hi, iβm ciarΓ‘n !! iβm a gay ass furry who loves a lot of different stuff like music, film, and whatever else piques my interest. I contain multitudes.this is my tumblr account! i write about music and film fairly often over on my medium and letterboxd accounts, respectively.Β iβm way more active over on my twitter and on bluesky. i mainly use this account to promote my writing and repost cool shit.
my asks are open!
also u can support me over on my ko-fi if u would be so generous :D
u can find all of my links and stuff on my linktree!!!Β
peace and love!!
i forgot to post this over here and idk if it'll get any traction, but still!!!
spring rolled around in the northern hemisphere last week, so i released the first-ever Rabbit RoundUp!! this is a new music review/recap series i'm doing, which i hope will be far more sustainable than the Month in Reviews i did back in 2024, which exhausted me and led to some intense burnout that took me nearly an entire year to fully shake off. this will be a seasonal article detailing all of the releases from the past season that i think are worthy of your attention! hopefully, ur introduced to something cool that you havenβt heard yet!
u can read the article by clicking the image above!! the direct link is also attached below!!
peace and love,
ciΓ‘ran πΉ
the attention economy of todayβs musical landscape hinges on aura and hype moments, Cameron Winter seems to have neither yet stands head-and-shoulders above his colleagues.
an article trying to explain why Cameron Winter is a gen z icon in the making
π: https://medium.com/@rabbitechoes/cameron-winter-a-gen-z-icon-in-the-making-79e18743371f
hello people on tumblr!! i forgot to promote this over here, but i posted my BEST ALBUMS OF 2024 list on my rym page last month!!
u can find the list HERE ON MY RYM - it consists of what i consider to be the top 50 best albums of 2024 as well as quick write-ups on each and redirections to my full reviews for the albums i wrote about over the course of the year!!
for those who would prefer a visual representation of the list, below is a topster containing the top 50 AND a topster containing honorable mentions that just barely missed out on making the list (there was a lot of great music last year, it was hard to whittle it down to 50).
thank u for all ur support over 2024, i'm hoping to start writing again SOON
peace and love β‘
this is incredibly late, november post in the middle of december!!! i was busy with all the work i had to do to complete this semester and haven't had the time nor the energy to write as much as i would like to. i just now finished all the reviews i wanted to write for this month so better late than never at all i suppose!! i'm also hard at work on my year-end list which will be up on my rym as i'm too tired to format it for medium or here. furthermore, i've decided that going into the new year these month-in-review posts will be no more. i feel like they create unnecessary mental deadlines for me and only contribute to stress and whatnot. i'll still be writing tho!!!
another thing, my second review for indieAnthro was published last week!! i reviewed the incredible new Floridian Homicide Unit album!! i highly encourage everyone, furry or not, to give the album a shot and also read my write-up on it :3
link to The Anxious Catharsis of I Love It Here, I Have Everything I Need, and All My Friends Love Me on indieAnthro
also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3
Phil Elverumβs amazing new album is a beautifully distorted odyssey that mythologizes the world around us. Itβs even more proof that heβs one of the best songwriters we have.
β released: Nov. 1, 2024
β genres: gothic rock, alternative rock
The Cureβs first album in sixteen years sees the goth icons meditating on time and mortality, rekindling what made their music undeniably spellbinding in the process.
β released: Nov. 10, 2024
β genres: indie rock, post-rock, art rock
A passion project in every sense of the term, This Is the Glasshouseβs third album sounds like it was born out of necessity. It also provides an emotional roadmap of Canada's Yukon territory.
β released: Nov. 22, 2024
β genre: west coast hip-hop
Kendrick Lamar seeks to create a watershed moment for West Coast hip-hop while continuing to wrestle with his distinction as hip-hopβs prophet on his abrupt new album.
my review of GNX
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thanks for reading <3
hope everyone is having some happy holidays, pls spend time with the ones u love :3
apologies for how late this is as well as how brief it is compared to my other Month in Reviews. i got way too behind with both the hurricane and end of semester schoolwork. i'm still incredibly busy, but i managed to cobble this together. there is no singles & songs post this month, only this post containing all of the reviews i wrote this past month as well as my quick thoughts on some projects i didn't write full reviews for. each review is posted on Medium, which is new for me, and they're all linked below!!! enjoy!! peace and love <3
also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3
Cutouts - The Smile
β released: Oct. 4, 2024
β genres: art rock, ambient pop, krautrock, math rock
The Smileβs second album in barely under nine months is the bandβs most loose and enjoyable collection of songs yet. The chemistry these three have is just so electrifying, an absolute joy to hear.
β released: Oct. 4, 2024
β genres: jazz-rock, progressive rock, art rock, avant-prog
Geordie Greepβs solo debut is both his magnum opus and a new beginning. itβs a record full of vulgar romance and illusions of grandeur brought to life by a revolving door of musicians and Greepβs unorthodox nature.
