Reviews
SOTW: HeatBack – “Something Nothing”
Monday, November 6th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Isabelle Braudakis ’25
Song of the Week: Heatback – “Something Nothing”
Released: May 2023
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, A Giant Dog, The Suburbs
Featured on HeatBack’s debut album, “HeatBack,” Something Nothing is easily my favorite from this record. The track starts with a groovy guitar line, which is then accompanied by a fun and addictive drumline, all leading to the vocal entrance. Catchy and hypnotic beats pull you in and before you know it, you’re bobbing your head and tapping your foot along with the song. When you reach the bridge, you are met with what seems to be a conversation between the drums and the guitar, going back and forth, until they seamlessly come together to finish out the rest of the song. Towards the end, the tempo slows down and the vocals pick up as they make their final statement. The track ends with a creamy blend of all the instruments, helping create a satisfying and fulfilling conclusion. (more…)
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SOTW: Slow Pulp – “Yard”
Friday, October 27th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Isabelle Braudakis
Song of the Week: Slow Pulp – “Yard”
Released: September 29, 2023
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Momma, Soccer Mommy, Alex G, Wednesday, Snail Mail
Slow Pulp is an American Indie-rock band that came together in 2020. The band consists of childhood friends Teddy Mathews, Alex Leeds, Henry Stoehr, and Emily Massey. The record tackles themes of isolation and learning how to be comfortable with your own company as well as learning to trust and love. “Yard” has the perfect balance of slow and chill songs accompanied by dreamy rock and raw vocals to create a mellow and addictive sound. There are also some heavier, rock-influenced tracks that keep things interesting as you listen to the record in completion. (more…)
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AOTW: JayWood – Grow On
Monday, September 4th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of the Week: JayWood – Grow On
Released: August 2023
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: The Breathing Room, Wax Machine, Niall Mutter, RHNO
JayWood, a Canadian artist who is recognized for his talents as a singer, songwriter, and producer, has gained popularity for creating a unique blend of low-key bedroom pop that incorporates various elements of jangling indie rock, R&B, psych, and funk. He started by independently releasing his 2019 LP, Time, out of his home base in Winnipeg, which soon led him to sign with Captured Tracks and release his highly acclaimed 2021 EP, Some Days. His musical style continued to evolve with his second album, Slingshot, in 2022, which showcased his diverse range of musical styles.
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SOTW: Edwin Raphael – “Have You Been Told?”
Friday, September 1st, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of the Week: Edwin Raphael – “Have You Been Told?”
Released: March 2022
Rate: 8.5/10
RIYL: 6lack, The Paper Kites, Matt Maltese, Bon Iver, Novo Amor
Edwin Raphael is a singer-songwriter from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Growing up, he discovered his love for music and songwriting at a young age while listening to classic rock and pop albums. He started playing guitar at the age of 12 and eventually began writing his songs inspired by The Beatles, David Bowie, and Prince.
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SOTW: Computerwife – “You Make It Look So Easy”
Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of the Week: Computerwife – “You Make It Look So Easy”
Released: August 2023
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Wyatt Smith, Fleeting Joys, Toner, Devilish Dear
Originating from New York City, Addie Warncke started Computerwife in 2018 during her time at university. Using SoundCloud as an outlet, Warncke compares her earlier music to a diary for her thoughts. In 2020, Addie released her favorite five songs as her debut EP, which led to a contract with Danger Collective Records, all thanks to the strength of her tracks. Computerwife’s music is truly fascinating and intricate, challenging the limits between analog and digital sound. By combining shoegaze, emo, and lo-fi noise pop, Computerwife speaks directly to young girls who feel unease with their identity in the age of digital media.
Computerwife’s “You Make It Look So Easy” perfectly aligns with the theme of Warncke’s music. This track showcases her coming back to herself, really nailing the purpose behind her sound. “You Make It Look So Easy” explores the relatability of our adoration turning into envy when admiring another. As we are constantly exposed to the lives of complete strangers, Warncke creates a relatively heavier and tense track, encapsulating the jealousy that is produced when wishing you had someone else’s life. I enjoy Computerwife’s music and definitely have a few of her tracks on my playlist. The message behind her discography is essential and can be highly influential when dangerously glorifying the appearance of another’s life.
Staff Picks: “Happy Girl” and “Hehehe”
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AOTW: Bennett Coast – “Where Are You Going?”
Tuesday, August 15th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of the Week: Bennett Coast – “Where Are You Going?”
Released: August 4, 2023
Rate: 10/10
RIYL: Dominic Fike, Ashes To Amber, Briston Maroney, ROLE MODEL, Day Wave
Bennett Coast, an up-and-coming musician and filmmaker from Los Angeles, released his latest album, “Where Are You Going?” Born and raised in Northern California, the 22-year-old artist draws inspiration from the differences between youth and maturity and the constant flux of life. Bennett explores these themes, as well as the melancholy of leaving one’s hometown, in his self-taught musical and visual works. (more…)
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SOTW: Mikaela Davis – “Far From You”
Friday, August 11th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
Liz Kosik ’25
Song of the Week: Mikaela Davis – “Far From You”
Released: August 4, 2023
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: NOVA ONE, Liza Anne, River Whyless, Liz Cooper
Mikaela Davis is a talented musician who sings, writes songs, and plays multiple instruments, with her harp skills being a standout feature. Her music blends elements of folk, country-rock, and chamber pop to create some pretty textured pop songs. In the early 2010s, she gained attention for covering indie singer/songwriters with her harp, before moving on to create more complex arrangements for her original music. Her first album with a label, “Delivery”, was produced by John Congleton in 2018. Her newest album, “And Southern Star”, is largely self-produced and reflects a mix of modern indie, country, and folk-pop.
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Staff Picks: July
Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
WLOY loves nothing more than being able to share some of our favorite tracks with you guys. Let’s welcome August with July’s hottest hits as we present some monthly staff picks! (more…)
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The Prime: Pop Through The Ages (Pop-Punk)
Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Genre: Pop
Subgenre: Pop-Punk
RIYL: Sum 41, The Offspring, Green Day, Avril Lavigne, Paramore
Pop-Punk emerged in the late 1970s as a fusion of punk-rock and pop music elements. It combines the rebellious, DIY ethos of punk with catchy melodies and accessible song structures found in pop music. The genre’s roots can be traced back to the early days of punk rock when bands like the Ramones and Buzzcocks were experimenting with pop hooks and shorter, more pop-like songs. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that Pop-Punk truly came into its own and gained widespread popularity.
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AOTW: FIONN – “I Might Start Smoking”
Monday, July 31st, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of the Week: FIONN – “I Might Start Smoking”
Released: June 2023
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Tegan and Sara, Caroline Polachek, Beach Bunny, HAIM
The twin sister duo, FIONN, have found great success through their unique sound, relatable heartfelt lyrics, and undeniable drive. Raised within a musically driven family, Alanna and Brianne Finn-Morris have used their gifts since a young age. Taking to busking the streets at age twelve, the Vancouver natives quickly gained notoriety for their raw talent and stage presence. Releasing their first studio album in 2018, FIONN has since made their way back onto the stage after the pandemic hiatus, and has spent the last year writing and recording their new record “I Might Start Smoking.”
(more…)
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