That Hippy Music

Peace. Love. Music.

[thathippymusic-blog]

“High As Hope” - Florence + The Machine Release Their Fourth Studio Album

courtesy of Virgin EMI Records

June 29th, 2018 Florence + The Machine released their fourth studio album “High As Hope”. A record filled with sorrow, growth, getting ghosted and apologies. Welch delves deeply into a sea of demons with High As Hope, summoning them for exercising.

I had originally begun writing this as a song by song album review but quickly, I found myself lacking the inspiration to continue about halfway through. You can find a multitude of reviews online for this album. All of them giving three or even five stars, and some that just throw direct shade on the album. (Pitchfork, I'm talkin' about you.)  But then I thought, do I really want to do a track by track review? Is that honest of me? The truth is, I don’t think I want to do a track by track review this time. I want to talk about this album as a whole. I want to talk about the impact that it’s potentially made on Florence + The Machine’s music career. I don’t want to rate each song and dumb down this blog post, making it sound like every other music post out there on the internet.

This is, without a doubt, Florence + The Machine’s most raw and personal album to date. Their fourth studio album contains ten tracks, ironically, for ten years worth of Florence + The Machine’s music. It’s almost like a tribute piece. Something the band has put out to pay homage to their ten years of music thus far. But there are mixed emotions about how short the album is. Let’s talk quality over quantity, shall we?

I’ve come to realize something over the years of being an avid music listener. It doesn’t matter whether or not the album is five, six, seven - or in this case, even ten tracks long. I’ve listened to terrible records that are fourteen tracks long and brilliant ones that are only six. So please, sit down. The sentiment of this record is important for their growth as a band and it goes far beyond how many songs are on the record.

Florence Welch usually hides behind metaphorical and mythical references in her lyrics. We all love her meta/mythical references, and this record does have a healthy dose of that. But there’s a certain height that Florence has reached with this record. It’s raw and forthright. It’s honest. Not that her past records have not been, but she seems more courageous with her songwriting this time. There’s something both dangerous and wonderful about that.

“High As Hope” opens with “June”, which in theory is about the Pulse nightclub shooting that took place June 12th, 2016. The event had deeply impacted the singer, made evident by the numerous tributes she carried out while on tour, with her hit song “Spectrum” and a pride flag dancing across the stage with her.

Each song rings out with intense melodies and choirs that only Florence + The Machine can pull off. Their epic capability to capture the moment each song tries to achieve is wondrous and mesmerizing, which they haven’t fallen short of doing on any album thus far including “High As Hope”.

This record is an extraordinary step forward in the right direction. Welch has stepped a solid foot down in the sand and established her place in the industry for good, although there was never any doubt that she could. With songs on "High As Hope" such as "The End Of Love" and "Patricia" (Which is partly about her idol, Patti Smith), she's moved from pure mystics and onto a place that's cohesive with realism while still keeping her iconic and heavy sound, obliterating anyone who has ever said she wasn't a diverse songwriter.

On a comical aspect, I had half-jokingly said this was going to be Florence + The Machine's "boring album" which I think every artist is entitled to. I was wrong, I'll admit. I'm glad I was wrong, but I think there's something to be said that there's yet to be an album released by Welch that isn't boring in one way or another. This record makes number four and she's yet to truly release anything that doesn't bring something new and different to the table each time, so kudos to her for that.

"Big God" and "100 Years" have that epic church-quality sound to it that makes you kindaaa wanna get baptized. But maybe that's just me. "Grace" (written as an apology to her sister,) had me wanting to apologize to siblings that I haven't done shit to. And then there are the other tearjerkers on the record that...ugh. It's a really good album, okay?

If you haven't listened to High As Hope yet, then you should totally go do that. It's available on multiple streaming services, and if streaming isn't your thing then it's also available on Amazon, eBay, and of course Florence + The Machine's official website for hard copy purchase.

