Reviewing The Week – July 14th, 2023
Somewhat underwhelmed by the new releases. In fairness, I’ve been obsessed with the new Geese album. That’s been on repeat. Slaughter Beach, Dog stays on top though.
Slaughter Beach, Dog – “Float Away”
A
I loved “Strange Weather” and I enjoyed this too. Maybe not as much but it’s still a promising teaser for a new Slaughter Beach, Dog album. They keep getting better with each project. At The Moonbase is great. Here’s to hoping the next one tops it.
Post Malone – “Overdrive”
A
Loving the natural direction Post Malone is going in here. His voice sounds better here than it probably ever has. The vibrato is kept in check. The instrumentals are pleasant. One of his better tracks in a while.
Another Michael – “Angel”
A-
I remember seeing this live a few months ago when it was an unreleased track. Another Michael is great live. I had forgotten about this song, but I’m glad it’s officially released now. While it doesn’t contain the striking harmonies of some of their other work, it has the same charm. Another Michael is a band to watch.
Courtney Barnett – “Start Somewhere”
A-
Purely instrumental, but very exciting. If this is a teaser of a new sonic direction for Barnett then I’m all in. I’d love to hear a rich, layered, dense album paired with her ironic witticisms.
Lutalo – “Push Back Baby”
B
Lutalo knows his strengths. His cryptic writing and rich voice are two of his better features. But it’s clear he’s trying something a little new on “Push Back Baby”. His voice is shrouded in a layer of fuzz, and the guitars are more prominently electric than they’ve been in his past work.
Emily Kinney – “B or C for Effort”
B-
It’s short and sweet. I don’t know who Emily Kinney’s fans are or what they like. I really enjoyed her album Oh Jonathan from a few years back. I liked the album that followed, The Supporting Character less but it had some highlights. Not sure how to feel about this current cycle. We’ll wait and see.
Rachel Bobbitt – “Clay Feet”
B+
Rachel Bobbitt is very underappreciated. She has just as much right to be one of the modern titans of indie as anyone else. I like the energy behind this track but it still has the kind of forlorn tone I always enjoy from her music. I hope this upcoming EP/album cycle takes her far.
GROUPLOVE – “Cheese”
C+
It’s definitely a GROUPLOVE song. If they’re having fun, good for them. It doesn’t do much for me but I don’t feel any particular way about this one.
Declan McKenna – “Sympathy”
C+
“Sympathy” lacks the voice I’ve come to expect from Declan McKenna. Frankly, you could throw another artist on this and I don’t think I would know any better. McKenna is at his best when he has something to say. His writing on past projects is smart and quick. I’m not seeing that here. Decently fun track with some interesting sonic choices though.
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