Reviews
SOTW: “The Edge” – The American Dawn
Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Isabelle Braudakis ’25
Song of The Week: “The Edge” – The American Dawn
Released: February 7, 2025
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Them and I, Paradise Blossom, Beach Vacation
The American Dawn, the project of Tennessee singer-songwriter Isaak Wesley Isbell, has been steadily carving out a name in the indie music scene. Isbell started out producing songs in his bedroom, relying on raw talent rather than a big studio or industry connections. His debut single, “Her,” dropped in July 2024 and quickly gained traction, racking up over 35 million streams in just six months. Thanks in part to TikTok, where the song’s emotional depth struck a chord with listeners, The American Dawn built a growing fanbase eager to see what he’d do next. His latest release, “The Edge,” which came out in February 2025, proves that his breakout success wasn’t a fluke—he’s an artist with real staying power.
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Explore Baltimore: Top 5 Mexican Eats
Friday, March 21st, 2025 by Liz Kosik
1. Clavel – A trendy mezcaleria and taqueria in Remington serving house-made tortillas, flavorful tacos, and some of the best mezcal cocktails in the city. The queso fundido is a must!
2. La Calle – This Mexican restaurant near the Inner Harbor combines traditional flavors with modern twists. Try the birria tacos or their famous ceviche for a fresh bite.
3. Cocina Luchadoras – A cozy, family-run taqueria in Fells Point offering authentic Mexican street food. Their tacos al pastor and tamales are local favorites, and the colorful decor makes it a fun stop.
4. Tortilleria Sinaloa – A small but mighty spot on Eastern Avenue known for its fresh, handmade tortillas. Their simple yet delicious tacos, especially the carnitas, make this a go-to for locals.
5. Blue Agave – A vibrant cantina in Federal Hill with a deep tequila menu and flavorful dishes like shrimp adobo fajitas and street-style elote. Great for a lively night out!
Posted in Explore Baltimore, Featured, Food Fridays, Reviews | No Comments »
AOTW: The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
Thursday, March 20th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Fiona Galang ’27
Album of The Week: The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
Released: January 31, 2025
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Lana Del Rey
The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow is an immersive sonic journey that showcases his continued evolution as an artist. The album blends elements of R&B, synth-pop, electronic, and alternative sounds, creating a dark yet captivating atmosphere. In this album, the artist collaborates with Anitta, Florence + The Machine, Future, and others.
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Staff Picks: Margaret’s Top 5
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
Hi, I’m Margaret, a music librarian at WLOY, and here are my top 5 songs of the week!
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AOTW: Little Moon – Dear Divine
Thursday, March 13th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Genevieve Torkornoo ’25
Album of The Week: Little Moon – Dear Divine
Released: October 25, 2024
Rate: 10/10
RIYL: Phoebe Bridgers, Haley Heynderichx, Mitski
Little Moon, also known as Emma Hardyman, is a singer and songwriter whose music specializes in the folk genre. Her album Dear Divine is inspired by the hit game The Legend of Zelda and features a variety of instruments, including banjo, horns, melodica, and many more. The album has a very angelic sound, and her voice complements the instrumental with a soft, velvety tone.
My favorite track from this album is “Wonder Eyes,” as the lyrics are incredibly inspiring and encourage listeners to reflect on the deeper meaning of life. The upbeat chorus keeps listeners engaged all the way to the end.
The album is beautifully crafted, with her notes being elegant and showcasing her ability to reach high notes with ease. If you’re a fan of folk music or soothing, calming tunes to get you through a busy day, this album is definitely for you!
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Staff Picks: Gen’s Top 5
Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
Hi, I’m Genevieve, a music librarian at WLOY, and here are my top 5 songs of the week!
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SOTW: “Dirty John Type” – Jade The Moon
Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Elizabeth Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: “Dirty John Type” – Jade The Moon
Released: November 1, 2024
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Poe, Garbage, Juliana Hatfield
Jade The Moon is a Toronto-based alt-pop trio formed in 2014, consisting of singer-songwriter Jade Moon and producers Bad Cop // Mean Cop. Their music blends smooth vocals with edgy electronic production, drawing influences from artists like Janis Joplin and Smashing Pumpkins.
Their self-released track “Dirty John Type” blends dark storytelling with a heavier sound. The track’s beginning guitar riffs have a deep, rolling feel that’s pretty similar to “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. Although it’s different from their past work, the group does well at staying true to their alt-pop style. They haven’t released anything since, but hopefully, there’s something new on the horizon.
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AOTW: Annie DiRusso – Super Pedestrian
Thursday, March 6th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Elizabeth Kosik ’25
Album of The Week: Annie DiRusso – Super Pedestrian
Released: March 7, 2025
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Indigo De Souza, Soccer Mommy, Bully
Annie DiRusso is an indie-rock artist from NYC, now based in Nashville, who blends garage rock energy with pop-driven melodies. Her music pulls from both cities, creating a style that feels both raw and catchy. She’s built a dedicated fanbase through her singles and debut EP, “Don’t Swerve,” leading up to her first full-length album.
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Staff Picks: Liz’s Top 5
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
Hi, everyone! PR Director Liz here! The WLOY crew hopes our Loyola community is getting some well-deserved rest this spring break. Here are my current top five songs I’ve been listening to this week!
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SOTW: “Grand Mal” – Ezra Furman
Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Elizabeth Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: “Grand Mal” – Ezra Furman
Released: February 13, 2025
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Perfume Genius, Art d’Ecco, Laura Jane Grace
Ezra Furman is an artist who refuses to be boxed in, bringing creativity and emotion to her sound. Her music blends punk energy with deeply personal storytelling, making her one of the most unique voices in the music scene. Over the years, she’s explored everything from upbeat, genre-mixing anthems on Perpetual Motion People to the cinematic world of Transangelic Exodus. (more…)
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