Reviews

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.”
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SOTW: Alice Phoebe Lou – “Shelter”

Friday, July 28th, 2023 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Song of the Week: Alice Phoebe Lou – “Shelter”

Released: March 2023

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Faye Webster, Nico, Lucy Dacus, Alvvays, Haley Heynderickx

Alice Phoebe Lou is a singer-songwriter known for her soft vocals and resonant lyrics. Born and raised in the coastal town of Kommetjie, South Africa, Alice’s love for music began at a young age. Her adventurous spirit led her to Berlin, where she found creative freedom and a community of like-minded artists. (more…)

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The Prime: Pop Through The Ages (Bubblegum Pop)

Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Genre: Pop

Subgenre: Bubblegum Pop

RIYL: The Archies, Natasha Bedingfield, The Monkees, Gwen Stefani

Bubblegum Pop sweetly burst onto the music scene in the late 1960s, fitting right into the colorful era we know as the 70s. The genre emerged as a rebellion against the popular rock and folk that dominated the airwaves, quickly captivating audiences of all ages. Music legends, The Archies, paved the way with their irresistible hit “Sugar, Sugar.” They were soon followed by ba ds such as The Ohio Express and 1910 Fruitgum Company, all contributing to the music we know and love. (more…)

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AOTW: Tiberius – “Fish in a Pond”

Friday, July 14th, 2023 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Album of the Week: Tiberius – “Fish in a Pond”

Released: June 30, 2023

Rate: 8.5/10

RIYL: MJ Lenderman, Pinegrove, Car Seat Headrest, Field Medic, Greg Freeman

Tiberius is the extraordinary creation of Brendan Wright, a musician who hails from Vermont but now calls Boston home. Since dropping their last album, “Lull,” this 26-year-old music producer has been juggling recording sessions between their pad in Allston and the abandoned Sound Museum warehouse. After the release of “Lull,” Wright included members Kevin Polite (bass), Christian Pace (guitar), and Ben Curell (drums) to transfer his individual studio work into a live setting. They’ve become regulars at the nearby 7-Eleven and Dunkin Donuts combo, all while managing a regular job from 9 to 5. It’s been quite the adventure for them, adapting to a DIY community that used to thrive but now emerges from the remains of a post-pandemic world. Wright finds inspiration in these moments and reflects on the uncertainty and uncomfortableness of growing. He speaks about the difficulty of being perceived and finding your place in the world. (more…)

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AOTW: TAUK – “TAUK Moore”

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Album of the Week: TAUK – “TAUK Moore”

Released: June 16, 2023

Rate: 9/10

RIYL: Haitus Kaiyote, Ghost Funk Orchestra, Khruangbin, Vulfpeck, No Doubt

TAUK is a captivating band that consistently pushes the boundaries of genre. The New York based-group has teamed up with vocalist, Kanika Moore, to complete their latest album, “TAUK Moore.” Their unique fusion of rock, jazz, and EDM creates a sonic landscape, proving they’re not afraid to experiment with their sound. The band’s intricate sound arrangements shine through on almost every track, showcasing their immense talent; more than worthy of our favorite album of the week. (more…)

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SOTW: Arts Fishing Club – “#Tornadotext”

Friday, June 23rd, 2023 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik

Song of the Week: Arts Fishing Club – “Tornado Text”

Released: June 2023

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Foster the People, Grouplove, Portugal. The Man, The Neighborhood

Various sounds, including folk, alt-country, and indie-rock influence Arts Fishing Club’s music. Their sound is characterized by heartfelt lyrics and melodies that genuinely showcase the individual talents of each member. The group consists of Christopher Kessenich, Matt Siffert, Jimi Greene, Brian Kempson, and Peter Eddins who met through each member’s journey in pursuing music. The Nashville, Tennessee-based band is known for their energetic live performances and has shared the stage with several respectable artists such as Langhorne Slim, Darlingside, and The Last Bison. (more…)

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AOTW: MIRANDA AND THE BEAT – Miranda and The Beat

Friday, June 9th, 2023 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Album of the Week: MIRANDA AND THE BEAT – Miranda and The Beat

Released: May 26, 2023

Rate: 9/10

RIYL: Artic Monkeys, Ravonettes, The Kills, Jacuzzi Boys, King Khan

Make way.. Miranda and The Beat are hot and ready to reignite the New York City rock music scene. They happily disregard the limitations of staying within one genre, ranging from punk, garage, and soul. While Miranda and The Beat can technically be classified as rock, they have no problem pushing the bounds of each genre while adding their individual, fresh taste. Arriving in the Big Apple in 2018, Miranda and The Beat have brought a new energy, collabing with rock idols such as The Mystery Lights and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They’re, for sure, expected to succeed their current reputation and break the bounds of their anticipated fame. (more…)

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