Now I know February is only a few days shorter than every other month, but only a week left? C’mon. This week, check out some prime releases (trust me, it won’t be too difficult) that have been impacting college radio! What’s playing well, our top adds, it’s all below, check it out.
Top 5 Adds
5. “Teach Me To Love” by Beams
Teach Me To Love, the second full-length release from Toronto psych-folk group Beams, displays the group’s steady control on a record in which the group plays with the idea of employing various country elements throughout but never remaining in the same place for too long. Thought sonically it may many of warmer days, a record like this is a sweet treat in February. Plenty of banjo and mandolin to go around for everyone!
4. “A Whole F**king Lifetime of This” by American Pleasure Club
You would think that with the abundant samples across genres and the mixture of emo and ’90s indie rock influence, American Pleasure Club’s (formerly Teen Suicide) latest release would be all over the place. The record does run the risk of having a seemingly scattered sequencing of tracks, but A Whole F**king Lifetime of This manages to challenges the listener to hone in on and appreciate some of the more experimental intricacies the album offers without trying to come off as something that it is not.
3. “Lose It” by Danielle Duval
More beat-heavy and personal than her 2011 debut Of the Valley, Danielle Duval’s latest release, Lose It, captures Duval’s conscious effort to open up to the idea of being more vulnerable as well as being clear in displaying her emotions. Duval also maintains a newfound and sharpened edge throughout the record with heavy guitar riffs here and there either throwing some of her older fans for a loop or bringing some new ones in.
2. “Brighter Wounds” by Son Lux
One of Son Lux’s strongest releases by far, Brighter Wounds presents itself as an intimate yet expansive record that contains inspirations from the recent birth of frontman Ryan Lott’s son to how the state of affairs look for the country right now. The album never feels cheesy, overworked, or overdone; instead, it serves as a smooth and progressive release that feels all the more fresh.
1. “You Think You’re A Comic!” by Gus Dapperton
There’s just something about Gus Dapperton. Maybe its his bowl cut. Maybe its the bright blue eyeshadow and painted nails. Perhaps the single pearl earring? Or maybe its all of these, plus the fact that Gus Dapperton is bringing one of the dreamiest and most fun releases this year in the form of You Think You’re A Comic! The twenty-year-old singer-songwriter hails from Warwick, NY and already looks to have a pretty sweet 2018 ahead of him with a US tour planned. The second EP from Gus Dapperton following the release of the dancey EP Yellow and Such in 2017, You Think You’re A Comic! keeps the dance party going, while offering a couple of more vulnerable moments as well.
Top 5 Charts
5. “More Disco Songs About Love” by De Lux
The post-disco duo of De Lux has released their third album More Disco Songs About Love, and though some may be at odds with just how disco it sounds, one cannot deny the indie-pop influences which serve to create more distinguished hooks. Listeners may not find the latest release by De Lux to be the most innovative, though it is sure as hell to get them to dance.
4. “Con Todo El Mundo” by Khruangbin
Con Todo El Mundo, the second full-length release by Houston trio Khruangbin, is everywhere. And by “everywhere,” we’re talking about the influences. By mixing the funk elements they did so well on their first release with sonic influences from the Middle East and Caribbean, Khruangbin finds a beautiful balance between the active and the passive, ensuring that Con Todo El Mundo will be enjoyed for awhile.
3. “The House” by Porches
The House is Porches newest album, spanning 37 minutes long with squeaky-clean production and showcases Aaron Maine’s steady control over the pace of an album. Unlike Pool, the latest release finds Maine’s compositions and production often challenging listeners who may expect a more streamlined, song-song-song organization. Be sure to take some time with this one.
2. “Pastoral” by Applesauce Tears
“Looking for the perfect ambient music to fit your studying needs? Look no further! Pastoral, the latest LP by the Georgia group Applesauce Tears, is the full package…This is an album in which you can lose yourself and then find yourself again in a perpetual cycle. The atmospheric, wordless tracks can easily be pushed to a back burner of the mind while reading or even writing, but they withstand the pressure of undivided attention just as well. On top of that, the intricate details weaving the structure of every song occasionally draw the listener back to reality and out of the hypnotic lull of full musical immersion.” -Jaya Chakka, Music Staff
1. “Little Dark Age” by MGMT
Little Dark Age gives you the accessibility of Oracular Spectacular, the polish of Congratulations, and the experimental charm of MGMT…Little Dark Age’s balance of radio-friendly hits and experimental tracks serve as a perfect balance for those wanting to jump into the band’s discography. If you’re coming to this album after knowing one of their three hits, you’ll find most of these tracks comfortable and highly enjoyable. For longtime fans, you’ll enjoy the change of sound that’s familiar with the songs that brought you to MGMT in the first place.” -Karsan Turner, Music Staff