Jeff Rosenstock – HELLMODE – August 31, 2023
After almost 20 years in the music scene, DIY legend Jeff Rosenstock finally stepped into a famous studio to record his new album, HELLMODE. His 5th solo album is his most accessible to new audiences, which isn’t saying much. HELLMODE starts off as abrasive as possible. Loud instruments, vulgar lyrics, and screaming vocals are the name of the game as Rosenstock starts HELLMODE. The perfect songs to thrash around your room too. Songs like “WILL U STILL U” feature Rosenstock wondering if his lover will still love him with his flaws. Other songs like “FUTURE IS DUMB” has Rosenstock telling his audience that “The world doesn’t owe you a thing.” But after the first half, Rosenstock strips back his sound for more acoustic ballads. Even though the album’s title is HELLMODE, only half the album gives you that type of music. Starting with the appropriately titled “HEALMODE,” the album gets introspective and less angry. It’s still clearly a Rosenstock record, but it’s very beautiful and new for the artist. It all leads to a climatic end on the song “3 SUMMERS,” as Rosenstock sings about how cruel the world is and how he’s coming to grips with it all. Overall, Rosenstock gives a phenomenal performance as he blends two different sounds on one album.
Favorite songs: “HEALMODE” ; “3 SUMMERS” ; “FUTURE IS DUMB” ; “WILL U STILL U” ; “SOFT LIVING”
- Logan Hurston
Sprain - The Lamb As Effigy - Sep 1, 2023
Dense, scrupulous, thought provoking, wholly original, and at times, truly terrifying. All of these sentiments can't even hope to scratch the surface of an accurate and worthwhile description of the 96-minute epic that is Sprain's latest LP, but they were the first that came to mind. The 4-piece hailing from Los Angeles have spent the last three years meticulously crafting the eight harrowing tracks in such a way that leaves the listener nothing if not completely breathless. According to front-man Alex Kent via the band's Twitter (X), this project has always been a part of him, and in some ways the same goes for the rest of his bandmates, insinuating in many ways that The Lamb As Effigy feels like a Magnum Opus. For a band so young and full of potential it would be a shame to pigeonhole them in assuming this will be their best work, but it is without a doubt their best thus far. Quite a daunting truth that a 96-minute experimental rock record could be enjoyed without a single moment feeling bloated or drawn on, especially given there are two 20+ minute songs, but every single measure, every passage feels so intentional, so emotional, that without them, the album would be incomplete. Kent also mentioned how the group wanted nothing more than an honest record, and in my eyes this project is nothing if not honest. Honest about the world, about religion, the music industry, love, loss, death, grief, shame, guilt, and above all, honest about what it is to be a musician. To struggle eternally looking to catch lightening in a bottle, to write that perfect melody, to truly move an audience just as you intended. It is up to the listener and their willingness to open up to this album and all of its intricacies, and many won't be able to. But for those who do, they will feel that honesty in ways that few other artists have been able to reflect in their music. Simply put, The Lamb As Effigy is absolutely profound.
Favorite Tracks: "Man Proposes, God Disposes" ; "The Commercial Nude" ; "The Reclining Nude"
- Will Lewis
Public Circuit - "Kiss My Face" - Sep 1, 2023
A small synthwave project from New York, Public Circuit has managed to succinctly capture a dark, nostalgic prescence in the city's underground. Kiss My Face, a new single released this week, is the best work from the group thus far. The ever-present punchy drums, arpeggiating synths, and general dark, desperate atmosphere are accompanied by improved vocals by singer and founder of Public Circuit, Ethan Biamont. It is a track of angsty minimalism, a tight arrangement of synths, drums, vocals, and two bass tracks. The bass itself sounds like it's groaning to get out of bed, as the lower track provides a strong foundation while a second track floats around the track with a Joy-Division-esque melody that never makes itself too present. It's a fun, retro-style single that should excite any new-wave, synth-wave, or dark-wave enthusiast.
- Luke Allen
Frankie and the Witch Fingers – Data Doom – September 1, 2023
Frankie and the Witch Fingers are back for their 6th album, Data Doom. The album gives you 9 psych-rock songs over a 41-minute runtime. The instrumentation in this album is fantastic. The sound is tight as the musicians build intricate groove patterns through noodle-like guitar riffs and smashing drums. The album opens with a funky tune in “Empire,” but has some punk tendencies with songs like “Electricide.” The band uses the saxophone to great effect throughout the record, most notably in songs like “Weird Dog” and “Syster System.” The vocals and lyrics are trippy, sounding like someone is screaming over an old PA system. The guitars go from the noodle sound for solos to sinister for rhythm. Overall, the album is perfect for the new age of rock. The songs make you want to dance and thrash around. I’ll definitely check out their next album after this one.
Favorite songs: “Syster System” ; “Mild Davis” ; “Empire” ; “Futurephobic” ; “Electricide”
- Logan Hurston