GY!BEβs pressing new album is one of their most powerful. It serves as a sobering reminder that we canβt afford to grow complacent in the face of horrible atrocities.
my review of βNO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEADβ
β released: Oct. 11, 2024
β genres: noise rock, sludge metal
Few bands capture the cruel spirit of America quite like Chat Pile. On their new album, the band refine and add new layers to their sound while struggling with living in a world theyβre absolutely disgusted by.
β released: Oct. 11, 2024
β genres: experimental hip hop, abstract hip hop, industrial hip hop
ELUCID's Fat Possum debut is his most daring project yet. One of the most exhilarating rap records of the year, characterized by bizarre sounds and his hardened musings on a city that isnβt too kind.
β released: Oct. 28, 2024
β genres: experimental hip hop, neo-soul, hardcore hip hop
On his radically honest eighth studio album, Tyler, the Creator tries to take his mask off and confront the man underneath, all the while reinforcing why heβs one of the most unique artists ofΒ today.
here are a few thoughts on some projects i heard, but didn't get to write full reviews for!!
Moon Music - Coldplay
The sequel to Coldplay's worst record is markedly better, but still painfully drab in crucial ways. They're at their best when they're doing Coldplay stuff, no surprise, and thankfully they do Coldplay on Moon Music. The album features spacey contributions from both Jon Hopkins and Brian Eno which are nice touches, but it's not enough to fully excuse the band's sterile sound overall - or enough to stop the outright bad ideas to come to the surface like the pop rap cut "WE PRAY." Moon Music is fine, nothing remarkable though. The most memorable thing to me is that the band promoted this album on QVC, the home shopping network. Who does that?
Soul Kiss EP - Frost Children & ζ₯γγγ [Haru Nemuri]
Two artists that I really need to pay closer attention to have teamed up for an exciting EP. Electronic/digital hardcore duo Frost Children craft wild sounds for Japanese art pop artist Haru Nemuri to go wild in. Crunchy, off-kilter grooves run through this project and Namuri and the Frost Children both match their energy. This EP just sounds so exciting. It's eclectic as hell and super frenetic. If you're in the mood for something wild, give Soul Kiss a shot.
I don't know why I even listened to this EP. I saw people on Twitter clowning on a new MΓΆtley CrΓΌe song titled "Cancelled" and I was morbidly curious. This song is abhorrent, featuring bloated Vince Neil belting "Diggin' up my dirt on your woke crusade / Supermodel sandwich, selfie in the backseat / She said, 'Yes,' then they arrest me / Lock me up, put me in shackles." Baffling and disgusting! The other tracks aren't much better at all, especially their cover of the Beastie Boys' seminal rap rock track "Fight for Your Right" which is aggressively awful. This is one of the worst projects I've heard all year.
Found this record on Bandcamp and was pleasantly surprised. Black Ends describe themselves as a "Seattle Gunk Pop trio" on their debut and, yeah, that makes sense. The band makes grimy indie rock bangers with plenty of personality. For a debut, this is pretty well-crafted. I could definitely see them tightening up their sound on future releases, but this is a good start. Give this a shot!
Brat and itβs completely different but also still brat - Charli XCX
The fabled BRAT remix album has finally arrived and it's pretty decent! We already got the best remix here in the form of "Girl, so confusing" with Lorde, but there are still some gems here. The coolest songs here act as continuations of their predecessors. Like "Everything is romantic" with Caroline Polachek, "So I" with A.G. Cook, and "I think about it all the time" with Bon Iver. The worst thing here is handily the "I might say something stupid" remix with The 1975 and Jon Hopkins. Hopkins' sparse production doesn't do Matty Healey, who is notoriously uninteresting, any favors. This isn't an essential release, but I think a lot of moments will satisfy fans of her pre-BRAT work which is pretty cool. I've been an "angel" for years now so it's still wild to me that some people only got into her through BRAT, but I digress.
On their first project since 2019's i,i, Justin Vernon and crew tear everything down to its barest parts. Returning to the acoustic sounds of their earliest work rather than the ever-evolving electronic experimentation they've been doing since. For those who loved the experimentation, like myself and which I lovingly deem the "sickos," SABLE, might be a little disappointing. It's bare, bar a crazy burst of brass instruments on "AWARDS SEASON," oftentimes just Vernon and a guitar - or Vernon and nothing at all. It's sobering, it feels like a quick regrouping. It's short, sweet, and poignant. Sure to sate the appetite while also whetting it just enough. Hopefully this leads to a bigger project soon, one with a more expansive sound.
I wanted to write a full review for this, but time escapes me. Patterns in Repeat is Laura Marling's latest record and the follow-up to 2020's Song for Our Daughter which had the English singer-songwriter writing songs for her fictional daughter. However, in the years since, Marling has become a mother and this new record has her musings on motherhood and life itself. She's looking backward and forward, putting her life into context now that she herself has brought life into this world. It's a beautiful listen, Marling's songwriting has never been more poignant. I only wish the sonic palette were a bit more diverse, but it's clear the songwriting was the main focus. Still, Patterns in Repeat is lovely.
