If It's Too Loud...

...and a bit of July, but don't tell anyone. Artist : Cheekface Album : Podium Quick Thoughts : Cheekface is prolific, unique in their sound, and still somehow puts out winner after winner. This album actually does mess with the blueprint a bit, with some different vocal choices and some sonic additions (like the record scratches in "Hostile Street"). Overall, though? Another great listen from your favorite local band. Songs of Note : "Hostile Street," "MFT," "Black Site, "U Can't Do It," "I Decline" Artist : Homeboy Sandman and Jack Splash Album : Resonance Frequency Quick Thoughts : I generally enjoy what Homeboy Sandman does, but this collaborative listen is likely to become one of my favorites of his catalog. Lots of interesting samples compliment his flow perfectly and it creates a really fun album that's worth your time. Songs of Note : "TWENTYFOURSEVEN," "Weed Stores Everywhere,...

Artist : Doves Album : Constellations for the Lonely Quick Thoughts : Doves are back with a new album that feels like what we expect from the veteran act. "Renegade" is up there with some of the best work they've put out, and it's a superlative, comfortable listen overall. Not a ton to say except that it's a highlight of the week. Songs of Note : "Renegade," "Cold Dreaming," "A Drop In the Ocean" Artist : SASAMI Album : Blood on the Silver Screen Quick Thoughts : Since going solo from Cherry Glazerr, SASAMI has carved out a pretty cool niche for herself over the course of a few albums and EPs. Each one has built upon the previous, and this latest effort, positioned in part as her "pop record," is really so much more than that. There are a lot of unforgettable, excellent songs here that straddle the line between indie pop, retrowave, and singer-songwriter stuff ("Slugger" in particular is one of the bett...

Artist : Future Islands Album : People Who Aren't There Anymore Quick Thoughts : When "Seasons (Waiting On You)" became a surprise critical favorite, complete with chaotic Letterman/Jools Holland performances, I wasn't sure if their brand of synth-forward indie rock would work with Samuel T. Herring's unique voice in the long term. They've remained a favorite of the indie set, but People Who Aren't There Anymore feels like an accessible entrypoint in a way they haven't gone before. "King of Sweden" and "The Tower" in particular both feel epic and present, and the album gives a mood of a true journey across its tracklisting. I loved this, and in a week with a lot of really solid releases this shouldn't be ignored. Songs of Note : "King of Sweden," "The Tower," "Give Me The Ghost Back," "The Thief," "Iris," "Peach" Artist : Angry Blackmen Album : The Legend of A...

Artist : Rachel Sumner and Traveling Light Album : Rachel Sumner and Traveling Light Quick Thoughts : Man, I loved this album. It has a lot of elements of progressive bluegrass and folk, but just the gorgeousness of it all makes it stand out. It's got a hint of darkness as well, which gives it a feel all its own. A really solid listen and bold statement in a quiet week. Songs of Note : "Unrecorded Night," "Strangers Again," "Come Along, Rowan" Artist : EDT Album : It Was a Wave, Of Course Quick Thoughts : EDT is the moniker of Emily Dix Thomas, a cellist with a super impressive resume for a variety of local favorites. This album, heavy on the gothic cello mood it sets, is really a beautiful record and might be one of my favorites of the summer. There's a starkness to it, and that sort of thin fragility lends itself to some very interesting and unique sounds and songs. Honestly, don't miss out on this one, it's truly stellar. So...

Artist : Cheekface Album : Emphatically No. Quick Description : I don't know how to describe this, exactly... Why You Should Listen : ...but it's awesome. Overall Thoughts : This is an odd one. It appears we missed their 2019 debut, and that's too bad because this album is kind of amazing. The delivery is so deadpan and matter-of-fact, the songs quite the story, and it just works in a way it shouldn't? That's not a knock against it - this album made me laugh a few times and I'm excited to get back to it. "'Listen to Your Heart.' 'No.'" is the lead track, and you'll know pretty quickly whether this works for you the way it did for me. Recommendation : Truly an acquired taste, but one I loved. Artist : Harmony Byrne Album : Heavy Doors Quick Description : Gorgeous singer-songwriter music from Australia. Why You Should Listen : Something about this album grabbed me from the very start. Overall Thoughts : We missed this on...