Monthly Archives: November 2023
RAZE REGAL & WHITE DENIM INC. – RAZE REGAL & WHITE DENIM INC. [BELLA UNION]
Oakland guitarist/vocalist Raze Regal comes together with James Petralli of legendary indie band White Denim to deliver 10 groovy tracks. The silky smooth production combined with catchy choruses leads to a laid-back listening experience that is just plain fun. The album has some edge, though, with lyrics that are straight-up heartbreaking at points. I highly […]
Rebecca Ryskalczyk – Say It Back (Self-released) [LOCAL]
Please announce Rebecca’s upcoming show at The Monkey House on Sunday, Dec. 10 with Mulva, Washer, and The Dead Shakers! A slow-burning pain and anger fuels the latest record by Bristol, VT musician Rebecca Ryskalczyk (also known as a member of the band Bethlehem Steel). Despite its mood, powered by dark and minimal synth beats […]
Mary Esther Carter – Dust (Crescent) [LOCAL]
Local singer-songwriter Mary Esther Carter’s powerful and soulful voice is showcased brilliantly on this new album, accompanied by unique and minimal acoustic arrangements that compliment her singing brilliantly. Track Picks: 1, 2, 6, 9 FCC: 4, 7 RIYL: Adrianne Lenker, Rhiannon Giddens, Tracy Chapman, Aneken River
George Reid – Runaway (Fool’s Gold Records)
George Reid of famed London electronic duo AlunaGeorge has brought a variety of different house subgenres to the function with Runaway. The lead track, “Feelings”, showcases ribbonlike vocals over an uplifting house beat, evoking artists like Avicii from the mid-2010s era of EDM pop. The title track “Runaway” shifts the vibe, retaining some of the […]
Eli Mich – Call Me When You’re Lonely (Another Rhythm Records)
This EP combines R&B-inspired vocals with atmospheric dance beats. The tone is moody, but doesn’t bring you down – instead it floats you along like a river current. The title track features some vocal chops very reminiscent of Daft Punk’s Discovery. RIYL: Odesza, ATRIP, TSHA FCC: Clean Track picks: 2, 3
Mad – Mad (Self-released) [LOCAL]
This Burlington-based quartet have chosen a name that fits their vibe (though also makes them difficult to find online – try searching for opening track “Bullet Train”). Lead vocalist Derek Proulx’s wild theatrical energy pairs brilliantly with the group’s bouncy synth-rock palate for a truly unique sound. Track Picks: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 12 […]
The Young Love Scene – Doomer (Self-released)
The latest album from VT-to-LA transplant Gordon Goldsmith lives up to its title, featuring emotive, largely pessimistic lyrics sung thru loads of distortion over woozy washes of shoegaze guitar. Track Picks: 3, 5, 6 FCC: 7 RIYL: Modest Mouse, Real Estate, Remi Russin, Dinosaur Jr.
Drop Nineteens – Hard Light
Label: Wharf Cat Records RIYL: MBV, LSD and the Search for God, Slowdive, Chapterhouse FCC: 7 Check out: 2, 4, 9 The Boston shoegaze band became a staple in the alternative scene until one of the band members, Greg Ackell, stated that he would never make music again. 30 years later, their new album, Hard […]
Lunar Vacation– Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (Single)
Label: Keeled ScalesRIYL: Greer, The Beths, Slow PulpFCC: CleanSuper fun cover of a classic Christmas tune from Atlanta based indie-rock band Lunar Vacation. Full of light and fuzzy vocals and heavy drums that give the holiday tune a melancholic spin that is critical to the band’s sound. They have a couple other holiday covers from […]
Emma Anderson – Pearlies
Label: Sonic Cathedral RIYL: Lush, Pale Saints, Ride, Drop Nineteens, Mojave 3 CLEAN Check out: 1, 3, 7, 8 Emma Anderson, co-founder of the pioneering shoegaze band, Lush, has released her debut solo album. Anderson started with unfinished Lush songs and ended with a 40 minute display of her personal talents. The music itself is […]
Roger Eno–the skies, they shift like chords
Ambient, flowing works for piano, guitar and electronics.
Anders Nordentoft–Balcony Stream
Intense contemporary works for small symphony.
Joanna Estelle–Transmutations
Instrumentals for piano trio or orchestra, plus songs without accompaniment.
Eric Moe–Strenuous Pleasures
Abstract, somewhat intense work for chamber ensembles.
Justin dello Joio–Oceans Apart
Varied works for symphony, cello and brass. Contemporary.
Luis Tabuenca–Naturstudium
All acoustic percussion, but sounds like electronics!
Jose Zarzo, Horn
A collection of horn and piano works Classical to modern eras.
Chris Fisher-Lochhead–Wake Up the Dead
Works for strings or solo bassoon or voice. Abstract.
Balmorhea–Pendant World
Contemporary works for percussion/winds/guitar/synthesizer. Lyrical. Play!
Christopher Whyte–cold stability
Contemporary percussion works by varied composers.
Our Stories
Contemporary works for cello + piano by Black/Latinx composers. Play!
Anne Vanschothorst–that I always did love
Harp soundscapes + text of Emily Dickinson. Nice!
Signature Philip Glass
Philip Glass pieces over time, performed by Angele Dubeau and La Pieta (strings). Nice, minimalist works.
Linda Catlin Smith–Dark Flower
Contemporary chamber pieces–really interesting. Play!
Lily Guarneros Maase–teeth::bones
Improvised guitar works, some composed. Lovely!
WRUV Reviews 