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thanks for reading :3
this post will contain links to both parts of the September 2024 in Review!! i'm a bit late because of the storms, but i appreciate everyone being patient with me :3
also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3
this post contains links to each of my Singles & Songs posts this month!! they're all listed below!!
to check out my thoughts on some of the albums, EPs, and mixtapes that came out this month click here!!!
also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3
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thanks for reading or uhhhh just looking at these pictures and then going on to read my writing idk :3
better late than never!! this has been a hectic month, well i guess months now that we're into october, but i made it! hurricanes be damned, i'm getting this month in review post out!!! anyway, here is a compilation of all the reviews i've written this month - this time presented in chronological order of when i wrote them rather than ranked from best to worst. i also decided to remove the scores from these as i want people to focus more on my words than a silly number :3
to check out my thoughts on some of the songs that dropped this month click here!!!
also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3
The Dare's debut is a well-produced, yet gimmicky dive into debauchery made by someone who would rather be at home listening to The Smiths on vinyl and reading some highly acclaimed postmodern literature.
β released: Sept. 6, 2024
β genres: alt-country, slacker rock
MJ Lenderman's songwriting is drenched in personality and, above all else, very effective. he can make u laugh one moment and then deliver a line that hits u like a truck the next. his new record is fantastic.
β released: Sept. 6, 2024
β genres: jazz fusion, space ambient, progressive electronic
with her brilliant sophomore album, Nala Sinephro has made a strong case for being perhaps the most exciting composer in both jazz and electronic music in the current decade.
a few years after his magnificent collaboration with the late Pharoah Sanders, the new album from Floating Points is a retreat into the world of house music that has him further refining his skills.
β released: Sept. 13, 2024
β genres: indie rock, indietronica, bedroom pop
NilΓΌfer Yanya's amazing new record is defined by a bustling intimacy and warm, minimalist instrumentation that make these songs feel visceral in unconventional, but incredibly satisfying ways.
Katy Perry hoped everyone would fall for this self-serving and desperate attempt at a comeback record so she wouldnβt be relegated to obscurity and the occasional greatest hits tour for the rest of her career.
β released: Sept. 19, 2024
β genres: drumless, east coast hip hop, abstract hip hop
this new record from Brooklyn rapper KaΒ is one of the most thoughtful and powerful rap releases of the year. everything from the lyrics, to the themes, to the storied production leaves a profound effect on u.
the polarizing posthumous self-titled record from the late great SOPHIE is unfortunately a mixed bag. it's packed with ambitious ideas that unfortunately don't stick the landing.
Xiu Xiu's fourteenth album ranks among their best. it's concise, brilliant, and insane containing some of the strongest material of their storied and ambitious catalog.
my review of 13" Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto With Bison Horn Grips
this section will be used to briefly discuss projects i didn't write full reviews for, but i still want to shed some light on. beginning with ...
RAVEPOP - r u s s e l b u c k
If you're in the mood for some playful, eccentric furry dance music look no further than RAVEPOP. There are some heaters on this thing. Namely the bouncy party-brained "TOO MANY PEOPLE" and the in-your-face stylings of "EVIL MUSIC for BAD DOGS." There's a lot to enjoy on this relatively short record. Not every song hit for me, but I think it's worth checking out!
I was really looking forward to this record from BROCKHAMPTOM alum JOBA. The singles he released leading up to it were some of the strongest post-BH material from any of the former members. Unfortunately, those songs ended up being the clear highlights on the record. While not a bad record by any means, there's just so much potential left on the table. The focus on intimate ballads with a 70s-tinge wasn't the way to go, in my opinion. These songs pale in comparison to the bombastic, glamor of songs like "American Fever" and "People Need People." The latter being the best mixture of both the sweet and the glamorous. Overall, Russel Boring was a little underwhelming, but perhaps I set my expectations too high.
This record baffled me. This new record from The Voidz is a mess. Julian Casablancas and crew sound asleep at the wheel with these lazy, formless songs that just drone on and on and on. Hardly any song left any kind of lasting impression. It was just a painful listen, each cool moment is undercut by a litany of absolutely sleep-inducing ones. Like the A.I. album cover, Like All Before You feels lifeless and unimaginative.
This new EP from NOISE ARTIFACT is pretty awesome. A short collection of vulnerable electronica cuts that are full of surprises. These songs balance soul-bearing vulnerability with deeply enjoyable pop songwriting very well. A one-two punch of big feelings and catchy tunes. Definitely give this one a shot!
