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!
- Singin’ to an Empty Chair by Ratboys
This record is uptempo, fun, and in some spots, lighthearted. Traversing different parts of the rock genre, Ratboys swings from heavier, deep tracks like “Know You Then” to lighter, more upbeat songs later in the album. Based in Chicago, the band leans into folk-rock and, in some tracks, even emo rock. The guitar often uses pedals and distortion while staying light on the rhythm, which backs the soft vocals nicely. Our featured track this week is “Anywhere.”
- Glass Minds by The Archive
Going 4 for 4 with KCSU’s Weekly Gems, Glass Minds makes another appearance on our top 10 countdown. This week, I’d like to highlight some of The Archive’s other discography, such as their new release “Yahoo”, which leans into more electronics and effects within music. Their previous album, Controlling Crowds, is similar to other electronic rock music of the 2000s, while still setting up their new sound in Glass Minds. Our featured track this week is “Patterns”, which is similar to last week’s track “Where Am I”, taking the listener on an introspective journey of self-reflection.
- Feels Like Destiny by Skinny Hightower
This record is a fun mix of fusion, funk, and jazz rock. For lovers of the 70s jazz fusion scene, Feels Like Destiny is a modern treat. Utilizing mixing and overdubbing, Skinny Hightower includes Rhodes, piano, strings, and organ sounds that all contribute greatly to the cool, soulful feel of the album. Tracks like “Deeper Than You Think” showcase the musicianship of Hightower as well as the high production quality. Our featured track this week is “Chain Reaction”, a high-caliber fusion chart with exciting bass and fluid rhythms.
- Dirt Buyer III by Dirt Buyer
This folk-rock album is similar to some Peach Pit tracks in the soft, layered vocals over calm guitar lines. Dirt Buyer’s sophomore album showcases his lyrical abilities, with emotionally charged, poetic lines throughout the record. The drumming is an underappreciated aspect of the album, adding dynamic rhythms that emphasize the emotional change throughout the album as the listener journeys through reflection, loss, and acceptance of change. Our featured track this week is “Betchu Won’t”.
- Quicksand Heart by Jenny On Holiday
Jenny On Holiday has appeared previously on KCSU’s charts over the summer, and her energetic, vintage indie sound reflects lots of the character here at the station. While this is an older album, it still feels perfect for the late summer, fall semester vibes at CSU. Mixing emotional lyrics with energetic, pop-rock pads and 80s synth, Quicksand Heart feels youthful and evolving. Our featured track is “Every Ounce of Me”, which perfectly reflects the album’s overall feel and message.
- Made It! By Lucky Break
For fans of Phoebe Bridgers and Girlhouse, Lucky Break will feel right at home with other indie-rock, dreamy synth albums. Often, the lyrics on this record reflect back on childhood memories, especially focusing on girlhood and change. Lucky Break has made a few appearances on KCSU’s charts throughout the summer, and as the semester picks up, lots of these tracks provide comfort in familiar issues such as quick change, feelings of freedom, and reminiscing on childhood. For that reason, our featured track this week is “Burning String”.
- The Crooked Rugs by The Crooked Rugs
This Northern Colorado-based band has made a scene across Fort Collins and neighboring cities with their dark, distorted rock sound and progressive new album. Many students and residents know of the house show scene here at CSU, and this record is very reflective of that environment. Our featured track this week, “Breaking The Dawn”, has heavy distorted guitar lines that pull from older rock music, as well as deep, challenging lyrics.
- Electric Hour by Sword II
Sword II has a grungy, emo sound that maintains a modern feel from the electronic effects and floaty melodic guitar lines. The record has lots of grunge influence, especially in tracks like “Passionate Nun” that utilizes dissonant melodies over solid rhythmic blocking to push their alternative approach to rock music. Our featured track this week is the first tune off the album, “Disconnection”.
- Lost Weekend by Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers has released her new album, which had special releases at planetariums across the nation a few weeks ago. Her album has been received with open arms by new and old fans alike, as lots of her writing hits close to home with discussions of recovery, mental health support, grief, and love. This album has been acclaimed for the emotional storytelling and musicality, and our featured track, “Lost Weekend”, showcases some of Bridgers’ best work.
1. No Love Lost to Kindness by Yumi Zouma
This record is a soft, indie-rock project that holds emotionally charged lyrics and concepts that are translated into beautiful, sensitive music. Tracks like “Cowboy Without a Clue” are more rhythmic and forward in energy, while still telling a mournful story about moving on from familiarity. Our featured track this week, “95”, speaks as an artist about the struggles with expectations, growth, and the fear of what comes next after achieving your dreams.
Check back next week for more recapping of KCSU’s top 1o albums of the week!