If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Annabelle Chairlegs Album : Waking Up Quick Thoughts : I could not recall whether or not I heard Annabelle Chairlegs's debut album, but I recall enjoying their 2020 effort. It's been more than five years, but we have another winner here: a nice mix of garage rock with traditional alt sensibilities, and singer Lindsey Mackin can outright howl. Absolutely one of my favorites this week, don't miss out. Songs of Note : "Concrete Trees," "Patty Get Your Gun," "Shoo Fly" Artist : Yumi Zouma Album : No Love Lost to Kindness Quick Thoughts : I've been a fan of Yumi Zouma for a while now, from their second EP onward. It's kind of dreampop and kind of shoegazey, and as much as the genre has seen a reniassance of sorts as of late, I feel like Yumi Zouma should be in the conversation more. A song like "Phoebe's Song" fits right in with the best alt-rock trappings out there, and "Blister" has some of the...

Better late than never? Artist : St. Lucia Album : Hyperion Quick Description : Return to form from the light indie poppers. Why You Should Listen : St. Lucia makes some really gorgeous, fun music. Overall Thoughts : Their debut? Awesome. Their follow-up? Definite sophomore slump syndrome? This? Very reminiscent of that first album with a number of songs that have an immediate addictive quality. This is an act that sounds like it has found its footing and might have an opportunity to launch into something bigger. Recommendation : Definitely worth your time this week. Artist : The Black Black Album : Gravity and Time Quick Description : Heavy-yet-light rock and roll music. Why You Should Listen : They're derivative of all your favorite recent acts. Overall Thoughts : I think I want to describe this as The Strokes through a filter of early Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Death From Above, and The Dandy Warhols. I can’t decide if I just like it or if I kind of love it. ...

Aaaaaaaaaand we're back! Artist : Julia Jacklin Album : Don't Let the Kids Win Quick Description : Debut album from a favorite here. Why You Should Listen : She's a modern throwback in all the best ways. Overall Thoughts : We've spilled a lot of digital ink on Jacklin over the last year, so to finally have a solo album is great, and the fact that it's meeting and exceeding expectations is just icing on the cake. This was very nearly my album of the week, and the promise that came with "Pool Party" and "Leadlight" was fulfilled, plain and simple. Recommendation : Listen to this album. It's a must. Artist : Springtime Carnivore Album : Midnight Room Quick Description : Second album from another retro-styled duo. Why You Should Listen : When the melodies are on, they are on . Overall Thoughts : I fell in love with this act with "Name in the Matchbook" from their debut, so seeing a new album was exciting. This continu...