[thathippymusic-blog]

Isaac Gracie: An Artist We Should Be Keeping An Eye On

Photo: Bunny Kinney

 At just twenty-one years old, his self-titled debut album is taking us places we’ve longed to be without even realizing it.

Isaac Gracie, who hails from Ealing, West London began writing songs as a fourteen-year-old choir boy in the Ealing Abbey Choir, showing musical potential even then. The now twenty-one-year-old is well on his way to finding his place in the industry with his folk-rock styled music and nostalgic songwriting.

Gracie takes us back to a time when songwriting was pure truth, yet gracefully laced with mystery. It’s said that the singer/songwriter is into greats such as Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, and Bob Dylan which you can clearly hear those inspirations leak onto numerous tracks throughout the record.

I’m totally speculating here, but I’m also sensing some Nick Cave inspiration on tracks such as “The Death Of You And I” which has some pretty interesting ingredients with its grunge undertones and almost ostentatious drum flare.

 Songs like “Last Words” and “Hollow Crown” are a couple of the most beautifully written songs on the album and ring out with themes of loss and letting go.

Each track offers its own melancholic flavor and as simple as they are, have a certain kind of uniqueness to them. This guy’s voice is out of this world good. Most certainly reminiscent of the beauty Jeff Buckley’s vocals delivered. He has an impressive range that he doesn’t show off in every song but when he does, you’d better listen.

Gracie’s lyricism exists on a poetic spectrum, which could rely on both natural talent and being inherited from his mother Judith, who is a poet. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. 

Most certainly, he is an artist we should be keeping an eye on.

[thathippymusic-blog]

Florence + The Machine Release “Big God” From Upcoming Album “High As Hope”

photo; Press

Florence + the Machine has released her third single from upcoming fourth studio album “High As Hope” titled “Big God”.

The song reels us in with hauntingly deep piano, which is matched incredibly with Welch’s warm and androgynous vocals. The singer mentioned in an earlier interview that “Big God” was ultimately about feelings of emptiness but also about someone not replying to her text messages, the latter being quoted as a straightforward lyric in the song “You keep me up at night // to my messages, you do not reply”. Safe to say we know what happens if you don’t text Miss Welch back - you’ll end up in a song!

Florence Welch is no slacker when it comes to poetry and lyricism, as she’s demonstrated in her past three studio releases “Lungs” (2009), “Ceremonials” (2011), and “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” (2015) as well as the upcoming release of her first published book “Useless Magic” which is set to be released in July, consisting of her poetry and lyric collection.

The newest addition to Florence + The Machine’s discography “High As Hope” will be available for purchase and streaming June 29th. Excited? Yeah, me too.

“Sky Full Of Song” and “Hunger” were released prior to “Big God” (just released today, June 19th), and it’s safe to say that even with the slight taste of the album we’ve had thus far - it’s a pretty sure thing. The album’s backbone has already been established and most likely is expected to be a strong album, just as her others.

With one of the strongest voices in today’s music, she’s built quite the career since her arrival into the music scene with “Lungs”, her ethereal debut album.

“Big God” is a testament to the escapism she offers as an artist. Proving that she can turn something as simple as not getting a text back into lyrical profoundness. The best thing? It’s relatable. Relatability in music isn’t always chillin’, unfortunately. Welch, who often writes about heartache and falling into deep dark holes, however, gets it, and continuously delivers.

“Big God” is officially available for streaming on Spotify and Apple iTunes.

[thathippymusic-blog]

Calpurnia releases debut EP “Scout”

Courtesy of Royal Mountain

If you aren’t already aware, the Canadian based indie/alternative band “Calpurnia” has dropped an EP, and it’s an indie dreamscape. “Scout” was released June 15th, 2018.

Calpurnia released their first single “City Boy” from the EP “Scout” on the 7th of March this year and overall, their sound excites alternative driven enthusiasts. Teenagers are quaking in their Doc Martens everywhere.

