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Cartalk - Arroyo Tunnels
Cartalk - Arroyo Tunnels

Cartalk - Arroyo Tunnels


“Arroyo Tunnels” is the captivating opening to Cartalk’s highly anticipated debut full-length album, Pass Like Pollen. Cartalk is the solo project and vision of Los Angeles-based artist Chuck Moore, whose vocals are distinct in the way of Brandi Carlile or early Tegan and Sara (it’s not surprising the twins have taken a liking to the album). On “Arroyo Tunnels,” Moore sings in vignettes over gentle guitar — of growing their hair out, taking the long way home, routine heartbreak and screaming through tunnels — before the drums come in, along with an addictive guitar riff that continues through the remainder of the song. The second half is entirely instrumental, swelling gradually into something like a symphony before fading out as quickly and as gracefully as it began. The shortest song on the album at just under two and a half minutes, “Arroyo Tunnels” is a modest taste of what’s to come, but all nine tracks pack a punch of their own. While there is plenty of shredding not to be missed later on the album, “Arroyo Tunnels” is a gentle entrée — a “sobering serenity,” if you will. Photo by Katie Neuhof.

Maya Bouvier-Lyons on October 19, 2020
Jamila Woods - Sula (Hardcover)

Jamila Woods - Sula (Hardcover)


Jamila Woods’ Toni Morrison–inspired “SULA (Hardcover)” has a sensual groove, and revolves around what it means for her to be in her own body. She rejects the notion that women should be submissive when it comes to their sexuality, stating “I don’t wanna make no babies / I don’t need a man to save me” in a sharp, searing tone. “Freedom and triumph, they weren’t meant for me / Girls of my color find something else to be / I’m better / I’m better,” she then sings effortlessly over the rollicking beat. As an empowered Black woman, she reflects on the boxes Black women have been forced into for centuries, and in turn creates a sonic oasis where she can feel comfortable being herself without having to worry about society’s pressures closing in on her. A fascinating exploration of the erotic and the unique kind of intimacy that one can only have with themselves, “SULA (Hardcover)” is a moving anthem of self-love and bodily autonomy. Listen on Bandcamp or wherever you stream.

Paige Shannon on September 29, 2020
The Undercover Dream Lovers - Drive Thru

The Undercover Dream Lovers - Drive Thru


Out of isolation comes an abundance of passion and articulation of the inner landscape of the artist’s mind. This is true and evident in the release of “Drive Thru” from The Undercover Dream Lovers. Throughout the duration of isolation, Matt Koenig spent his time pouring into an album which was written in its entirety over the course of the ongoing quarantine. “Drive Thru” is a synth-infused structure with layers of Matt Koenig’s silk-like vocals rippling over a compelling groove of a beat. This track provides a sound that evokes the feelings of a night drive with someone, beholding an undeniably enticing energy; it is a melodious bubbling over of connection, care and depth.

Laney Esper on September 29, 2020
Juni Habel - Run Dry

Juni Habel - Run Dry


From Norwegian singer/songwriter Juni Habel comes “Run Dry,” a delivery, as if from nature, made of an honest emotional outpour through instrument and voice. On her second single, not only does she sing with ethereal character, but she uses her voice intuitively to welcome her listeners into a romantically trying experience. Over gorgeous guitar arpeggiation, she sings with confessional spirit that longs for a response greater than the one she has been given thus far. Habel’s storytelling abilities are governed by her ability to express corresponding feelings through melodic interpretation, and her images of human interaction are painfully accessible. It is clear that she is in touch with something beyond us—perhaps beneath us. Photo by Andrea Hovik.

Daphne Ellis on September 29, 2020
Faye Webster - Better Distractions

Faye Webster - Better Distractions


Faye Webster’s latest single “Better Distractions” further cements her laid-back sound, which comes together to be an unexpected combination of R&B, classic country and indie rock. “Got two friends that I could see, but they got two jobs and a baby / I just wanna see you,” Webster croons longingly over slide guitar, a bassline that is hard not to sway along to and delicate keys that brighten up the track. The verses are breathless sentences of boredom and yearning that swell into a singular message as she repeats, “Will you? Will you? Will you? Will you? Will you? Will you be with me?” The accompanying video furthers the dreamy and detached feeling of the song as Webster seemingly floats through her day singing deadpan into the camera. This hazy dissociative quality is somewhat of a through line in Webster’s work, and it pairs well with her distinctive vocals that are impossibly both pleading and detached. Photo by Brandon McClain.

Corey Bates on September 25, 2020
Raye Zaragoza - They Say

Raye Zaragoza - They Say


Folk singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza challenges the proverbial "American Dream" on “They Say,” a song that demands to be heard. "They say that folk music's for the elite," the Mexican, Native American and Japanese-American Zaragoza sings, confronting gentrification of the genre head-on. These exclusionary practices date back to Indigenous folk artists such as Buffy Sainte-Marie being blacklisted by American media in the 70s and 80s for their political music, deemed then as controversial and taking away from folk music's heart; it was meant to tell honest stories for all to hear, and Zaragoza reclaims it with grace. For Zaragoza, existing in a genre that doesn't typically make space for Indigenous women is a political act in itself. "They Say" points out lies people of color have been fed about health care (it will "never come cheap") and how all it takes to be happy is a little hard work ("just get another job"). Zaragoza doesn't hesitate to address the disparity of romanticizing an ideal not actually attainable by the very Americans who give texture and color to the fabric of this country. “Who’s gonna sing for me?” she asks, daring her "elite" counterparts to take a stand as clear as her own. No stranger to being the voice of protest, Zaragoza first gained traction with her 2016 track “In The River,” which protested the Dakota Access Pipeline. There lies an even grander statement in the title of her upcoming record, Woman In Color, insisting that she cannot be muted. Woman In Color will be released on October 23 via her own label, Rebel River Records. Photo by Cultivate Consulting.

