, deep bass sound that is showcased in less than two minutes. The opening track, “Forbidden Doors”, carries a similar energy and hints what to expect from the rest of the album: deep cutting synths, tight drums, and music to move your body to. A personal favorite that was released with the album is the second to last track, “Never Been Wrong”. The song begins with simple guitar and vocals but quickly introduces an ensemble of sound to complement the silky vocals, yet it always steps back to give space to the song. Overall, Pollen is a pleasant pop welcome with running themes of love just in time for Valentine’s Day.
- Trey Hibbard
Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World – Feb 10, 2023
Being one of the most well-known, instantly recognizable, and critically acclaimed acts to come out of the American underground, it should come as no surprise that the iconic group has released yet another classic. Formed in 1984 by Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley as a young couple out of New Jersey, the group has blossomed from just another decent house show band into one deserving of a place on indie-rock Mount Rushmore, with great records like 1997’s I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One aging into modern-rock classics. This Stupid World sees the band returning to that krautrock-esque, downbeat noise-pop that fans should be all too familiar with, as well as various softer acoustic cuts in the mix, in typical Yo La Tengo fashion. A record whose predictability is welcomed like an old friend, and whose innovation is an exciting sight for many of us sitting back in awe watching a band continue to blow us away almost 40 years after their conception.
Favorite Tracks: “Sinatra Drive Breakdown” ; “Aselestine” ; “Brain Capers”
- Will Lewis