Only it’s not just teenagers. I’m pretty into the EP as well. Usually, I’ll listen to something first before I decide if I’m going to write about it. The inspiration has to be there, ya know what I mean? Either I’ll love it, hate it, or have some kind of medium opinion on it. I decided I’d whip something up for THM about halfway through my listen. I’m pretty sold on “Scout” and it has a certain kind of aroma to it that doesn’t stink of amateur.

Kudos, youngins. Kudos. That’s a hard thing to achieve, and you’re on the right road. Keep going.

The EP opens with “Louie”, a song you would probably listen to if you have just been stranded by the love of your life at a gas station or bus stop somewhere in the blazing heat with like twenty-five cents in your pocket. So, maybe keep this song in mind for your playlist on future trips with your honey bun? Actually just add the entire EP to your road trip playlist, you might need it.

The following tracks “Wasting Time” and perhaps one of the strongest tracks on the EP “Greyhound” ensue. “Wasting Time” is almost like a revisit to your mom’s “oldies but goodies” record collection. It has a nostalgic feel to it for sure. In fact, that’s a recurring theme with this entire EP. “Greyhound” is, in my ever so humble opinion, one of the strongest songs on the EP. A dreamy rock sound perfect for a hot summer. Or ya know, being stranded by your honey bun. 

“Waves” is probably my favorite song on the EP. I dig it, what can I say? I like me a good six-nearly-seven-minute song. Funnily enough, this is the only song on this entire EP (that I’m aware of) that isn't sung by frontman Finn Wolfhard, but by Ayla Tesler-Mabe, who also serves as lead guitarist. Talent runs thick in this band obviously.

You can head over to your favorite streaming service to give “Scout” a listen. You may find yourself in the upside down of an alternative dreamland. *Wink wink*. Sorry, Finn. I had to.

Don’t forget to head over to THM’s page to check out the social media links on the side, so you can get updated every time there’s a new post!

[thathippymusic-blog]

Beach House’s “7″ is a Psychedelic Wonderland

Courtesy of Sub Pop

Beach House’s seventh studio album “7″ (released May 11th, 2018) serves as a dream aid and a submerging ethereal trip to the land of psychedelic virtue.

It’s been over a month since “7” was released and I’ve had a significant amount of time obviously to listen and re-listen to the album. Which I’ve done so several times and I’ll be honest, it took a couple of listening sessions for it to fully grow on me. But once I knew I liked it, I loved it.

The band consists of lead vocalist and keyboardist Victoria Legrand as well as backing vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Alex Scally, (He controls his guitar pedals with his bare feet, and it’s pretty exciting to watch.)

With bands that have been around as long as Beach House has, mind you with an extensive list of work, you start seeing their music as this huge montage of what it’s always been rather than what it could be.

Beach House is different in a lot of ways. With each album they’ve released, they seem to strive to make it different in some way or another but yet are able to stay true to their native sound which is an importance that often goes overlooked and/or misconceived by artists when creating new music.

“7” opens with “Dark Spring”, the perfect kickstart to the album. The electric ambiance of the song sets the scenery and the feeling. It’s just up to you to allow the trip to take its course. Poetic lyrics ensue after a heavy and brief drumming solo at the beginning of the song. “I want to lie in, they call Orion,” one lyric rings.

“Pay No Mind” is the second track on the album which begins as “Dark Spring” spirals out and cleverly morphs into the dreamy guitar laced piece. 

“Lemon Glow” which was the first single released from the album is up next. A reality obliterating trip to another dimension to which Beach House has possibility existed in forever, only now giving us a taste of their psychedelic wonderland.

We won’t go too in-depth about Legrand’s French singing on the album but …

Some personal favorites are “Black Car” which has this interesting and catchy xylophone type of riff in it. And “Lose Your Smile”  is simple and beautiful, and the instrumentals are so very true to Beach House’s dream pop ensemble.

We’re taken out of “7” with “Last Ride”. Its elegant piano throughout the song sets a melancholic state along with transcending lyrics and harmonies, soft “Ahs…” in the background creating a luminous vibe and pulling back the curtain to a more upbeat climax to the track.

