Welcome back to Weekly Gems at KCSU! We are your hosts, KC Flanagan and Miriam Hill, and we are excited to update you on what KCSU has been spinning! Let’s get started!

10. Anarchy by Pretty Sick 

Anarchy is the sophomore album from Pretty Sick, an indie-rock project that incorporates shoegaze, rap, and bedroom pop into more classic rock sounds. The album ranges from distorted shoegaze rock to rap and pop beats. Pretty Sick is a solo project by Sabrina Fuentes, who has experience as a vocalist, bassist, and producer in NYC. Her choice to lean into distortion and modern beatmaking underneath shoegaze vibes creates a unique, harmonically interesting project. Our featured track this week is “Needles”. 

9. The Gem by Julia Jacklin 

Jacklin’s newest album, released back in September, was well-received as an emotional, heartbreaking folk record. The artist’s use of acoustic guitar and piano underneath her clear, powerful lyrics creates a singer-songwriter intimacy that promotes her message of desperation, love, and seeking acceptance. Several of her songs are about pushing people away when they get too close, keeping the artist’s persona mysterious and struggling. Our featured track this week is “You Turned On The Tap”. 

8. There Near by Dinosaur Jr 

There Near is pumped full of animalistic drumming, heavy guitar, and distinct vocals that all create an edgy, mature sound. After 20 years together, Dinosaur Jr has locked in a distinct sound with incredible connection within their record. J Mascis, on guitar and vocals, has mentioned that R.E.M. is a big inspiration, and generally writes lyrics according to his current inspirations in literature and life. Our featured song this week is “No Friends”, which juxtaposes depressing lyrics over an upbeat form. 

7. Melodie by Slow Pulp 

While previous albums have been distinctly Midwestern and shoegaze, Melodie shifts to a slightly newer sound that sets it apart from other indie-alt bands. The album investigates the feeling of being misunderstood and self-sabotage, which is a popular theme within Midwestern-alternative music and especially young adult and teenage indie music. Slow Pulp reaches their younger and older audiences in this album by connecting to them through the desire to be understood. Our featured track this week is “Melodie”. 

6. Acrobats by Sondre Lerche 

Utilizing string pads over top pop beats creates a romantic sound throughout the album. Sondre Lerche’s expressive vocals reflect on childhood, first love, and heartbreak across the entire record. He also implements complex harmonies that are spread across strings, guitar, and vocals, which make a full, warm sound underneath his heartfelt lyrics. Moving piano and guitar lines also create a subtle energy shift throughout the record, especially during emotional lyrical moments. Our featured track this week is “Little Kids”. 

5. The Midnight Hour by Yoko Miwa and Mikayla Shirley 

Yoko Miwa and Mikayla Shirley maintain an incredible energy throughout the record, considering the duo is only on piano and vocals. Miwa’s energetic comping and sensitivity give an exceptional space for Shirley’s vocals. The duo takes traditional standards and attacks them with an intimate, modern tone. Shirley’s soloing is reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald’s horn-inspired vocalization, and Miwa’s expressive and rhythmic backing makes for a full, harmonic sound. Our featured track this week is “But Not For Me”. 

4. Modernism by Perennial 

This album calls back to early 90s punk-rock, packing a huge punch in just under 2 minutes per song. Utilizing strong, spoken word over harsh, edgy harmonics creates a pure punk sound, calling back to garage bands and backyard mosh pits. Perennial’s dynamic shifts are extreme, which energize and intrigue the listener, and help to deliver the lyrical messages that sometimes are overshadowed by the uptempo guitar, bass, and drums. Our featured song this week is “Cloak and Dagger”. 

3. Pylon by Beabadoobee

Pylon is a harsh switch from Beabadoobee’s previous discography. While many know her as a soft, youthful indie musician, Pylon changes the narrative to show her darker, mature side. With collaborations with rock musicians such as Chino Moreno and Hayley Williams, Beabadoobee’s new record reflects her growth as a person and musician in the industry, setting her apart from many other artists who gained popularity in the early 2020s. Our featured song is “Radio”. 

2. Lost Weekend by Phoebe Bridgers 

Phoebe Bridgers is well known for her emotional, heart-wrenching lyrics and exceptionally deep messages of self-reflection, mental health struggles, and heartbreak. Throughout this album, Bridgers struggles with the loss of her father, a rough breakup, and trying to move forward with music. Often reflecting on childhood, fresh love, and slowing down to experience the world around her, Phoebe Bridgers delivers an emotionally complex listening experience. Our featured song is “Still Standing”. 

1. Mud by Remi Wolf

Mud was created during a period of artistic burnout for Remi Wolf. After working with her team and finding creative and social outlets, Wolf created an energetic and fresh record that has resonated strongly with her current audience, as well as brought in new fans. Many of us at KCSU have been loving the album, featuring it many times during our DJ-athon week. Remi Wolf’s fresh approach to indie music and implementing rock grooves into pop music has made her a favorite at the station. Our featured track this week is “Wine Drunk”. 

Check back next week for more recaps of KCSU’s top 10 albums of the week!