Emeralds – Does It Look Like I’m Here?

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Dense intense synths

Moods

Yesterday’s vision of the future

Thoughts
I enjoyed this but it’s a very specific record. Synths with an intense, brooding repetition that’s intense; tracks have a Bach like heaviness to them.

The particularly dense tracks like genetic and double helix could soundtrack any megatropolis movie of the future.

There’s something striking here if you’ve got the patience or interest.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Emeralds-Does-It-Look-Like-Im-Here/release/10003075

Listen!

Youtube




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHfFZYK81lA
Spotify

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Emeralds – Does It Look Like I’m Here?

Description: Album Review of Emeralds – Does It Look Like I’m Here?


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Anna Domino – East And West

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?
Barebones 80s pop

Moods

Introspective stroll in Williamsburg. Black T-shirt on.

Thoughts
There’s an enjoyable genuineness to this music which is strange as her singing is so nonchalant at times. Instrumentation features a band playing almost like they’re trying to replicate a synth/drum machine setup. I like the worldly percussion and strings on tracks like ‘repeat’.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Anna-Domino-East-And-West/release/1926235

Listen!

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Anna Domino – East And West

Description: Album Review of Anna Domino – East And West


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Ween – The Mollusk

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

What’s it sound like?
Prog rock meets sea shanties

Thoughts
Not usually a fan of goofy concept records but the songwriting is impressive here.

Reminds me of super furry animals at times, enjoyable listen.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Ween-The-Mollusk/release/261830

Listen!

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Ween – The Mollusk

Description: Album Review of Ween – The Mollusk


Rating: 4 out of 5

 

Barbara Morgenstern – Fan No. 2

★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine

What’s it sound like?

Synth pop sung primarily in German. Production is a step above diy but this is a 1 woman show though showcases a variety of instrumentation with guitar and proper keys mixed in.

Thoughts
Authentic German vibes. More than just the lyrics, it has a Berlin soul that I like. An album where the pleasure is from the effort put into the joy of song rather delivering super great pop songs. Ultimately I found the lyrical content lacking, either abstract or just general ruminations (come to Berlin? ), where I wasn’t hooked.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Barbara-Morgenstern-Fan-No-2/release/2513594

Listen!
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Smerz – Have Fun

★★★☆☆ = Good!

What’s it sound like?

Pitchfork: sounds like something Tove Lo might make if she gave up on making hits and started obsessing over Yeezus and field recordings.

Well said.

Thoughts

Not sure why their nonchalant singing style is so appealing but this is quality mumblecore. Hip young dark bassy electro with chicks saying whatever.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Smerz-Have-Fun/release/11665684

Listen!

Youtube





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Junior Boys – Last Exit

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

What’s it sound like?

Breathy synth-pop

Thoughts

Side one is amazing, side two is great but lacks a certain something from side one.

This is top notch for minimal synth pop.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Junior-Boys-Last-Exit/release/335413

Listen!

Youtube





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Blood Orange – Freetown Sound

★★★★★ = Classic, essential listening

What’s it sound like?

Modern pop / R&B. Has a soulful well traveled hip vibe to it that incorporates elements of 80s synth funk.

Thoughts

Why a 5? This album was there for me in the hottest loneliest summer. It inspires hope fear and honesty. I’ll love it til I die.

Dev hynes you rock, thanks for this one.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Blood-Orange-Freetown-Sound/release/9001208

Listen!

Youtube


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Junior Boys – So This Is Goodbye

★★★★★ = Classic, essential listening

What’s it sound like?

Sparse kinda danceable electropop

Thoughts

I’ve listened to this record a ton over the years and revisiting it now I’m reminded of my 20s. A lot of these tracks are absolute classics. I find the cool/confident delivery of the vocals to be distinct and a big part of the appeal.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Junior-Boys-So-This-Is-Goodbye/release/777988

Listen!

Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdRr8SXATp4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uak5XHVfWqI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpoVR96jFK0


Spotify

D.K. – Distant Images

★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine

What’s it sound like?

Vaporwave like

Thoughts

It’s alright

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/DK-Distant-Images/release/11144303

Listen!

Youtube


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Empress Of – Me

★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine

What’s it sound like?

Female fronted synth pop

Thoughts

All the pieces are there for me to love but this album just doesn’t do it for me, the songwriting felt dull and repetitive.

She’s got a fantastic voice so am curious to hear more.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Empress-Of-Me/release/7421027

Listen!

Youtube





Spotify