Safe to say, I’m a huge fan of “7” and it’s one of my favorite releases so far this year. Kudos to Beach House for staying relevant - seven albums strong. Keep doing you, dudes. We appreciate you!

You can listen to “7” on multiple music streaming services, as well as purchase the record on Amazon and Apple iTunes.

Don’t forget to check out the side of THM’s page for social media links, just in case you want updates on when new content is available!

[thathippymusic-blog]

Troye Sivan + Ariana Grande’s “Dance to This” Is The Summer Bop We’ve All Been Waiting For

Photo courtesy of EMI

Everyone is excited that summer is finally here right? Yes, I know technically the first day of summer isn’t until June 21st for us northern American folks but we’ve prepped our playlists for this very moment. And besides, if I walk out and see the slightest bit of sweat escaping my pores then it’s officially summer in my mind, so back off.

Thankfully, we’ve been blessed by Queen Grande and LGBTQ icon Troye Sivan with “Dance to This”. A beautifully mixed dance track released just this week and lemme tell ya, I am so dancing to this.

The “My My My” and “No Tears Left To Cry” artists collaborated to bring us a bop about what happens after the party. I’m willing to bet that “Dance To This” will be boppin’ straight to the top of the charts very soon.

The song opens with this reggae-inspired beat that kind of sounds like it was morphed from Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long”, which is probably what caught my interest initially (I’m a sucker for Lionel Richie). However, it quickly generates into this ambient vibe with a mixture of intense drums and sultry vocals with a combination of instrumentals that is usually the ingredients to one tasty pop song.

Will there be a better collaboration this summer? Probably not. Sivan and Grande’s vocals compliment each other. Not one overpowering the other, which I’ve heard quite often in many, many … many… many … you get the point … songs like this.

Also, can we just talk about the drop in the song around 2:30 that makes you wanna just …

You get the point right? It’s a cool song. If you’re into having fun and all that. If you’re not then I have the song just for you.

Head over to your favorite music streaming platform to hear “Dance To This” by Troye Sivan Ft. Ariana Grande.

Sivan’s album “BLOOM” is due to be released August 31st, while  Grande’s newest “Sweetener” is rumored to be released sometime in July, although some information will state the singer’s album will be released in August. So, not sure about that one.

Don’t forget to check out social media links on the side of THM’s page, for updates and all that jazz.

[thathippymusic-blog]

Lykke Li’s “So Sad So Sexy”:Is it Really That Sexy?

Photo courtesy of RCA Records

You know when you hear the first song on an album, and you’re like, “This is going to be the shiz.” Well, that was me when I sat down this morning to listen to Lykke Li’s fourth studio album in its entirety.

At the end of the record, however, I was left feeling disappointed and overall confused as to how an album could start pretty flavorful and end so blandly.

We enter Lykke Li’s “So Sad So Sexy” world with “Hard Rain”, a dreamy vocal trip that has hip-hop undertones and pretty decent lyrics. Overall, the instrumentals on this specific track are what really brought me into this record with a pretty straightforward generalization of what the record was going to be.

With the following tracks like “Deep End”, “Two Nights (Ft. Aminé)”, and “Last Piece” it sounded like the album had been proportioned wisely when it came to the sound each track offered. But unfortunately, that was a passing thought. After “Last Piece” the album becomes drowsy.

I’ll be honest, I’m used to filler content on most records nowadays. So, of course, I wasn’t expecting every single song on “So Sad So Sexy” to be a bop, but the further I traveled into the album, I could just feel myself...well…

Lyrically and instrumentally “Two Nights” Ft. Aminé take the gold for the strongest track on the album. But it wasn’t a close race, let’s just put it that way. I’m not hating on the entire album, don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed the first four songs, as well as the title track “So Sad So Sexy”, and it wouldn’t be fair to place those in the same category as the others on the album.

