Reviews
Maryland Deathfest – Thursday, May 23
Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
byI have been a lover of Death Metal and all metal for a very long time. I had never been to an all-metal festival let alone one of the biggest Death Metal music festivals around the world. This was the experience of a lifetime and I’m so thankful for all of those who helped make this possible. I first arrived on Thursday evening and had no idea what to expect, I’d been to other music festivals but I knew this one was going to be quite different. Even just driving through Baltimore there were so many people in metal shirts and denim jackets covered with patches, I felt like I was meant to be here, among my people.
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SOTW: Empire of The Sun – “Cherry Blossom”
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: Empire of The Sun – “Cherry Blossom”
Released: June 21, 2024
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Disclosure, Calvin Harris, Kid Cudi, MGMT
Empire of the Sun is an Australian electronic music duo that brings together the creative talents of Luke Steele from The Sleepy Jackson and Nick Littlemore from Pnau. Their music and performances are a vibrant mix of dreamy synths and stunning visuals, drawing inspiration from science fiction and fantasy. They’re best known for their hit songs “Walking on a Dream,” “We Are the People,” and “Alive,” which have become anthems for all age groups. They’ve recently come out with their newest EP, “Cherry Blossom.”
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AOTW: MILLY – Your Own Becoming
Thursday, July 11th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Album of the Week: MILLY – Your Own Becoming
Released: June 28, 2024
Rate: 8.5/10
RIYL: Jinx, Glimmers, Classic Traffic
MILLY began in 2018 when Brendan Dyer, the former lead singer of Furnsss, decided to go solo. Afterwards, he moved to Los Angeles, formed MILLY, consisting of Brendan Dyer (vocals and guitar), Yarden Erez (bass and vocals), Conner Frankel (drums), and Nico Moreta (live guitar). The group later signed with Dangerbird Records in 2019, before going on tour with the iconic, Skrewdriver. MILLY has released two EPs, “Our First Four Songs” and “Wish Goes On,” also having the opportunity to tour with bands like Teethe and Bedlocked. Now, they’re back with their latest album, Your Own Becoming.
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The Encore: The Great Heights Band
Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
WLOY presents “The Encore,” where we spotlight our favorite bands that have visited the station. This week: The Great Heights Band!
The Great Heights Band, originating from Baltimore, MD, came onto the music scene in the spring of 2014. Their rise led to a record deal with CI Records by the fall of the same year. Known for their high-energy performances, the band quickly became a staple in the local music community, performing at well-known venues such as Charm City Art Space and Ottobar.
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SOTW: Wilco – “Hot Sun”
Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Song of The Week: Wilco – “Hot Sun”
Released: June 28, 2024
Rate: 7/10
RIYL: Simon and Garfunkel, The Kinks, Elliot Smith, The Velvet Underground
Wilco, formed in 1994 by Jeff Tweedy, rose from the farewell of the alternative country group Uncle Tupelo. Over the years, they have evolved their sound through various line-up changes and experimental ventures, spanning genres from alt-country to avant-garde rock. Known for their critically acclaimed albums like “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,” Wilco has cemented themselves as a pivotal force in the indie rock scene. Their musical journey is marked by a blend of personalized lyrics, heartfelt vocals, and a willingness to push the boundaries of their craft.
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AOTW: The Everettes – “Soul Steps”
Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Anabel Martin Llanusa ’25
Album of the Week: The Everettes – “Soul Steps”
Released: April 28, 2023
Rate: 7.5/10
RIYL: Amy Winehouse, Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, Sharon Jones
The Everettes blended classic soul and gave this album a modern twist, making “Soul Steps” a unique musical experience. “Soul Steps” is a captivating album whose sound revolves around 70s soul music.
My favorite song on this album is definitely “So Many Ways”. The band could pay tribute to these old soul songs and all their musical influences while keeping their unique touch. Other songs that I enjoyed were “Red Flags” and “Heads Up High.” They have the same vintage style that predominates in the album. However, although the album captures an old soul vibe, the sound gets slightly repetitive. “Soul Steps” by The Everettes is a fantastic and unique modern soul album. The album features beautiful melodies, and amazing vocals, creating a captivating musical experience.
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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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