Taylor:
tryhard (2019, The Band Camino)
This EP was just released a few weeks ago, and I haven’t been able to stop listening to it since. The music never slows down. The upbeat rhythm guitar and smooth vocals make for a fun record from beginning to end. The sound is unique, addictive, and most of all, entertaining.
Kaleb:
Superorganism (2018)
The eponymous solo debut for Superorganism, an evolving eight person group, is peak electronic psychedelia for the smartphone era. Put to compulsive and energetic music, Superorganism’s lyrics criticize the perfectionism that social media encourages, and celebrates letting yourself enjoy life.
Grayden:
Closer to Grey (2019, Chromatics)
The self-proclaimed seventh album by synth-pop trio Chromatics (it’s actually their 6th album, but the band is labeling as their 7th) is another great entry into their discography.
Making heavier usage of hip-hop inspired beats on a few tracks, the album is an atmospheric, dreamy listen that will be a great companion to a long, rainy, late night drive.
Highlights: Touch Red, Light as a Feather, Closer to Grey
Taylor:
Is This It (2001, The Strokes)
The debut studio album from New York Rock group The Strokes, is unlike any other. The upbeat tempo, prominent bassline, and infectious melodies make for an enticing album. The lead vocal, Julian Casablancas, wanted the vocals to sound aged and worn, like they were a “band from the past that took a trip into the future”. The lyrics show self-assurance and brooding moments alike, which gives the album variety, but the songs come together so perfectly that there’s never a feeling that I need to “skip” a song.
Richelle :
Bring Me The Horizon ( 2019, Amo)
Listening to this album will make you feel many different ways because of the difference in the tracks. In this album there is a range of pop rock to alternative rock, which contrasts with death core and heavy metal that their fans are used to. This goes to prove that they can do anything, and rather than producing some mainstream hits that they are more than capable of doing, they choose to do their own thing which is what true musicians do.
Christy:
The Piano Guys (2012)
I listen to The Piano guys while studying. The Piano Guys are a classical crossover group, pianist Jon Schmidt and cellist Steven Nelson. They perform covers of both contemporary and classical pieces, as well as original compositions from the band members. Light, airy, and relaxing, this album captures everything that The Piano Guys excels at.
Favorite tracks: Titanium, and Beethoven’s 5 secrets.
Claire:
Showbiz, (1999, Muse)
With a variety of immersive and intriguing songs, Muse’s debut album, Showbiz, set a strong, foundational base for the band.
Though it is evident that there are elements of experimentation poured into every song, it set way for Muse to continue evolving into their own style of creating music. With it’s unique melodies, instrumentals, and Matt Balamy’s amazing vocal range, listening to it gives the feeling of traveling to a bizarre, foreign world, discovering curiosities along the way.
Abby:
Pop Food (2017, Jack Stauber)
Stauber blends synth-pop and indie music in his 2017 release, Pop Food. Pairing distorted vocals and strange lyrics with experimental production techniques, this album differentiates itself through the sheer creativity and originality of Stauber. While there are several stand out tracks, such as “My Plea” and “Oh Klahoma”, the album as a whole works together cohesively while still exploring a variety of genres.
Comments