A few months removed from RiTchie's debut solo record, which I thought was great, he teams up with 17-year old producer FearDorian for this EP. Quiet Warp Xpress features really cool production and beats, many of them feel pretty ahead of the curve, but what drags this EP down is RiTchie's performances. He doesn't give these beats the energy they deserve. They need a less lethargic presence to breathe more life into them. I love RiTchie's rapping, but this EP feels a bit like a clash of styles.
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thanks for reading :3
very abridged version of this final Singles & Songs post of the month because i was without power for a week due to the horrible storm that came through the southeast!! still, these are the songs i rlly wanted to talk about :3
click here for "last week's" post!!
also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3
"Funny Man" - Chat Pile
β released: Sept. 24, 2024
β featured on Cool World (not yet released)
β genres: noise rock, sludge metal
This album is gonna be so fucking awesome. All of these singles leading up to Cool World have been some of my favorite Chat Pile songs to date and "Funny Man" is no different. Everything sounds so nasty and dirty. It captures this super American feeling so well - not in a patriotic way, but the bleak infrastructure of a lot of southern states in particular. Roads and roads and roads littered with a dozen chain restaurants and gas stations within arms-length of each other. That's what Chat Pile's music makes me feel, but uhhhh in a good way.
β released: Sept. 24, 2024
β featured on Patterns in Repeat (not yet released)
β genres: chamber folk, singer-songwriter
This new single from Laura Marling is the opening track to her upcoming album Patterns in Repeat. Like all of the singles thus far, this is gorgeous. Marling sings songs dedicated to her daughter as well as for herself. She chronicles this new phase of her life so beautifully in these songs and "Child of Mine" is another great example of that. Just pretty folk music that feels like a warm blanket wrapped around you. I can't wait for this record.
β released: Sept. 26, 2024
β featured on Songs of a Lost World (not yet released)
β genres: gothic rock, dream pop, ethereal wave
So, I felt pretty skeptical about The Cureβs long-awaited Songs of a Lost World album. The gothic rock icons last few records have been subpar to say the least, some of the lowest points of their discography, so I wondered if perhaps Robert Smith and crew lost the sauce. Then I heard βAlone,β what is perhaps the bandβs best song in over 30 years. It harkens back to their old hallmarks, but not in a cheap way. It doesnβt feel like a retreading of those ideas, it feels like a revitalization. The looming synths, the punchy percussion, Smith's voice is as gripping as ever ... it's all here. All the pieces that make an amazing Cure song, "Alone" has them and it's wonderful. Thereβs just something magical about this sprawling, cold, and dreamy lead single. The Cure is back and they're good, no, GREAT again. One of my favorite bands of all time is BACK.
I'm just enamored with this song. It also kept me company during the multi-day power outage that followed Hurricane Helene, so that gives it the edge for being my song of the month - although Mount Eerie and FKA twigs were VERY close behind with "I Walk" and "Eusexua" respectively. All of my doubts have washed away, I am convinced this will be a late-career highlight for the band. Firmly one of my most anticipated records of the year.
β released: Sept. 29, 2024
β featured on 867 (not yet released)
β genres: post-rock, noise rock, post-hardcore
I've been greatly anticipating this new single from This Is the Glasshouse. All of the teasers leading up to it made it sound like something totally different from their last record, As Small As Ants. That record was already a great showcase of their knack for interesting instrumentation, as was their covers EP from last month, but "Before Machinery" is something different entirely. It's weird and noisy, sprawling in even the most subtle ways. They take their sound in an entirely new direction and it just works. The songwriting has improved as has their musicianship. I'm really loving this, I can't wait to hear how much wilder 867 can get. Please don't let this slip under your radar!
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thanks for reading :3
reaching out from the void to deliver this message β¦
iβve been without power for a second day in a row due to the bad storms that came through my area. i was already behind on reviews and stuff because of school and this obviously has gotten me more behind !!! needless to say, my September month in review will be delayed for a bit. hopefully iβll have the ability to finish it by the end of next week, but we shall see. currently i am safe, just waiting for updates on when things will return to some sense of normal.
thank u to everyone on tumblr and other social media places for showing me support!! it means the world to me!!
a bit of a light week, probably missed some stuff because i've been very busy, but there were still some rlly interesting songs that caught my attention! here are my thoughts on them!! if u care ... which i know u do!!! :D
click here for last week's post!!
also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3
"Screamland" - Father John Misty
β released: Sept. 17, 2024
β featured on Mahahmashana (not yet released)
β genres: singer-songwriter, art pop, indietronica
In the span of a few hours, Father John Misty released this new single and announced a new album. Alongside the announcement, Bandcamp announced that they were hosting an advanced listening party of the new record which I gleefully attended. I'm so glad I did. This new record is fantastic. He plays around with the Wall of Sound production style and his instrumentation and writing is as ambitious as ever. This track in particular, "Screamland," was a massive highlight. These songs are living and breathing, it's like you can feel the ideas as they come to Mr. Tillman. Brimming with brilliance. I can't wait to dive into this record again. For those that missed the listening party the album is out there if you look hard enough wait until it officially drops in November!
