Author: Kelsey Johnson

Kellen of Troy – Vanity Project – rock

Kellen of Troy’s latest album, Vanity Project, is the perfect soundtrack for quarantine. With a positive and friendly feel, each track is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The first song on the album, “Some Tune We All Already Know”, sets the tone of the album perfectly. It has a nostalgic Disco-like sound that is complete with 70’s strings and a groovy beat. The good times and fun vibes continue on the second track, “Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am”, which is full of singable melodies and layered guitars that complement the first track. Overall, Kellen of Troy has a lovable sound that bends genres – his music really has something for every listener. Give Vanity Project a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (3/29-4/3): Kellen of Troy, The Snuts”

Overcoats – The Fight – electropop

Overcoats’ electric layers and full harmonies make their latest album, The Fight, stand out. The album is a beautiful homage to the incredible blend of Hana Elion’s and JJ Mitchell’s voices from beginning to end, and it features various styles, with almost folk-like vocals and harmonies coming together with synths and indie drums. The Fight is full of so much life. From the driving beat and upbeat sound of “Fire & Fury” to the softer and warmer “New Shoes”, each track takes on its own personality and gives the album a lot of personality. Overcoats switches from folk to pop to electronic so smoothly that you won’t even notice as they seamlessly build a whole new sound. This ability highlights the duo’s skill to create great music that is unrestricted by genre. In short, The Fight is wonderfully eclectic, and it’s easy to get lost in Overcoats’ full sound. Check it out below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (3/15-3/20): Overcoats, The Districts”

Coin – Dreamland – indie pop

Coin’s latest album Dreamland is charming and catchy from beginning to end. Chase Lawrence’s vocals give each track a charging energy, and drummer Ryan Winnen and guitarist Joe Memmel perfectly build each song to match this energy. All of the tracks on Dreamland feature creative writing, and one song that really stands out for this is “Cemetery”. It tells the story of a wealthy man who failed to get his priorities in order in life; the man has nothing now except for the fact that he is, indeed, “the richest man in the cemetery”. This story  matched with cheerful harmony and an upbeat groove gives “Cemetery” a truly unique feel that you won’t get from any other band. For those who may be looking for something a little different, Dreamland also features some great love songs. The song “Crash My Car” is a more lighthearted love song, with colorful melodies and a story about a heartbreaker. The second track, on the other hand, “I Want It All” is a more timeless love song, describing the all or nothing feeling of love. If you’re looking for a cheerful, creative, and uptempo band to sing along to, then Coin is for you. Check out Dreamland below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (3/8-3/13): Coin, Loose Buttons”

Opus Orange – Miles From Nowhere – folk rock

From ambient drums and layered harmonies, to electronic effects and driving melodies, Opus Orange’s Miles From Nowhere really has something for everyone. The album shows off an eclectic voice, featuring influences ranging from folk, electronic, rock, to pop. One of the most prominent features of Miles From Nowhere is its upbeat tone; each track pushes you forward into the next. One of my personal favorites on the album is “Add up the Years”. The song is one of the more folkier tracks on Miles From Nowhere, as it highlights slightly more rugged lead vocals, full background vocals, and a heavy kick drum. Each element gives the song a natural and exciting feeling. The second song on the album, “Tell It Like It Is”, feels more like an indie rock song with electronic influences. In this song, melodies flow, while synths fill space, and the drums lock everything in perfectly. Overall, Opus Orange’s Miles From Nowhere is a fun listen that any listener can enjoy! Check it out below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (3/1-3/6): Opus Orange, Hello Forever”

