Welcome back to Weekly Gems at KCSU! I’m your host for this semester, KC Flanagan, and I’m excited to update you on what KCSU has been spinning! Let’s get started!
- Made it! by Lucky Break
Lucky Break released their debut album “made it!” earlier in May, and it has since taken the indie-rock world by storm. Often recommended for listeners of Fiona Apple and Phoebe Bridgers, Lucky Break reflects the challenges young adults are experiencing in the modern age. Tracks like “Camp Song” and “Crush” reminisce about losing childhood innocence, complete with introspective lyrics and floaty guitar lines. Our featured track for this week is “Pictures of Herself”, an upbeat retrospective about lost connections and regaining authority.
- Glass Minds by The Archive
The Archive has delivered a dark, soul-searching rock album that has been on KCSU’s charts for a few weeks now. Glass Minds showcases electronic, grungy vibes that the band delivers across tracks like “Broken Bits.” The album challenges perspectives and challenges the listener with their crunchy, metal sound. Our featured track this week reflects The Archive’s message in “Look At Us,” a driving rock track with a slightly creepy feel to it.
- Atlanta by Gnarls Barkley
Atlanta is a collaboration between modern r&b and old soul music. CeeLo Green has exceptional vocals throughout the album, notably on “Sweet Evil”. The album feels like a modern twist on older tunes, specifically adding more hip-hop and R&B influences through electronics, vocal effects, and composition. The album also includes several songs that speak about cultural issues, anxiety about change, and evolving with modern music. Our featured track this week is called “Pictures” and has a smooth groove with lyrical storytelling.
- Solaire by Yael Naim
Solaire is a reflection of pop music set into synthy, electronic pads. The album is dreamy and lyrical, and Naim’s vocals are the pride of each track. Setting her soft, smooth vocals against heavier beats, such as in “Wow”, Solaire is a uniquely modern album. Our featured track for this week is “Everything’s Gone”, an emotionally charged track with soft, chiming piano backing Naim’s exploration into a world of “what ifs”.
- See You When I Get Back by Inner Wave
This album has jumped up a few spots in KCSU’s weekly top 10, and for good reason. Inner Wave’s almost alien-sounding rock tracks are inspired by artists such as The Strokes and Gorillaz. Mixing electro, rock, Latin, and grunge influences, the album takes listeners on a journey of genre-shifting excitement. Our featured track this week is “Only For Your Eyes”, which has choice distortion aiding in the off-putting nature of the dissonant track.
- Even The Devil Smiles by .idk.
Even The Devil Smiles is an innovative hip-hop album that blends jazz and soul with modern hip-hop. Parts of the album, such as “Devil”, remind me of 90’s hip-hop music with the drive and effects added to the beat behind the form-breaking lyrics. This record is a fresh listening experience, especially for new hip-hop listeners. Our featured track for this week is “P.O”, which is in collaboration with Black Thought and Likkle Jordie.
- Great Horizon by d’Lovelies
Coming from Lyons, Colorado, d’Lovelies have a genre-shifting approach to their songwriting, mixing smooth saxophone with soulful harmonies. Tracks such as “Gone for Good” have stories woven into their lyrics, accompanied by a combo horn section. Many of the horn solos are showcases of strong musicianship that stay palatable for the average listener. Our featured track this week is “Early Fall in Eunice”, a more somber feel than some other parts of the album.
- Electric Hour by Sword II
Sword II is equipped with a grungy, alternative sound across their discography. Their sound is reminiscent of early 2000s grunge music but with a modern feel to it. Electric Hour is an older album, released in November 2025; however, it still feels newer due to the different songwriting techniques, such as adding vocal distortion, acoustic and electric guitar mixing, and energetic drumming. Our featured track for this week is “Passionate Nun”, which is a transformative track that tells a story in its instrumental features that support the lyrics.
- The Crooked Rugs by The Crooked Rugs
The Crooked Rugs are another local band from Northern Colorado, and their sound is very reflective of the house-show scene in Fort Collins. Heavy, distorted guitars and deep, challenging lyrics make this album very similar to some darker grunge albums from the 1990s. This album has been on the Weekly Gems for 2 weeks in a row and for good reason. Our featured track “Back Porch” differs from the rest of the album by creating a soft, acoustic environment for the listener to seek comfort in.
- Born Funky by Bellaire
Born Funky is a mixture of jazz, house, and electro-swing music that originated in French house music. Bellaire has created a uniquely funky vibe with this album, mixing new jazz with electronics to create a new take on electro-swing. “Autumn Blues” was our featured track last week due to its softer vibe and energetic piano. Our featured track this week, however, is “House Jam Number 3,” which feels like passing by a jazz jam between friends.
Check back next week for more recapping of KCSU’s top 1o albums of the week!