β released: Sept. 17, 2024
β featured on First Time / Alone (not yet released)
β genres: singer-songwriter, indietronica
I had never heard Greg Mendez's music prior to this new single, leading up to his debut on the Dead Oceans label. This is a very cute, somber cut that's very pleasant on the ears. Can't say it leaves the biggest impression, but it whets the appetite just fine in the lead-up to this EP. If you're on the lookout for a minimalist song to fit one of your yearning sessions, look no further!
β released: Sept. 17, 2024
β genres: progressive electronic, art rock, post-rock
This new track from Mogwai is a pretty decent progressive electronic track that's easy to get drawn into. There's some big, looming synths here and some lyrics penned by Barry Burns's daughter. I have to admit I'm not the biggest Mogwai fan. This is one of the only tracks I've heard from them outside of the Mogwai Young Team album, but I'm impressed! Not sure where this ranks among their discography on the whole, but I really enjoyed this song. It's just got so much energy to it. Definitely need to listen to more of their stuff at some point.
β released: Sept. 17, 2024
β featured on Talking Heads: 77 (Super Deluxe Edition) [2024 Remaster] (not yet released)
β genres: folk rock, post-punk, art punk
The Talking Heads are gearing up for a "super deluxe" reissue of their debut record, Talking Heads: 77. As a treat alongside the announcement, they shared this acoustic version of their classic song "Psycho Killer" featuring renowned multi-faceted composer and cellist Arthur Russell. This is a cool rarity. It features early verses not present in the studio version and the band's energy is palpable - as it usually was. Russell's contributions are also pretty neat, adding some more fire to it all. If you're a fan of The Heads or Arthur Russell, definitely give this a go.
β released: Sept. 17, 2024
β featured on Everlasting Gaze (not yet released)
β genres: post-hardcore, noise pop, noise rock
Abrasive post-hardcore band The Armed are returning with a new EP, Everlasting Gaze. Acting as the final piece of their previous record, which I regretfully haven't listened to yet, it seems the band had more to add to that project. I can't speak on the quality of that album, but this track is pretty stellar. A weird mix of insane noise rock and dreamy verses - with the occasional screamed vocals. This song rules hard. Definitely gonna be listening to this new EP when it drops, but before then I need to catch up on their previous record that slipped under my radar.
"Bird W/O Nest" - Alice Longyu Gao feat. Danny Brown
β released: Sept. 18, 2024
β featured on Assembling Symbols Into My Own Poetry (not yet released)
β genres: art rock, indie rock, pop rap
Alice Longyu Gao has released another single leading up to her upcoming EP, this one being an art rock-y track featuring Danny Brown. I like it! It's a little clunky in places and I wish Gao's verses had some more edge to them, but they sound nice. Brown's feature was unexpected, but it's very hard for him to put in a bad performance. This is a cool little song regardless! I'm curious to hear how all of these singles come together on the EP, but we shall see soon enough!
β released: Sept. 19, 2024
β featured on Last Leaf On The Tree (not yet released)
β genres: country, americana
Coincidentally, the same week I see The Flaming Lips live on Weezer's Voyage to the Blue Planet tour, country legend Willie Nelson releases a cover of their song "Do You Realize??" This is a fine cover, it removes the psychedelic tones of the original in favor of rustic and soothing Americana. His voice is aged, not like a fine wine, but it's charming nonetheless. The backing vocalist is adding some much needed touches to it all. Is this cover necessary? Not really. Is it pleasant? Yeah, sure! If you like the original or Nelson's brand of old-timey country balladeering, give this a listen!
β released: Sept. 20, 2024
β featured on SABLE, (not yet released)
β genres: indie folk, singer-songwriter, chamber folk
Bon Iver have returned with their most stripped-down song in years. Justin Vernon has reached back into his indie folk bag to the delight of many, myself included. For those not attuned to the band's last few records of off-kilter electronica blending with Vernon's cryptic prose, "S P E Y S I D E" is sure to excite. However, for those I have lovingly deemed the "sickos," of which I am one, this is a bit of a letdown. I still really enjoy the song, but I loved what Vernon and crew have been doing with all the weird sounds. Still, I'm excited to hear what SABLE, will sound like. I've never been disappointed by a Bon Iver project, even i,i which was wrongly overlooked by many, so I'm excited no matter what. Here's hoping the strange electronic stuff will return in some fashion!
