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...

Artist : Courting Album : Guitar Music Quick Thoughts : The name of this album came across to me as either super earnest or super sarcastic, but it turns out it's neither. Instead, it's a pretty impressive indie record with hints of post-punk that had impressive song after impressive song. This is one that really shouldn't be missed in a week full of good stuff, so make time. Songs of Note : "Cosplay / Twin Cities," "Tennis," "Crass (Redux)," "Jumper" Artist : The Barbaras Album : Oh My God Barbara Quick Thoughts : It's been a little while since we've heard from any of the Ford sisters, and The Barbaras (Sallie and Weezy) provide a welcome return. It's definitely country-fried fun throughout, and I think part of the record's charm is that it's a serious album without taking itself too seriously. I knew I'd like this, but songs like "Walk of Shame" just ensured that I'd love it. Songs of...

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...