Reviews
a compilation of reviews written by our staff!
Album Review:
Memory
by CFCF
Album Review by Furio Gerwitz
“memoryland” is the latest album by Montreal-based electronic music producer CFCF, released on April 9 by label BGM Solutions. CFCF as a project has been active since the late 2000’s, beginning with remixes of the day’s popular electronic before steadily building a catalog of solo material through the 2010’s. This album is billed as an homage to the musical landscape and wider pop culture of the late 1990’s, clearly apparent in both its marketing aesthetic as well as its sonic palette. Relying heavily but not exclusively on electronic production, “memoryland” blends elements of IDM, house, breakbeat and rock to create a varied and consistently enthralling record.
Album Review:
ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE
by BROCKHAMPTON
Album Review by Ash Zapata
ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE is BROCKHAMPTONS’ sixth album. It is an amalgamation of introspection and life, as it digs at political issues, mental health, and life and death. This album is sort of a paradox, as it is extremely sensitive yet powerful both musically and lyrically. It features some well known artists, such as A$AP Rocky, and Rex Orange County who helped produce a track. These artists know how to pull at your heartstrings, as well as create a beat so hard that it is nearly impossible not to listen again. Like the title, this is different from their previous albums- new light, new machine.
Album Review:
Ride on Time
by Tatsuro Yamashita
Album Review by Eric Kingston
Japanese artist Tatsuro Yamashita was one of the most successful City Pop artist in the 1980s reaching worldwide audiences. Since the start of his musical career staring in the 1970s, Yamashita has released 19 albums and has been credited as one of the most influential, and successful Japanese artists of all time. His 5th studio album Ride on Time released on the RCA/AIR label topped the Japanese charts in October of 1980. I would highly recommend Tatsuro Yamashita to fans of funk, pop, city pop and 80s dance music.
Album Review:
理髪店 Beat 1990-1994
by Haircuts for Men
Album Review by Furio Gerwitz
理髪店 Beat 1990-1994, roughly translating to Barber Shop Beat 1990-1994 and released on March 23, is a new project by prolific vaporwave musician Haircuts for Men, henceforth referred to as HFM. If you’re unfamiliar with vaporwave, I’d strongly recommend a search, but broadly the genre could be described as nostalgic, sample-heavy music strongly influenced by the aesthetics of early internet culture and the late 20th century. Entering the scene at its peak popularity in the early 2010s, HFM is one of the few vaporwave artists from that era to have stood the test of time.
Album Review:
Jackrabbit Slim
by Steve Forbert
Album Review by Eric Kingston
Plagued with extremely high expectations after being dubbed “The Next Bob Dylan” Steve Forbert’s commercial career suffered from these pressures set upon him. Some may call him a one hit wonder with his hit single Romeo’s Tune, but his second studio album produced one of the greatest singer/songwriter folk-rock albums of the 1970s. This is a must listen of any fan of 70s folk rock or rhythm and blues.
Album Review:
A Dotted Line
by Nickel Creek
Album Review by Zain Beverly
This week’s review is of the progressive acoustic trio Nickel Creek’s A Dotted Line. It’s the sixth studio album from the trio and it marked the 25th anniversary of the band. They’re a big name in the folk world, with their 2003 album, This Side, winning a Grammy. The band took a hiatus in 2007 and came back seven years later in 2014 to make this album. It’s got some beautifully crafted folk tunes with a couple… interesting cuts as well.
Album Review:
Sound Ancestors
by Madlib
Album Review by Furio Gerwitz
Sound Ancestors is the latest album by American hip hop producer Madlib, with significant contributions made by fellow producer Four Tet, best known for his ambient works. The album was released on January 29 of this year on Madlib’s label, Madlib Invazion. While Madlib is best known for his rap collaboration albums with MF DOOM and Freddie Gibbs, a significant component of his discography is occupied by sample heavy instrumental albums, beat tapes, and a jazz project. Sound Ancestors follows the latter template, with vocals present only as samples and a wide range of instrumentation present.
Album Review:
The Stranger
by Billy Joel
Album Review by Zain Beverly
The Stranger by Billy Joel is the fifth studio album of his and the best selling, non-compilation album he’s ever produced. It sold over 10 million copies worldwide and it possibly saved Joel from being dropped by his record label, Columbia Records. It’s an iconic album from an even more iconic artist. It carries great examples of Joel’s fantastic songwriting with, depending on the track, the swagger or tenderness that Joel is remembered fondly for.
Album Review:
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
by Lana Del Rey
Album Review by Ash Zapata
Lana Del Rey’s new album, Chemtrails Over The Country Club is an introspective album about her past. It features her signature whimsical voice, and subdued tracks. She features singer Nikki Lane, Zella Day, and Weyes Blood.