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thanks for reading :3
there were some cool singles this week!!! especially the new FKA twigs single holyyyy shit. also, my write-ups this week are a little messy because i was veryyyy busy, but maybe i'll go back and edit them soon :3
click here for last week's post!!
also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3
"World Tour (Aquafina)" | "Lightyears" - Juice WRLD
β released: Sept. 9, 2024
β featured on The Party Never Ends (not yet released)
β genres: trap, emo rap
I wasn't going to write about this because it's yet another posthumous album from Juice WRLD, but holyyyyy fuck look at that cover. Like what an aesthetic nightmare. I would be rolling in my grave. Genuinely one of the most visually unappealing album covers I've seen in a while. Anyway, these songs aren't anything special.
β released: Sept. 11, 2024
β genres: conscious hip hop, west coast hip hop
On 9/11, Kendrick Lamar dropped a track on his Instagram - I fucking hate this practice btw, but whatever - that was untitled, but was coined "The Day the Party Died" by various media outlets. This is Lamar's first piece of new music since both his dominant victory against Drake in their beef and him being announced as the performer at next year's Super Bowl Halftime Show. This song serves as a nice epilogue to the events of this year. It's meditative and a bit remorseful. Lamar laments the state of hip hop and how it makes a spectacle of these feuds. He also takes accountability for contributing to this, it's not exactly a rebuke of his actions, but more-so a reflection. Is Lamar in any position to make these observations? That's up to the listener. I found it compelling personally. Lamar is not the collective moral compass, he is not our savior after all. Hopefully this signals the end of this chapter and Lamar can move on to something else soon. The party is dead.
β released: Sept. 12, 2024
β featured on Brat and It's Completely Different But Also Still Brat (not yet released)
β genres: dance-pop, future house
Charli xcx is gearing up for Brat autumn it seems with this new version of "Talk Talk" with Troye Sivan - right in time for their joint tour together. This is fun. I really love the house elements on this remix, but Sivan's presence doesn't do much for me. Alongside this single the announcement of a full Brat remix album was announced so that's exciting! Not the best remix, but I'm still excited to hear whatever remixes are coming down the pipeline
β released: Sept. 12, 2024
β featured on Small Changes (not yet released)
β genres: psychedelic soul, psychedelic rock
Michael Kiwanuka is gearing up for a new album later this year. These two new tracks, both parts of "Lowdown," are sleek psychedelic soul cuts. They sound timeless and Kiwanuka's voice is so lovely on the ears. The instrumentation is also pretty great, especially on the second part which is just an instrumental. It delves more into a psychedelic rock sound, but it's so mesmerizing. The strings are a nice touch as well. I'm really loving this, super excited for his new album.
β released: Sept. 12, 2024
β genres: industrial hip hop, acid techno, hardcore hip hop, industrial techno
I'll be honest, I've never been the biggest clipping. fan, but that could very well be attributed to a lack of trying. Hearing "Run It," it might be time to give them another shot. This track is awesome. I love the beat here, leaning into both industrial hip hop and techno sounds to make this really cold atmosphere. There's just so much energy to this track. I also really love the verses from Daveed Diggs here, which surprised me because I believe his rapping was the reason I didn't click with them in the first place. I was probably being dumb, I'll realize it sooner or later. Anyway, this is an incredibly solid cut and here's hoping I'll become a full-blown clipping. fan in the near future.
β released: Sept. 13, 2024
β featured on Shawn (not yet released)
β genre: americana
What the hell is he doing? Shawn Mendes's weird pivot to rugged Americana music is awkward as hell to say the least. He's not a convincing singer-songwriter, it just sounds like he's being obnoxiously moody and melodramatic. Don't have any high hopes for this new record, but what the hell, it's not like I was anticipating much from him anyway.
β released: Sept. 13, 2024
β featured on Eusexua (not yet released)
β genre: art pop, trance, progressive trance
FKA twigs has returned with the lead single and title track to her upcoming album Eusexua. If this single and the snippet that plays the beginning of the incredible music video attached to it is any indication, we might be in for an unbelievable record. Twigs has an amazing track record and that continues to be the case here. This is music that feels necessary, it just feels like you need to hear it. You need to enter the soundscapes Twigs creates with her music - there's not much like it. The production this track is unreal and twigs is as ethereal as ever. It's so sensual and honest in a way that feels a bit too real. It's like she's singing directly to you, even if she's speaking of her own experiences in an extremely visceral way. No one is doing it like her and that remains to be seen on this song. I'm sort of in awe. I was, of course, expecting it to be great, but this is magnificent. Please go out of your way to listen to this track and, better yet, watch the music video as well. Eusexua is my most anticipated album of next year, which isn't saying much, but trust me it means a lot. Can't wait to dive into this world.
β released: Sept. 13, 2024
β featured on 143 (not yet released)
β genre: pop rap, atlanta bass
On this latest miserable outing for Katy Perry, she drags Doechii down with her as she sleepwalks through this generic pop rap cut built around a boring sample flip. There's no big payoff to this track at all, it just kinda keeps going until it doesn't. It's like a song written with no goals in mind. God, 143 is shaping up to be one of the most failed attempts at a comeback of all time. This is her Man of the Woods - if Witness wasn't that already. This song also comes after that abysmal podcast interview where she deflected criticism with her reuniting with Dr. Luke which makes it doubly embarrassing. It's not like he's making these songs good, they suck! You're embarrassing yourself. I also miss when artists would actually talk to real journalists instead of feckless, good-vibes podcasters. That's a conversation for another time though and a much more interesting one to have than anything surrounding this song.
