Reviews
AOTW: Celeigh Cardinal – Boundless Possibilities
Thursday, February 20th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Elizabeth Kosik ’25
Album of The Week: Celeigh Cardinal – Boundless Possibilities
Released: June 21, 2024
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Etta James, Serena Ryder, Grace Potter
Celeigh Cardinal, a Métis singer-songwriter from Alberta, has been drawing in audiences with her soulful voice and honest storytelling since she first took the stage at just four years old. Over the years, her music has earned widespread praise and a collection of well-deserved awards. Her debut album, Everything and Nothing at All (2017), won her Indigenous Artist of the Year at the 2018 Western Canadian Music Awards.
In 2024, Cardinal released her third studio album, Boundless Possibilities. The record dives into themes of grief, independence, and spirituality, with “Light of the Moon” earning Songwriter of the Year at the 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards. The album also picked up two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations for English and Indigenous Songwriter of the Year. Tracks like “How I Learned to Live Alone” and “Wandering River” bring a soft, lullaby-like feel while still staying true to her signature sound.
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Concert Review: Mannequin Pussy
Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Isabelle Braudakis ’25
Punk powerhouse Mannequin Pussy delivered an electrifying set at Baltimore Soundstage on January 31st. The band is currently touring the country for their latest album, I Got Heaven, proving once again why they’re one of the most exhilarating bands in the punk and indie rock scene. They tore through an energetic setlist, keeping the crowd in a never-ending state of elation.
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AOTW: Sophie Jamieson – I Still Want To Share
Thursday, February 13th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Genevieve Torkornoo ’25
Album of The Week: Sophie Jamieson – I Still Want To Share
Released: January 17, 2025
Rate: 7.5/10
RIYL: Flora Hibberd, Fionn Regan, Paramore
Sophie Jamieson is an alternative and indie singer. She’s starting off the year right with a full studio album called I Still Want to Share. The album features a wide variety of music, ranging from guitar to orchestral instruments like violin and cello, adding warmth to the sound. One of my top picks from the album is “Camera,” which also happens to be the title track.
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SOTW: “Dub Vultures” – The Convenience
Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: “Dub Vultures” – The Convenience
Released: February 10, 2025
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Parquet Courts, Blur, Squid
The Convenience is a band that thrives on blending nostalgic sounds with a modern touch. Drawing inspiration from decades past, they craft music that feels both familiar and fresh. Their approach to melody and tone reflects a deep understanding of genre fusion, whether it’s funk-infused grooves or raw, emotive guitar work.
“Dub Vultures” leans into early 2000s angst with precision, layering whiny guitars over a restless rhythm that captures the emotional turbulence of youth. The track’s “spidery” guitar work is sharp and deliberate, weaving a Ziggy-like tone that feels uniquely personal. The Convenience nails the balance between replication and originality, making “Dub Vultures” a compelling listen that resonates with both nostalgia and modern sensibilities.
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AOTW: Razteria – Prowess Blossoming
Thursday, February 6th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Genevieve Torkornoo ’25
Album of The Week: Razteria – Prowess Blossoming
Released: November 29, 2024
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Molly Green, FENNE
Razteria is a singer, songwriter, and producer from the SF Bay Area. Their recent full studio album, Prowess Blossoming, blends various genres, from R&B to indie and pop. The album features many guitar- and drum-heavy lead songs, creating a nostalgic sound.
My favorite song on the album, “Shot to the Heart,” has a pop nostalgia vibe that reminds me of the music I grew up with, like Hannah Montana. The lyrics are highly relatable, capturing the struggles of navigating a difficult relationship. Throughout the album, Razteria’s soft vocals create an easygoing atmosphere, immersing listeners in the stories told through their music. If you’re a fan of soft indie pop and R&B, this album is for you!
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SOTW: “Aeroplane” – Greer
Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Anabel Martin ’25
Song of The Week: “Aeroplane” – Greer
Released: October 23, 2024
Rate: 7.5/10
RIYL: DIIV, Beach Fossils, Real Estate, Surfer Blood
“Aeroplane” by Greer is a truly unique song that captivates you more with its instruments than its lyrics. Interestingly, the band explains that the lyrics symbolize the frustration of being unable to express your feelings, which adds a whole new layer of meaning when you listen to the song with that perspective. I love the chaotic energy of the music, yet it still feels purposeful and cohesive. It’s a song that draws you in with its raw emotion and keeps you hooked with its distinctive sound.
I recommend this song if you’re feeling lost or frustrated and are searching for a track that resonates with your emotions.
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AOTW: Bad Bunny – Debi Tirar Mas Fotos
Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Isabelle Braudakis ’25
Album of The Week: Bad Bunny – Debi Tirar Mas Fotos
Release: January 5, 2025
Rate: 10/10
RIYL: Rauw Alejandro, Karol G, Maluma
Once again Bad Bunny has set the stage for all Latin artists around the world. Not only has he perfectly mastered and mixed a reggaeton album, this time, he incorporates traditional Puerto Rican sounds such as salsa, bomba, and plena, creating a perfect blend that showcases his passion and love for music and most importantly, his home.
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SOTW: “Incoming Call” – Oily James
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: “Incoming Call” – Oily James
In October 2024, he released the EP “Head Phone Music,” a project born from the constraints of apartment living with his partner, a fiber artist. Recording primarily with headphones, James layered drum samples and live instruments to create tracks like WLOY’s Song of the Week: “Incoming Call.” His soft-toned melodies are pure craftsmanship, highlighting his ability to transport listeners into a serene space.
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AOTW: Flora Hibberd – Swirl
Thursday, January 16th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of The Week: Flora Hibberd – Swirl
Release: January 17, 2025
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Cate Le Bon, Deradoorian, Kate Bollinger
Flora Hibberd’s debut album, “Swirl,” is a thoughtful exploration of language, connection, and the spaces where meaning slips through. Based in Paris but originally from the UK, Hibberd draws on her experience as a translator to craft poetic, layered lyrics that blur the lines between French and English. Each of the album’s 11 tracks feels like a reflection on how we communicate, weaving together themes of hidden codes and fleeting moments of understanding.
The album showcases Hibberd’s range, with songs like “Remote Becoming Holy” offering a whiney yet affectionate vocal tone reminiscent of FKA Twigs. “Jesse” stands out with its sentimental lyrics, while “Code” leans into folk-inspired beats, creating a grounded yet expansive sound. Produced by Shane Leonard in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, “Swirl” feels intimate and deliberate, capturing Hibberd’s unique voice and vision. It’s an album that invites listeners to pause and reflect, rewarding them with layers of emotion.
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AOTW: Roe Kapara – Big Cigars and Satin Shorts
Thursday, December 12th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Isabelle Braudakis ’25
Album of The Week: Roe Kapara – Big Cigars and Satin Shorts
Released: August 23, 2024
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Cage the Elephant, GroupLove, Weezer
Roe Kapara is a young singer based in Los Angeles. He moved from Nashville to California just before the pandemic and has been releasing music ever since. His music blends a modern swirl of indie rock, pop punk, and alternative and this is perfectly displayed on his latest album, “Big Cigars and Satin Shorts.” His vocals and feel of his music create a fun and exciting mood, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you prepare for the next song to play.
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