Album Review:
Montgomery Ricky
by Ricky Montgomery
Album Review by Zain Beverly
Ricky Montgomery’s Montgomery Ricky (trying saying that ten times) is the first full-length album by the formerly moderately-successful Vine.. person. The L.A. based indie-pop artist has produced music before and after this album, some of the latter being made with his band the Honeysticks. Montgomery Ricky still stands as the only full-length solo album Montgomery has produced. It’s a somewhat tonally consistent project ranging from passionate, sad-boy anthems to more upbeat, yet still undercut with a current of grief or depression, tunes.
Album Review:
Show Me How You Disappear
by Ian Sweet
Album Review by Furio Gerwitz
INTRO: “Show Me How You Disappear” is the latest project by Ian Sweet, an LA-based act consisting of the lone member Jillian Medford. The album was released on March 5 by Polyvinyl and recorded during Medford’s recovery from what is described as a “mental health crisis” on the record’s Bandcamp page. Given this fact, much of the songwriting sharply focuses on Medford’s fears and insecurities. Sonically, the album could be best described as dream pop that leans pretty heavily into indie pop aesthetics. The album features an interesting and roughly equal blend of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and synthesizers, but mostly limits instrumentation to these three plus drums
Album Review:
American Idiot
by Green Day
Album Review by Zain Beverly
This week on “Zain Review’s Of Any Ol’ Album That Comes to Mind”, we’re looking at the immensely popular American Idiot by Green Day. This album holds a pretty sentimental place for me as it was one of, if not the first, albums I’ve ever owned. (I’ve only owned a few in my lifetime before switching to complete digital streaming, though, so I’m not too attached to that feat). This punk-rock album went on to become hugely influential to an audience of young adolescents in 2004, and it ended up in my big blue boombox when I was seven years old playing video games in my basement. Probably a little too young for the album, but I turned out fine, I think.
Album Review:
You’re Welcome
by A Day to Remember
Album Review by Ash Zapata
You’re Welcome is the long awaited album from the band A Day to Remember. It has evoked a lot of criticism from it’s listeners because it is not their typical sound. The point of this album was to let the artists write music that they want to write, not what the audience wants. As a long time fan of the band, this is my honest review.
Album Review:
Alma
by The Charities
Album Review by Zain Beverly
The Charities are a motley crew of Motown-inspired garage rockers. That last part is literal. They record out of a converted garage space in California. We’re taking a look at their project titled Alma this week, and although it’s not technically an album, (it’s literally one song off of fitting the technical requirement of being an album) the tracklist has some smooth and soulful tunes to enjoy.
Album Review:
The Shadow I Remember
by Cloud Nothings
Album Review by Ash Zapata
The Shadow I Remember is the Cloud Nothings most recent album release. This album is a summation of emotions surrounding an existential crisis- self doubt, self worth, and self purpose. Lead singer Dylan Baldi’s lyrics are questioning, “Who am I to be?” The tracks repeat that question as if to manifest the answer into existence. Despite all that, the seemingly despairing lyrics are joined with joyful instrumentals- a start to a new beginning.
Album Review:
Life and Times by Jim Croce
Album Review by Zain Beverly
Life and Times is the second of the late Jim Croce’s three albums. It features his signature balance of jaunty barroom tunes and tender ballads that his three albums all featured. In all of his albums, Croce chronicles the stories of the “characters” he’s seen throughout his life. This time around, we hear the stories of a larger-than-life roller racer, a drug-fueled trucker, and the “baddest man in the whole dang town.”
Music Video Review:
Tweety by Raveena
Album Review by Jordy Bowen
Peace, pastels, and soul are just a few of the factors that let us know that it’s Raveena’s world and we’re just living in it. Twenty-six-year-old singer Raveena constructs a dreamy world wrapped in warm tones and smooth sounds. Managing to respectfully nod to her influences while ultimately remaining true to herself and personal artistry, this singer is the surreal and celestial creative we never knew we needed.
Album Review:
Collapsed in Sunbeams
by Arlo Parks
Album Review by Ash Zapata
Arlo Parks (Anais Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho) is a young British artist who released her first album, Collapsed in Sunbeams. This indie album is an honest collection of stories and experiences wrapped up in whimsical harmonies and instrumentals. Despite its cheery nature, the lyrics say otherwise, making the paradox of feelings that Anais experiences more meaningful; and in a way relatable.
Charleston, SC 1966
by Darius Rucker
Album Review by Zain Beverly
Charleston, SC 1966 is the third studio album of Darius Rucker’s solo career, and the second decidedly country album of his. It has some tracks that went over well on the radio due to their adherence to a tried and true formula laid out by artists before and Hootie’s voice itself.
Tyron
by slowthai
Album Review by Ash Zapata
Tyron is an introspective album written by Slowthai; a British rapper from Northhampton. The album is split into two parts, the first consisting of all capital-lettered titles to emphasize frustration and surface level emotions. The second half of the track is all lower-case, to highlight the finer details and more complex emotions that come with being in the spotlight. This album is raw, unapologetic, and passionate.