β released: Sept. 13, 2024
β featured on I Am Music (not yet released)
β genre: trap, southern hip hop, hardcore hip hop
After gimmicky mysterious posting, several weird cases surrounding his Opium label, and much anticipation Playboi Carti has returned with a new single. I ... like this? His lower pitched rapping took a second to get used to, but I think I enjoy it. This just isn't the strongest song to release as the lead. It's a bit too one-note to leave much of an impression. Whatever he does, it's sure to be polarizing, but I'm curious to hear how I Am Music shapes out.
β released: Sept. 13, 2024
β featured on Hurry Up Tomorrow (not yet released)
β genre: synthpop, dance-pop, freestyle, synthwave
After the letdown that was The Idol, The Weeknd has returned with the lead single to his upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow - the final part of a trilogy including both After Hours and Dawn FM. He leans heavily into synthpop on this cut and it works pretty well. I don't think this is the strongest lead single, especially considering the tracks that lead into his previous two, but it's not a bad song at all. Looking forward to this one. I feel like he's at the apex of his career with these last two records and I hope he can finish on a strong note.
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thanks for reading <3
first week of september!! fall is drawing near!!! there were some pretty cool tracks that dropped this week, two in particular that are on the shortlist for some of my favorites of the year. 2024 is drawing closer to the end, but this continues to shape up to be one of the best years for music in recent memory. In other words, NEW PHIL ELVERUM MOUNT EERIE ALBUM WOOOOOO WOOOOOOOOO YEAH YEA H YEAH YEAH!!!!!!!
also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3
"Made Out of Memory" - NilΓΌfer Yanya
β released: Sept. 2, 2024
β featured on My Method Actor (not yet released)
β genres: indietronica, alt-pop
Starting to sound like a broken record, but this new NilΓΌfer Yanya single is very solid. We're only a few weeks out from My Method Actor, but it's shaping up to be one of the most promising releases of the year. I love the subtlety she implements into these songs. Everything is given just the right amount of attention. The guitars on this track are buried, but crawl to the surface at the most opportune moment. Her vocals are also gorgeous, as are her melodies. Really good cut here, can't wait to dive into the full record.
β released: Sept. 3, 2024
β featured on Night Palace (not yet released)
β genres: singer-songwriter, indie folk, slacker rock, post-rock
4 years after the biographical meditation of Microphones in 2020, the highly prolific singer-songwriter Phil Elverum is returning in November with a new record under the Mount Eerie name. This announcement was accompanied by these two brilliant singles, the brief jaunty "Broom of Wind" and the weird atmospheric "I Walk." As a massive fan of Elverum's work, these songs were exactly what I could've hoped for - especially the latter. Spacey yet organic atmospheric sounds held together very loosely. Everything feels free-flowing. The traditional rules of song-structuring are construed in subtle, yet effective ways. His lyricism, as always, is just amazing. He makes you feel so much, deep in your core, even when he's crooning what seem to be abstractions.
In the press-release for this record, Night Palace is referred to as a spiritual successor to The Glow Pt. 2 - arguably Phil's magnum opus and one of the greatest records of all time - it also states that "These are songs of re-surrendering to a state of wonder and abandoning the wrung-dry skepticism that this hard world can impose." It doesn't seem like a cheap way to get fans re-invested, he has no reason to do that. If you're a fan of Elverum's music, you're most likely locked in for whatever he has coming down the pipeline. This genuinely, like his previous record, feels like treading old ground with more experience this time around in order to reinvigorate the creative process. Anyway, I'll try to save my ramblings for when I can dive into the full record, but this is firmly my new most anticipated album of the year.
β released: Sept. 4, 2024
β featured on Selected Ambient Works Volume II Expanded Edition (not yet released)
β genres: dark ambient, drone, space ambient
Another track from the Aphex Twin archives has been officially released leading up to the deluxe edition of Selected Ambient Works Volume II. More savvy Richard D. James heads will probably know much more about this track than I, maybe it was leaked through a big Soundcloud dump or found in a trashcan behind his house. Whatever the case, this is pretty great. Very ominous ambient piece that sounds like it would fit on the soundtrack to a horror film set in space. It feels claustrophobic in a way, unlike the previous single "#19" which felt very peaceful and optimistic. "th1 [evnslower]" puts you on edge, makes you feel like there might be something looming just around the corner.
