Reviews
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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AOTW: Sam Fender – People Watching
Thursday, February 27th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Fiona Galang ’27
Album of The Week: Sam Fender – People Watching
Released: February 21, 2025
Rate: 7/10
RIYL: Bruce Springsteen, The War on Drugs, Arctic Monkeys
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SOTW: “Lying in the Sun” – Kook Joey
Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Elizabeth Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: “Lying in the Sun” – Kook Joey
Released: January 22, 2025
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Maggie Rogers, Renforshort, Beabadoobee
Kook Joey’s debut EP, Losing Limits, introduces her folk-inspired sound with a nostalgic 60s influence. Collaborating with Luke Carruana and Chris Smithson of Caravana Sun, as well as producer Tobias Priddle, she crafted a collection of songs that reflect her musical journey. The EP blends deep folk elements with warm, sunlit tones, creating a heartfelt and immersive listening experience.
One of the standout tracks, “Lying in the Sun”, captures the easygoing, reflective nature of Kook Joey’s style. Recorded in Sydney with Carruana and Smithson, the song embraces a laid-back energy, shaped by their outdoor writing sessions. Mixed by Priddle, it highlights her ability to blend organic instrumentation with soothing melodies, making it a defining piece of Losing Limits.
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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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