Destiny
by The Jacksons
Album Review by Zain Beverly
Destiny is the thirteenth album released by the Jackson 5, or the third to be released by the Jacksons. They had to change their name after they left Motown records and went to Epic. This album influenced the dance club scene for years after its release with tracks like Blame it on the Boogie and Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground). If this doesn’t get you moving, I’m not sure what will.
Drunk Tank Pink
by Shame
Album Review by Ash Zapata
Drunk Tank Pink was a color that was known to calm aggressive behavior, it was used to varnish the walls of therapy rooms, prisons, and psychiatric hospitals alike. Lead singer Charlie Steen of Shame sat in his pink room after his first tour and wrote his second album about finishing the tour- the loneliness, the fatigue, and how it was for the first time. This album offers a raw view of self, and who we are at the core.
Duke Ellington & John Coltrane
by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
Album Review by Zain Beverly
Duke Ellington and John Coltrane is the rather straight-forwardly named 1963 album born from a completely instrumental recording session between the two titular artists and a few members from both of their bands. It’s a crossover between two giants of the American jazz scene and quite the treat. It features performances of compositions that, at the time, were both new and exciting, and classic hits.
OK Human
by Weezer
Album Review by Ash Zapata
Weezer is an American Rock band that was popular in the early 2000s with various hits such as Island In The Sun, Say It Ain’t So, and Buddy Holly. Weezer’s newest album OK Human,(A reference to Radiohead’s OK Computer) features twelve tracks; all that explore the loneliness and seclusion that comes with the pandemic. The band decided to stray away from modern technology and recruited an orchestra of thirty-eight instruments to create this album. “It’s time to disconnect from the world, and connect to the album”-Weezer.
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
Self-titled Album
Album Review by Zain Beverly
Pull up a chair and pour yourself something strong because Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweat’s first album of the same name is a jaunty set at a modern day saloon. The band’s titular lead, Nathaniel Rateliff, delivers a hearty helping of vintage R&B, Americana and folk in this tracklist.
The Lo-fis
by Steve Lacy
Album Review by Ash Zapata
Steve Lacy is a young Alternative R&B/Neo-soul/Psychedelic artist who has produced songs for numerous artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Denzel Curry, and his own band, The Internet. Lacy’s Album, The Lo-fis, is a collection of sound bites and leaks from when he was in highschool. It features an array of funky bass-lines and hypnotizing vocals.
“Free Yourself Up’”
by Lake Street Dive
Album Review by Zain Beverly
Lake Street Dive is a soulful jazz/americana/pop/rock/R&B troupe and they’re exploring relationships from a mostly female perspective in their sixth studio album, Free Yourself Up. They’re a multi-genre band, and this album exhibits it with songs ranging from big and loud jazzy anthems, rolling R&B grooves, and slow and personal ballads that would fit in at a smoky, dim lounge.
The return of live music to the first coast
Article by Jennifer Ronzon
Live music has made a triumphant return to the first coast after many long, quiet months. Artists have made up for lost time, with choices of shows to attend each week. Despite the excitement surrounding the shows, one question has lingered — is it a safe choice?
“ELEMENTS vol. 1”
by TOBi
Album Review by Jordy Bowen
The composed and cool TOBi provides an energetic yet vulnerable performance with ELEMENTS VOL 1. TOBi, a Nigerian Canadian artist making music filled with unapologetic soul and flow, produces a vast soundscape with tranquil trap beats and a heavy merging of genres from jazz to grime. This album evokes a serenity that focuses on themes of family, perseverance, and growth.
“uncertain/ty’”
by bandanna
Album Review by Carissa Marques
You might have heard that Spinnaker Media is, “run by students for students.” That doesn’t just apply to our news department, but radio as well. Though UNF students are our target audience, we’re always happy to share the experiences and accomplishments of Florida locals, especially when it comes to new music.
“Remote”
by Wallows
Album Review by Grace Stoler
Wallows is an alternative/indie band composed of Dylan Minnette and Braedon Lemasters on vocals and guitar and Cole Preston on drums. Their brand new EP “Remote” was made available on all platforms on Oct. 23, 2020. Although Dylan Minnette has been Wallow’s main focus since the band formed in April 2017, shortly after his starring role in the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why”, Remote manages to show off each member’s individuality and talent, while still maintaining their band’s soft pop / rock sound.
“songs”
by Adrianne Lenker
Album Review by Carissa Marques
There’s something about a deep breath of mountain air that feels healing to one’s body and mind. Adrianne Lenker’s new album, “songs”, evokes that exact same feeling through music. The former Big Thief front woman released this solo piece on October 23, 2020 with an accompanying album “instrumentals” that’s a collection of her guitar playing and nature sounds.
