10) Phantogram – “Memory of a Day” (2024)

Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter formed Phantogram in Greenwich, New York in 2007. The duo have been friends since childhood but did not begin collaborating as musicians until Barthel returned from college, not happy with pursuing a degree in visual arts. The group originally went by the name Charlie Everywhere, but upon signing with their first label, Barely Breaking Even, they changed to Phantogram. The name refers to optical illusions in which 2D images appear in 3D, which is reflective of how they feel about their overall sound.
The highlighted track, “Move In Silence” builds into a rich soundscape.

9) Thee Sacred Souls – “Got A Story To Tell” (2024)

The sophomore album from this San Diego band is the result of the hard knocks they faced, both individually and as a group, during the tour of their 1st record. Having some more experience led the group to make music with a heavier, darker sound and more personal lyrics. The group’s timeless sound can be in part attributed to their appreciation for history and deep love for the craft.
This week’s highlighted track, “My Heart Is Drowning” takes inspiration from 60’s girl groups and Jamaican rocksteady.

8) Half Waif – “See You At The Maypole” (2024)

Ananda Rose Plunkett, known as Half Waif, is a former member of Pinegrove who broke out on her own in 2014. Since then, she has released 6 full-length albums and 1 EP. Known for utilizing synthesizers to create a dreamy sound, this new album is full of melancholy songs that reflect some personal tragedies the artist has been dealing with. The heavy subject matter is balanced by the singer’s attempts to create her own path of hopefulness.
The highlighted track, “Fog Winter Balsam Jade” explores feelings of abandonment and disappointment.

7) Lunar Vacation – “Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire” (2024)

Lunar Vacation, a 5-piece pop-rock band from Atlanta is back with their sophomore album, “Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire”. This album comes from a place of cohesion, as the band’s members all live together and create music together. With so many voices on the project, it can be easy to have something come out discombobulated; however, the group used an abundance of ideas to their advantage to create a dynamic set of songs. Drawing inspiration from many sounds like shoegaze and synth, and using different tempos to create peaks and valleys, this album is guaranteed to draw in listeners of all kinds of music.
This week’s highlighted track, “Just For Today” is an airy and bright tune with delicate vocals.

6) Zamilska – “United Kingdom of Anxiety” (2024)

This Polish electronic producer got her start early in life. Upon graduating from university, she led workshops in electronic music production. After her debut album, “Untune”, her music was featured in Dior fashion shows, video game soundtracks, and nominations for many awards. Zamilska’s music features grunge undertones and has a very intense sound which has lent itself well to soundtracks. The artist’s work has also been recommended by artists who delve into similar sounds, including Iggy Pop and Nine Inch Nails.
The highlighted track, “I Had A Dream” has an industrial and heavy sound, with a droning quality.

5) Jamie XX – “In Waves” (2024)

Since 2006, James Thomas Smith has been a part of the musical world. Beginning with the band The xx, Smith honed his talent for sampling and remixing before going out under the name Jamie xx to release solo work. He received acclaim for remixes of a Gil Scott-Heron album, “I’m New Here”, entitled “We’re New Here”. Most notably his remix of the song “I’ll Take Care of You” was used as the base of Drake and Rihanna’s 2011 hit “Take Care”. In this new album, Jamie xx uses the staple sounds of house music with some R&B samples to create an irresistibly danceable set of songs. The use of horn also adds a lot of flare to the album on tracks like “Baddy On The Floor” and “Life”. “In Waves” also features many of the artist’s longtime collaborators like The Avalanches, and Romy who was also a member of The xx.
The highlighted track, “Baddy On The Floor” features Honey Dijon and is the perfect blend of jazz and house.

4) Lunar Noon – “A circle’s round” (2024)

Lunar Noon is a musical project headed up by Michelle Zheng. They are based out of San Francisco making music known for expansive instrumentation with personal lyrics. Some of Zheng’s biggest influences include Björk, Imogen Heap, and Debussy. Their latest album, “A circle’s round” is the result of over two years of work, detailing overcoming hardships and finding peace.
The highlighted track, “Peripheral” is driven by drums and piano to push its unique time signature.

3)FKA twigs – “EUSEXUA” (2025)

Eusexua is the latest project from English singer FKA twigs. This album comes after the release of her “Caprisongs” mixtape in 2022 and expands on musical themes including danceability, sensuality, and rhythm. The singles leading up to this song included the title track, “Perfect Stranger”, and “Drums of Death”. All of these were released with music videos that highlight twigs’ visual creativity and dance skills.
This week’s highlighted track, “Striptease” is expansive and glamorous in both vocals and production.

2) Talking Heads – “‘77 (Live at CBGB)” (1977)

Talking Heads is a band that needs no introduction at KCSU. Both of us music directors as well as some of the DJs have an affinity for all things new wave or David Byrne related. We usually get a few songs played throughout the week, but right before we left for winter break, we added a remaster of the band’s debut, “‘77”. This remaster also happens to be the live versions of the tracks played at the legendary CBGB nightclub in New York City where many other famous rock bands like Blondie and The Ramones have played. This album features some of the songs that gave the public a taste of what would come to be Talking Heads staples.
The highlighted track, “Take Me to the River” is the groups infamous cover of Al Green’s track, they slow it down here to create a memorable tune.

1) The Linda Lindas – “No Obligation” (2024)

This girl group is made up of Bela Salazar, Eloise Wong, and sisters Lucia and Mila de la Garza. The Linda Lindas are keeping the 90s Riot Grrrl sound alive with their punk rock energy and lyrics about social justice. The group was offered the opportunity to soundtrack the Netflix movie “Moxie” (2021) after acclaimed screenwriter Amy Poehler saw the foursome open for Bikini Kill in Hollywood. Since then, the group has made quite the impact in the music world, earning acclaim from legends such as Tom Morello and Kid Cudi.
The highlighted track, “Nothing Would Change” channels a rock sound and is highly energetic.