[Fashionable Idiot; 2023]
“Orange Over” is the latest song from the noise artist turned rapper turned indietronica rock artist Travis Miller, better known as Lil Ugly Mane. The song presents Miler singing over a light acoustic guitar backed by a hip-hop beat. It pushes further into the unique lane Milled carved for himself on his last album, Volcanic Bird Enemy and the Voiced Concern. On “Orange Over,” Miller sings abstract lyrics about prisoners and existentialism. He calls the concept of freedom “anachronism” and claims it never existed for him. In the chorus, he repeats, “Crossed over in the orange grove,” possibly a reference to a grove of orange prisoner jumpsuits. With most Lil Ugly Mane songs, the interpretation isn’t clear. Sonically and lyrically, this song is far different from the rapper’s debut, Mista Thug Isolation. The only thing that stays consistent over Lil Ugly Mane’s almost 14-year run is the fact that Travis’s music is something only he could create.
- By Lucan Furio, Contributor
Chappell Roan – “Coffee”
[Amusement / Island; 2023]
Chappell Roan is a name in the music industry that many have heard recently. Her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess has produced many pop radio hits, such as “HOT TO GO” and “Pink Pony Club,” which showcase the “rise” portion of her album. However, I feel as if people pay less attention to the “fall” of America’s favorite “Midwest Princess.” The song “Coffee” is one in particular that stands out to me on this album, with its solemn sound and melancholic story. I feel as if Roan’s sensitive songs should get an equal amount of attention as those where she presents herself in a more confident manner, which is exactly the reason why this song feels so special; it’s the first ballad that we hear chronologically from the album. As someone who enjoys true instrumentals on a track, the piano ballad for “Coffee” catches my attention when listening to this album as a whole. “Coffee” tells a tale of resenting love towards someone, as Chappell explains that “If we have wine / You’ll say that you want me / I know that’s a lie.” Meeting for coffee is seen as a more casual meetup, rather than an intimate one. The dramatic switch from club-like tunes to a sincere heartbreak is a true “come back to reality” moment.
- By Morgan Dilbone, Contributor
Winona Fighter – “I’M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE”
[Rise; 2024]
In September, I trekked with some friends up to Chicago for Riot Fest. I was excited to see bigger acts like The Offspring, Sum 41 and Fall Out Boy. However, the first band to play the main stage struck me with their tangible stage presence and electric setlist. This band was Winona Fighter and their track, “I’M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE,” instantly became my favorite from their set. With its rumbling bass line, chugging guitar and drilling drums, it’s a fast-paced head-banger. Its angry lyrics showcase lead singer Coco Kinnon’s frustration with misogyny and violence against women in the music scene through the lens of her past abusive relationship. It is raw, punk and what everyone needs to be spinning right now!
- By Brooke Phillips, Programming Director
[10K; 2024]
NYC-based rapper MIKE released his single titled “Pieces of a Dream” back in October. This jazzified, vibey track shows what the already established rapper does best. Without fail, MIKE always finds a way to captivate listeners through sampling hidden gems, instrumentals, beats and effortless flow. The rapper’s roots are in electronic/dance music. Releasing music under the alias DJ Blackpower, he’s shown an impeccable level of production in every track. From collabs with artists such as Liv.e, Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist, MIKE’s presence in the industry is loud and ever growing. Recently ending his tour with artists Niontay and El Cousteau, MIKE has already announced an Australia tour in December as well as a Europe and US tour beginning in February of next year. You can listen to “Pieces of a Dream” on all streaming platforms. Be on the lookout for more music from MIKE coming soon.