“Moveys”
by Slow Pulp
Album Review by Carissa Marques
With all the chaos that has unfolded this year, music has acted as a soothing pastime throughout the months. Chicago indie rock band, Slow Pulp, shares that calming sound in their recently released album.
The band is made up of four Wisconsin natives: singer and guitarist Emily Massey, bassist Alex Leeds, drummer Teddy Matthews, and guitarist Henry Stoehr.
“Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was” by Bright Eyes
Album Review by Carissa Marques
Indie-folk legends of the early 2000s, Bright Eyes, released their first album in almost a decade: Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was, on August 21, 2020. Older millennials would recognize the lead singer, Conor Oberst, from not just Bright Eyes, but his punk band, Desaparecidos, as well. Younger people might be more familiar with his work with Phoebe Bridgers in Better Oblivion Community Center. This album evokes all kinds of nostalgia while also concentrating on heavy themes like loss, depression, and change.
“Chewing Cotton Wool”
by The Japanese House
Album Review by Carissa Marques
The Japanese House is an indie-pop band from England featuring musician and singer, Amber Mary Bain. They released a four-track EP called, “Chewing Cotton Wool” on August 13. Bain only has one full length album out, but their synth-pop sound can be heard in these latest tracks. If you’re a fan of The 1975, you’ll enjoy The Japanese House. In November of 2019, they actually played at a local venue, Jack Rabbits Live!
“Cody”
by Joyce Manor
Album Review by Sydney Chatani
Cody is the fourth studio album by punk band Joyce Manor, released in October of 2016. It’s a remarkable departure from their previous work — while past albums were more traditional to old-school punk music, Cody is sleeker, cleaner, and admittedly more reflective than its predecessors. Joyce Manor is still just as angsty as they were in 2011, but the angst is more mature and “adult” sounding than any of their past releases.
“What Could Possibly Go Wrong”
by Dominic Fike
Album Review by Carissa Marques
Dominic Fike, a Florida-native from Naples, released his first full length album, What Could Possibly Go Wrong, Friday, July 31, 2020. The long-awaited album has been in the works over the last three years. In the past, Fike has worked with artists such as Kevin Abstract, Yeek, Omar Apollo, and Kenny Beats. This album was produced by Julian Cruz and The Roommates. It reflects on themes of the realities of fame, the importance of family, and all the other experiences with drugs and love in between.
“boygenius”
by boygenius
Album Review by Sydney Chatani
Boygenius is an alternative super-group consisting of musicians Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, and Phoebe Bridgers. Their self-titled debut EP was released on October 26th, 2018. Though each member was already well-established in their individual careers at the time of the EP’s release, their talent truly shines when they come together. Each member brings their own stylistic flair to the table in order to create a dynamic, beautiful piece of alternative-folk music.
“Folklore”
by Taylor Swift
Album Review by Carissa Marques
An icon of the last two decades, Taylor Swift, announced the release of her eighth album, folklore, just a day before it came out. The country-turned-pop singer surprised fans with a more alternative-folk sounding album on July 24, 2020. She worked with producer Aaron Dessner from “The National” to write these songs over the last few months of quarantine. Jack Antonoff from “Bleachers” also helped with the instrumentals and production.
“Clarity”
by Jimmy Eat World
Album Review by Sydney Chatani
Clarity is the third studio album released by Jimmy Eat World — an album that resulted in the band being dropped by their record label in 1999, but is now considered to be one of the greatest emo records of all time. Though most know the band from their 2001 release Bleed American, the true scope of their talent is most prevalent in Clarity. With introspective lyricism and dynamic instruments, this album is a genre-defining, must-listen for any fans of emo, pop-punk, or alternative music.
“Lianne La Havas”
by Lianne La Havas
Album Review by Carissa Marques
British soul-singer, Lianne La Havas, released her self-titled album on July 17, 2020. Unlike most self-titled albums, this is not La Havas’ first. This third full-length studio album discusses themes of growth and change, specifically in relationships, and the entire cycle in between. The reason it took La Havas half a decade to release new music is because she felt the need to experience growth as well. It’s a lovely mixture of R&B and soul with soothing melodies and vocals.
“Jump Rope Gazers”
by The Beths
Album Review by Carissa Marques
Jump Rope Gazers is the second full length album by New Zealand indie-rock band, The Beths. It was released on Friday, July 10, 2020. The band consists of lead singer and guitarist, Elizabeth Stokes, Tristan Deck on the drums, Jonathan Pearce as a second guitarist, and bassist Benjamin Sinclair. This album will have you feeling like you’re in a turn-of-the-millennium teen or young adult movie (think 10 Things I Hate About You or even Hillary Duff’s A Cinderella Story). The album’s themes touch on love, communication, and the uncertainty of the current state of the world.