Pinegrove – Marigold – indie rock

Indie rock band Pinegrove has a mesmerizing sound, and their latest album, Marigold, is a prime example of this captivating sound. Featuring various influences across several decades, Marigold has a wonderfully eclectic feel. Each track on the album takes an honest tone, as lead singer Evan Stephens uses everyday language to create lyrics that are unique to Pinegrove. The fifth track on the album, “Moment”, is outstanding. The band does an amazing job of letting the song breathe, all while sharing a story of everyday anxieties. The lyrics match the music perfectly, and they work together to create a true work of art. Another song on the album that stands out is “Dotted Line”. In this song, Pinegrove creates a great introduction to the album. The music starts off simply, but smoothly builds to a sound that features the band’s power. These songs are just two examples of Marigold‘s greatness – each song on the album is incredible. Give Pinegrove‘s Marigold a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (2/24-2/29): Pinegrove, Younger Hunger”

Àsgeir – Bury The Moon – folk

Àsgeir is here to give listeners a little taste of Iceland with Bury The Moon. The album is a stunning folk homage from beginning to end, as Àsgeir gracefully unites traditional folk influences with modern, electronic folk influences. His pure voice and poetic lyrics shine in each song, enhancing the album’s beauty. The first track on Bury The Moon, “Pictures”, stands out among the rest (although, they’re all incredible). Beginning with simple piano, brushes, acoustic and electric guitar, Àsgeir establishes a cold musical scene that sets up his incredible lyrics perfectly. Although the track takes a darker tone, it features wise lyrics that assert a positive message of unity. The lyrics of “Until Daybreak” offset “Pictures” in a pleasing way; they work to tell a more concrete image about uncertain love. The track also features eclectic contemporary sounds that give the song a cool, modern edge. In short, Àsgeir is an extremely talented artist with an amazing album. Give Bury The Moon a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (2/17-2/22): Àsgeir, flor”

Bombay Bicycle Club – Everything Else Has Gone Wrong – indie rock

Bombay Bicycle Club is back from its hiatus, and the indie rock group is better than ever. The band has returned with a glorious reintroduction and album, Everything Else Has Gone Wrong. The album features lovable indie grooves and a current sound with synths, loops, relatable lyrics, and even some tambourine. Simply put, the album has a sleek modern sound with something for everyone, and the lyrics stand toe-to-toe with the album’s sound. The title track of the album reflects the importance of music in unsettling times. It’s a very self-aware song, and Bombay Bicycle Club‘s writing definitely stands out against the background of today’s sound. The sixth track on the album, “Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)”, also does a great job of highlighting the band’s incredible writing. In less than four minutes, the group uses untraditional song forms and distinct lyrics to create a work of art that is both intriguing and exciting. Overall, Everything Else Has Gone Wrong is exhilarating from beginning to end – there really is no group quite like Bombay Bicycle Club. Be sure to give them a warm welcome back to the world of music and give Everything Else Has Gone Wrong a listen!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (2/3-2/8): Bombay Bicycle Club, Transviolet”

Bag Raiders – Horizons – electronic

Bag Raiders‘ album Horizons is a bold and modern development in the world of electronic music. The Australian duo’s latest release smoothly blends pop and house, acoustic and electronic. Tracks like “I Need You” illustrate Bag Raiders‘ eclectic influences, as layered harmonies float over an electronic beat, acoustic guitar, and synths. Aside from featuring various musical techniques and styles, Horizons also does an amazing job of highlighting different moods throughout. While tracks like “Back To Myself” take a slightly darker and edgier tone, tracks like “Lightning” contrast with a cheerful, major sound. Overall, Horizons is overflowing with creativity, and it’s quite an exciting find for listeners. Give it a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (1/20-1/24): Bag Raiders, José James”

Wye Oak – “Fortune” [single] – indie rock

Indie rock duo Wye Oak are here to shake up the indie rock genre with their latest single “Fortune”. Jenn Wasner’s captivating vocals and catchy bass lines matched with Andy Stack’s unfaltering drum grooves give the track a mysterious feel. The lyrics further establish the mystery of “Fortune”, as they take a dark and enigmatic tone. Wye Oak did an outstanding job of creating a sound that transcends the typical indie rock borders; “Fortune” is alluring in every aspect, and listeners are bound to sing along. Simply put, it’s a great song from a great band. Check out Wye Oak‘s “Fortune” below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (12/23-12/28): Wye Oak, Ollie”