Ysabella Monton on September 25, 2020
Blvck Hippie - Rhodes Ave

Blvck Hippie - Rhodes Ave


Blvck Hippie welcomes listeners to the street of their childhood home in their newest single, “Rhodes Ave.” This nostalgia- and jazz-infused track conveys the strange dichotomy of, as frontman Josh Shaw describes, “the childhood feeling of wanting to live up to expectations with the grown-up experience of never feeling like enough.” Likewise, the verses chime in with a youthful flare, eventually condensing into the light fog of the chorus. Entering the chorus is what entering a cavernous home is like—first expecting familiar comforts, before tragically rearing back into a desperate search against the desolation. In his dwellings, Shaw wonders, “Are you here? / Is anyone home?” The question melds itself into a howl—a wolf’s call to all that’s gone. While the feeling of emptiness is shrouding, “Rhodes Ave” is open to all who come by—both uninvited, and alone.

Katya Myasnikova on September 25, 2020
Michael Flynn - Survive With Me

Michael Flynn - Survive With Me


On "Survive With Me," Michael Flynn finds a perfect balance between mischievous fun and severity. “Tell them that the world they love is never coming back,” he croons, “guess they should have put their faith in scientific fact.” It’s rare for an artist to manage such masterful sarcasm, but Flynn does it with ease. By setting little quips like “The paint is peeling off the moon” and “we’ll build a nest of thoughts and prayers,” over a classic Americana-style rock band, Flynn makes it clear that, while he is fed up with the hypocrisy of our times, he is still an American who intends to make it through. Maybe even to thrive, with some luck. Flynn’s voice is welcoming, almost chuckling at the absurdity he’s describing. The guitar’s distortion is just warm enough to make us feel like we’re at a local show. “Survive with me,” he invites us. Somehow, it might be the most hopeful message we’ve heard lately. 

Flynn's full album, Survive With Me, is out on October 13. Photo by Nathan Baerreis.

Mikhal Weiner on September 25, 2020
Masego - Passport

Masego - Passport


Two years after Masego’s debut album Lady Lady introduced the world to the artist’s one-of-a-kind "TrapHouseJazz" sound, “Passport” is here to take you away. In a summer that’s felt largely sour, Masego leaves us with the aftertaste of wanderlust and wishful thinking. He conjures up the mental and physical claustrophobia that accompanies staying in one place (or room) for too long. “I can’t wait to get out / things are lookin’ too familiar,” he sings over simple instrumentation. A Japanese koto gives the melody an ethereal twang. Well-rounded vocals make the most ordinary lyrics sensational, which Masego tackles in both English and Japanese. “Passport” is the latest single from a concept EP set to release later this year. 

Corinne Osnos on September 24, 2020
Sun June - Singing

Sun June - Singing


Back with their second single of the year, Sun June delivers another beautiful tune. The crux of the song finds the narrator waiting for the inevitable, “Waiting for [their] head to roll.” As the song progresses, that message grows stronger. But there’s no fear. The strength comes in acceptance, in moving forward. What stands out, in light of this courage, is the ease of the song. From the guitar sliding from chord to chord, to vocals gently observing the scene, the entire band is so comfortable and warm. And, it does feel like acceptance, like you can almost hear the smile peeking out around each “head to roll.” That feeling becomes explicit half way through. In a moment where the band could launch into an angry and elevated bridge, they choose the opposite. Pulling back completely, making room for the vocals and a hazy synth. Adding background vocals to support the earnest plea to move on. It’s with that support, and encouragement from the rest of the band’s new added energy, that lead singer Laura Colwell has a moment to shine, giving each delivery of the lyric a new sound and new shape. A charming and inviting sunny morning of a song.

Max Himelhoch on September 24, 2020
Your Grandparents - Tomorrow

Your Grandparents - Tomorrow


Celebrate Black joy with "Tomorrow," the seductive, funk-infused single from LA trio Your Grandparents. Psychedelic synths and bongo drums make for a retro, yet futuristic track that proves the trio won't be held down by genre. Slick harmonies tell a story they describe as "a funkadelic cry for reassurance from a lover." “Polite / Ain’t really yo thang,” they concede, "Say the word / I’ll make the move." Candid in their want, they move into a syncopated rap laced with allure and desire: "If I can taste your delectable / The nourishment, the nature / The plentiful," a sexy and mischievous way to honor the strength of women. With a debut album due out this year via The Orchard, "Tomorrow" is just a sultry and sophisticated taste of what's to come.

Ysabella Monton on September 24, 2020

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