Welcome back to Weekly Gems at KCSU! I’m your host for this semester, KC Flanagan, and I’m excited to recap what we’ve been spinning over the summer. Let’s get started!
- SEE YOU WHEN I GET BACK by Inner Wave
Blending synthpop, rock, and Latin beats, See You When I Get Back is fresh and cool. Inner Wave is based out of Los Angeles, and this record plays like a reflection of the city itself. The lead vocalist and guitarist Pablo Sotelo takes inspiration from The Strokes with his guitar lines. The record is reminiscent of The Now Now by Gorillaz, in the crunchy chords and dramatic mixing. Our feature track this week is “Pull”.
- Arms Around The World by Arms Around The World
This record strives for the grungy, vintage feel of the Pacific Northwest. Based in Seattle, Arms Around The World is experimental in their approach to writing with an older feeling. The group emphasizes how they want to experience music as a process, and this album reflects their artistic process with tracks such as “Denial”. Our feature track for this week is “Also Ran”.
- Glass Minds by The Archive
If you’re searching for introspective, dark music, Glass Minds is the record for you. Uncompromising and challenging the form, The Archive has delivered an electronic, synth feel that features grungy and driving chords. Glass Minds is the follow-up to the band’s previous album, Call To Arms & Angels. Our feature track is “Broken Bits”.
- Atlanta by Gnarls Barkley
Reminiscent of old soul with a new beat, Gnarls Barkley delivers an emotional and clean record. Featuring CeeLo Green’s vocal ability, the duo wastes no time showcasing their musicality and message. Starting with “Tomorrow Died Today,” the album focuses on challenging perspective with their expressive lyrics. Our feature track is “Turn Your Hearts Back On”.
- Dirt Buyer III by Dirt Buyer
This record is reminiscent of early 2010’s emo rock music, and its themes of isolation and angst are portrayed delicately in the lyrics. Dirt Buyer has taken inspiration from folk and emo music to write his second album, released earlier this year. Heavy distortion creates a stormy atmosphere for the album’s darker themes, while subtle guitar riffs help to lift some of the tracks back up. Our feature track this week is “Multizeal”.
- The Crooked Rugs by The Crooked Rugs
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, The Crooked Rugs have delivered an exceptional old-soul rock album. They feature distorted guitar and driving melodic lines throughout the whole album. The Crooked Rugs are making their mark on the Northern Colorado local music scene. Our featured track is “Reflector”.
- Solaire by Yael Naim (Yai-el Naa-eem)
Coming from Paris, France, Solaire is a synthy, pop album with sailing vocals. This album challenges perspectives with airy, dreamy lyrics and melodic electronics. Tracks such as “Dream” have layered vocals and shimmering chords, while later in the album, Naim delivers emotional, dark performances. Our featured track is “What’s In Your Soul”.
- Born Funky by Bellaire
Bellaire has created a unique jazzy, hip-hop feel with his first album, Born Funky. Blending jazz and electroswing with house music, he’s manipulated horns and electronics to give the listener an exciting album to party with. Bellaire takes inspiration from new jazz and the French house scene. Our featured track is “Autumn Blues”.
- Waking Up by Annabelle Chairlegs
If you’re looking for alternative, groovy rock music, Waking Up is the perfect record for you. In tracks like “Sally”, guitar riffs and vocal lines blend together to create an off-putting, catchy sound that is accompanied by driving drum beats. Taking inspiration from retro and dad-rock sounds, Waking Up is sure to excite you. Our featured track is “Above It All”.
- In Search Of A Revival by The Olympians
Our top album of the week is an orchestral, soulful record with funky horn features. The record has a retro R&B vibe with accompanying piano and horn hits that emphasize the feel-good nature of some tracks such as “Strawberry Kiwi”. The record stays modern while drawing from the past, and the composition is innovative. Our featured track for this week is “A Little Something”.
Check back next week for a new edition of Weekly Gems where we’ll cover our back-to-school airplay from this week.