Jane Remover is back again with another set of seemingly standalone tracks. Like the other two tracks that dropped a little bit ago, they're a bit of a departure from her last album - which is honestly a bit refreshing. I enjoyed that record a decent amount, but there's a bite to these songs that's irresistible. The star here is "Magic I Want U" with its hard-hitting production and tight melodies that just sound absolutely exhilarating. "How to Teleport" isn't bad either, it's got a ton of cool sounds. These new Jane Remover tracks are some of my favorites of hers and although these aren't attached to a new project, I really hope she pushes some of these ideas further in the future.
"We Will Rock You (Megan Thee Stallion Version)" | "Neva Play" - Megan Thee Stallion
β released: Sept. 5, 2024 | Sept. 6, 2024
β genres: southern hip hop, trap, pop rap, drift phonk
Big week for Megan Thee Stallion fans it seems! First, with the bizarre collaboration with Queen for a remix of sports stadium staple "We Will Rock You" ... it's fine. A bit gaudy and awkward, but I don't hate it. The next day she released "Neva Play" with RM of BTS, which is a bit better, but not particularly amazing either. I think it's the beat more than anything. I don't want to hear Megan over a phonk beat in all honesty. Neither Megan's or RM's verse stood out to me either. Oh well!
β released: Sept. 5, 2024
β featured on American Football (Covers) (not yet released)
β genres: slowcore, dream pop, post-rock
Following Iron and Wine's indie folk reimagining of "Never Meant," Ethel Cain is the next to contribute to the new American Football covers album with her version of "For Sure." I definitely appreciate what she does with this one. The slow-burning, super lush sound just lulls you into a trance all the way until the big climax in the middle. I didn't have high hopes for this covers project - although I'm mostly just butthurt because I thought American Football were teasing NEW music instead of an anniversary celebration of their first LP, but I digress. This is a really great cover and I'm a bit more excited to hear what the rest of this project has in store.
β released: Sept. 5, 2024
β featured on Unt (not yet released)
β genres: punk rock, pop punk, power pop
Green Day side-project Pinhead Gunpowder are back with their first new song in 16 years. It's a bit of a snoozefest to be honest. Billie Joe Armstrong has settled into his ways as a vocalist and everything he sings has this level of cleanness to it which is a bit unbecoming of a punk record. It sounds a bit rougher than what you would expect from Green Day proper, but it still just feels a bit toothless. Not doing much for me instrumentally either.
β released: Sept. 5, 2024
β featured on From Zero (not yet released)
β genres: alternative rock, alternative metal, post-hardcore
Linkin Park are returning years after the unfortunate passing of former frontman Chester Bennington, but this time with a new vocalist Emily Armstrong - who definitely doesn't have ANY baggage whatsoever! Truth be told, I've never been a big Linkin Park fan and unfortunately that remains to be the case with this new single. It just feels way too drenched in dramatics to the point where it feels a bit sterile to me. Armstrong's verses were fine, albeit a bit generic. Yeah, I just don't think this is for me. To longtime fans of the band, I hope you guys like this!
β released: Sept. 6, 2024
β featured on The Great Impersonator (not yet released)
β genres: pop rock, alternative rock, pop punk, power pop
Halsey is releasing her new fifth studio album soon, which will feature all of her singles over the past few months as well as this new one "Ego." I don't dislike this song or anything, but I'm not seeing the picture she's painting here. I guess these new songs have been eclectic, but I fail to see how they'll coincide on a full-length project together. This is definitely a departure from the nostalgic alt-rock of "Lonely Is the Muse," instead leaning more into poppier sounds. Her songwriting is very personal and intense across these songs, but I worry that these constant flip-flopping between sounds will obscure that. We shall see.
This groovy new single from wolfears is really sick. There's this palpable anxiety to it that makes everything feel exciting. Everything is in constant motion. The grooves are prickly, never allowing you to settle into them. Their vocals sound like they're reciting mantras and chants which adds to the uneasiness. It's a good feeling of unease though. Her musicianship is pretty impeccable on this cut too as she handles every bit of instrumentation here. I could've been fooled into thinking this was the work of a full band. Overall, "ELEMENTS" is a really solid track and if you're a fan of either the Talking Heads or Fela Kuti - hopefully you're fans of both - give this a listen!
β released: Sept. 6, 2024
β featured on DON'T BE DUMB (not yet released)
β genres: jazz rap, east coast hip hop, cloud rap
A$AP Rocky has released the third single leading up to his new record DON'T BE DUMB. This is a really good track, I'm loving the jazz rap production a lot. Rocky's verses continue to wow me during this rollout, more than they have in some time. They're not the most impressive, but they're undeniably smooth as hell. He's bringing some confidence into this one. Even J. Cole's verse wasn't that bad, he needed a verse that was at the very least good after "Grippy" and his rough MIGHT DELETE LATER tape. Yeah, I'm loving this. This is shaping up to be a really promising project, hopefully we get a concrete release date in the coming weeks.
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thanks for reading :3