Songs like “Sex Money Feelings Die” sounds like it was written for the radio. That isn’t a compliment. Except you know “sex” would be bleeped out and all you’d hear is … money feelings die, which sounds pretty much like my life right now. Ha.Ha.Ha. Or perhaps written for a sad girl Tumblr anthem. Maybe the latter could be spared for “Utopia” which started off on a decent note and then went right down the drain with the rest of tonight’s leftover dinner.

I know, I know. The shade.

It’s one of those “It could be worse, but it could be better” kind of things. It’s not a terrible album. Half of the record just isn’t necessarily good. There are songs on the record that truly come to be it’s salvation as I stated before, the closest to special being “Two Nights” and “Hard Rain”.

Two outta ten ain’t bad….oh boy I feel a Meatloaf song comin’ on.

But of course, I urge anyone who reads this to go listen for themselves. You may love it. You may think every song is a stroke of pure genius. Who knows? To each their own, right?

You can listen to Lykke Li’s “So Sad So Sexy” on Spotify and Apple iTunes.

Don’t forget to check out the links on the side of the blog to my Twitter, where all updates on this blog will be posted, and Instagram where you can see the person who runs this blog.

[thathippymusic-blog]

Haley Heynderickx: Literally Making Me Want to Start a Garden

Photo credit: Alessandra Leimer

 I was scrolling through my Spotify's “new releases” section a few months ago. At first, I’ll be completely honest, I only had listened to the first two tracks from Haley Heynderickx’s debut album “I Need to Start a Garden”. I was being a lazy music listener, just on the prowl for a couple of songs that would stand out to me and become my muse for the week.

(I’d also like to note that I know I’m way late to the game with this album, but sis caught up so don’t hate.)

However, I quickly realized that my fascination with the first two songs that I gave a go was going to last a bit longer than I had anticipated so of course, I had no choice but to go back for a second listen, but this time, I would listen to the entire album.

I wasn’t disappointed.

" I Need to Start a Garden” (Released March 2, 2018) opens with “No Face” and “The Bug Collector” which were the first two songs that I had heard from the album. I was impressed significantly with their folky and harmonic vibes and that overall impression only continued to grow and be nurtured as I would voyeur further and further into the record.

I know I’m going to sound completely biased, but I think “No Face” and “The Bug Collector” are still the strongest and perhaps the most superior pieces on the album. But that may be because they’ve had the time to simmer the most with me. But in all honesty, there isn’t necessarily a “weak” track on this album. There are other songs that are just as equally beautiful and striking such as “Show You a Body” and “Untitled God Song”, the latter coming in a close third place on my list with its gripping melodies and lyrical flavor.

Haley’s vocals along with the guitar playing are cohesive and harmonic in ways that could easily be compared to other artists like Joni Mitchell for instance. While her sound is very, undeniably folk, I also thought it was pretty interesting how the second to last track on the album “Oom Sha La La” has this kind of 50's -esque vibe to it with the male harmonies in the background working in unison with Haley’s to create that particular style.

I’m expecting a mixture of styles on future work from her as I would easily consider this album to be experimental folk. It’s not just guitar and intricate lyrics but she’s toying with a variety of sounds and instruments. Hence “experimental folk”.

While this is simple music, a lot of times simple can come across as boring and Haley has exactly what it takes to make this kind of music interesting and relative. Folk musicians that have put records out for years could definitely learn a thing or two about our rising folk princess.

On that note, go give the record a listen if you haven’t. Haley also has past work if you’re interested. Including that of “Fish Eyes” which is her EP (released in early 2016) and “Unpeeled” (released in 2017) which is a collection of four live song performances. Both can be found on various listening formats.

You can buy Haley Heynderickx’s “I Need to Start a Garden” on Amazon and Apple Itunes.

Don’t forget to check out the links on the side of the blog to my Twitter, where all updates on this blog will be posted, and Instagram where you can see the person who runs this blog. Ya know, all that jazz.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be resisting the urge to go dig up my backyard.