- By Tyler Callahan, Contributor
PACKS – “AmyW”
[Fire Talk; 2024]
“AmyW” is an instrumental gem by the Toronto indie rock band, PACKS. It comes from their album Melt the Honey, released in January of this year. The steady drums and heavy bass guitar are the standouts of this song. Without lyrics, the song focuses entirely on mood and atmosphere. There’s a dark, brooding quality and layered texture to the song that radiates a heavily nostalgic and oddly comforting vibe. “AmyW” is what you make it. I chose this song specifically because it emulates the feeling I get during the slow transition into cooler weather. The song opens with two guitars playing off of each other, gradually joined by drums until it slowly rises to a crescendo. To me, it perfectly encapsulates how I feel as the seasons change and the anticipation of a new year on the horizon. It’s like the song is the change itself in the form of a sound.
- By Jenell Taylor, Contributor
Squarepusher – “Iambic 9 Poetry (Remastered)”
[Warp; 2004 / 2024]
“Iambic 9 Poetry” — akin to its predecessor, “Iambic 5 Poetry” — is essentially Tom Jenkinson showing off. Ultravisitor, the album this track is home to, is easily Squarepusher’s most detailed and intricate album to date. During its harsher moments, Jenkinson pushes the grating genre of “drill & bass” to its limits, nearly bordering “breakcore” levels of drum programming. However, the album routinely slows things down with tracks such as “Iambic 9 Poetry,” which demonstrate Jenkinson’s ability to replicate the hectic programming onto an acoustic kit. Soft electric pianos and bright synth keys and plucks accompany the ever-evolving drums throughout the entirety of the nearly seven-minute display of nu jazz excellence. The track culminates in a short free form segment before ending somewhat abruptly, leading into the following track “Andrei.” I’m sure everyone can find some enjoyment out of this track and appreciate the blood, sweat and tears that went into it.
- Evan Little, Contributor
Jane Remover – “Flash in the Pan”
[deadAir; 2024]
Electronic artist Jane Remover’s recent single “Flash in the Pan,” out via deadAir records, comes on the heels of her 2023 album Census Designated. Having released music under many monikers spanning a period of years, her current solo project sees collaborations with artists including underscores, Frost Children and Danny Brown. “Flash in the Pan” is a frenzied track that lurches, jolts and oscillates through its three-minute-plus duration, guided by brash effects interspersed amid the artist’s vocals and backing beats. If this track — accompanied by “Dream Sequence,” “Magic I Want U” and “How To Teleport” — is indicative of Jane Remover’s forthcoming album, it’s evident that it will be one of note.
- Julia Weber, Editorial Director
Ka – “Borrowed Time”
[Iron Works; 2024]
Ka’s untimely death in October has been an incredible misfortune for the underground hip-hop community. His new album, The Thief Next to Jesus, is one of the best of the year. “Borrowed Time,” a track off his new album, is one of the most somber and powerful of the year, and carries more meaning after his untimely passing. Ka has been releasing solo albums since 2008, but this work is where his vision becomes fully realized. None of this is more apparent than on this standout track. Ka sings the last few lines on track, the most powerful being “Borrowed time when my time come / ‘Cause all my time wasn’t kind, son / Hope it’s borrowed time.” The sample plays the rest of the track out as his lines finish.
It’s a song that plays with life and legacy. His death unfortunately makes this album more powerful in the short time it’s been out.
- Cody Englander, Copy Editor
[Independent; 2024]
Ricky Montgomery released his new single, “Superfan,” on October 14, 2024. It was released independently, making it the first independent release from Montgomery since 2016. This single reflects on the criticism his second album Rick received, which was especially painful because of the extremely personal lyrics stemming from traumatic times in his life. With lyrics like “Bled my heart out pen to pad,” the personal lyrics are made very apparent. The song references the extreme fame he faced in 2020, when singles from his 2016 album Montgomery Ricky went viral on TikTok. This event is one of the reasons why his label, Warner Records, had such high hopes for Rick to commercially succeed. He mentions the pressure put on him by Warner in “Superfan,” saying, “I sang sad songs about my dad / And turns out no one’s into that.” This song is Montgomery’s way of breaking free from Warner Records and becoming his own artist, and his own Superfan.
- Quinn Carmicheal, Contributor
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