New Releases
SOTW: SOUL ASYLUM– “Freak Accident”
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: SOUL ASYLUM– “Freak Accident”
Released: August 21, 2024
Rate: 7/10
RIYL: Gin Blossoms, The Replacements, Sugar
Soul Asylum, the Minneapolis rockers known for their mix of punk energy and heartfelt lyrics, are still going strong after decades in the music scene. With their latest single “Freak Accident,” they bring their signature sound back to the forefront. The band, now made up of Dave Pirner, Michael Bland, Ryan Smith, and Jeremy Tappero, has a knack for blending raw intensity with memorable melodies.
“Freak Accident” is a prime example of what Soul Asylum does best. The track is driven by gritty guitar riffs and Pirner’s unmistakable vocals, capturing that perfect balance between urgency and emotion. The production, once again handled by Steve Jordan, gives the song a live, unpolished feel that complements its themes of chaos and unpredictability. As they prepare for their September 4th show in Bristow, MD, and with 2.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Soul Asylum proves they’re still a force to be reckoned with.
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AOTW: waltzerr – “Small Talk”
Thursday, August 29th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of the Week: waltzerr – “Small Talk”
Released: August 16, 2024
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Japanese Breakfast, Snail Mail, Hatchie
Seattle-based waltzerr mixes dreamy pop vibes with guitar-driven indie rock to dive into the ups and downs of being in your twenties—think love, heartbreak, and a whole lot of self-doubt. Their music feels like flipping through a personal journal, striking a chord with anyone who’s felt stuck in time. Whether you’re dealing with a breakup or just trying to navigate life, waltzerr’s music does a great job at connecting with listeners through shared experiences.
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SOTW: RUBBLEBUCKET – “Moving Without Touching”
Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: RUBBLEBUCKET – “Moving Without Touching”
Released: August 14, 2024
Rate: 8.2/10
RIYL: U.S. Girls, Khruangbin, St. Vincent
Rubblebucket’s new album “Year of the Banana,” captures a transformative time in the band’s journey, reflecting the personal and professional challenges that nearly ended the band. The music feels deeply introspective, as if each track peels back layers to reveal the raw emotions and complexities that the band faced during that year. It’s a testament to their resilience, celebrating 15 years of making music together despite the hurdles.
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AOTW: Personal Trainer – Still Willing
Thursday, August 22nd, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of the Week: Personal Trainer – Still Willing
Released: August 2, 2024
Rate: 7.9/10
RIYL: Pip Blom, The Bug Club, Lime Garden
If you’re into pop music that keeps you guessing, Amsterdam’s Personal Trainer has got you covered with their second album. The brainchild of Willem Smit, who teams up with Casper van der Lans in the studio, Personal Trainer has already shown their knack for DIY indie-pop with their 2022 debut, “Big Love Blanket”. Willem is back with “Still Willing,” an album with contrast and energy. It’s a collection of lively melodies, creative arrangements, and playful lyrics, all delivered with a fresh dose of charm and enthusiasm.
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The Encore: Berry the Band
Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
WLOY presents “The Encore,” where we spotlight our favorite artists that have visited the station. This week: Berry the Band!
Berry the Band was formed when guitarist and vocalist Joey Lemon and drummer Paul Goodenough connected at a music program. The duo soon brought in keyboardist Matt Aufrecht, a college friend who shared their passion for creating original sounds. After releasing a few EPs and experiencing slow progress, the group sought to revitalize their sound with the addition of bass player Shane Bordeau, who became a permanent member. Over the years, their music evolved, capturing their experiences on the road and their growth as both musicians and individuals.
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SOTW: Jordana – “Like A Dog”
Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: Jordana – “Like A Dog”
Released: August 6, 2024
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Hana Vu, Soccer Mommy, Jay Som
Jordana, the 23-year-old songwriter hailing from Maryland and now based in LA, has released with her latest track, “Like A Dog.” The song is a part of her newest album, “Lively Premonition,” set to drop on October 18 via Grand Jury. Known for constantly evolving her sound, Jordana has never been one to stick to a single genre. From lo-fi vibes to polished pop, gritty indie rock to soft folk, she’s explored it all. I’m sure the new release proves she’s still full of surprises.
With “Like A Dog,” Jordana ventures into fresh territory. The track captures her knack for reinvention, pushing the boundaries of her already diverse discography. If you’re expecting the same old Jordana, think again—she’s always one step ahead, redefining what her music can be. Definitely recommend staying up to date with the artist as she releases more tracks with the album.
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AOTW: Brigitte Calls Me Baby – The Future Is Our Way Out
Thursday, August 15th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of the Week: Brigitte Calls Me Baby – The Future Is Our Way Out
Released: August 2, 2024
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Cal In Red, The Courettes, The Killers
Chicago’s Brigitte Calls Me Baby is making waves with their debut album, “The Future Is Our Way Out.” This record is a cool mix of classic, smooth mid-century pop and the edgy vibes of early 2000s indie-rock. With Wes Leavins’ crooning vocals leading the way, the band creates a sound that’s both sophisticated and refreshingly raw. Now signed to ATO Records, they’re gearing up for a tour that’s sure to be a blast. The album’s mix of jittery post-punk, driving rhythms, and eerie guitar lines dives deep into themes of mortality, marking a strong start for Brigitte Calls Me Baby’s promising journey.
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AOTW: X – Smoke & Fiction
Thursday, August 8th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of the Week: X – Smoke & Fiction
Released: August 2, 2024
Rate: 7/10
RIYL: The Runaways, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Black Flag
X is an American punk rock band formed in Los Angeles, featuring original members Exene Cervenka (vocals), John Doe (vocals, bass), Billy Zoom (guitar), and D. J. Bonebrake (drums). The band released seven studio albums between 1980 and 1993, went inactive in the mid-to-late 1990s, but reunited in the early 2000s to tour. In June 2024, X announced a final album and farewell tour, featuring their latest work, “Smoke and Fiction.”
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SOTW: Arto Vaun – “Stuck Inside a Map”
Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: Arto Vaun – “Stuck Inside a Map”
Released: August 1, 2024
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: The Smashing Pumpkins, The Offspring, Counting Crows
Arto Vaun is a Boston-born musician and poet known for his engaging performances and creative background. Previously performing under the name Mishima USA, he has performed with artists like Rufus Wainwright and Daniel Johnston.
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AOTW: Empire of The Sun – Ask That God
Thursday, August 1st, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: Empire of The Sun – Ask That God
Released: June 21, 2024
Rate: 8.5/10
RIYL: Disclosure, Calvin Harris, Kid Cudi, MGMT
Eight years after their last LP, Empire Of The Sun, the iconic Australian electronic duo, is back with their fourth studio album, “Ask That God.” Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, who have been captivating audiences worldwide with their incredible live performances and catchy hits since 2007, are at the helm once again. Empire Of The Sun has been one of Australia’s most successful musical acts, achieving multi-platinum status globally. Released through Capitol Records, “Ask That God” captures a significant shift in consciousness, a theme deeply woven into their encapsulation of EDM music.
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