[Island Records; 2024]
Remi Wolf’s sophomore album Big Ideas was released last July, launching her into a more pop, soul-infused sound that shows off her impressive vocal range and quirky lyricism. “Wave” is a standout song, and one I’ve been listening to a lot lately because the groovy bass line and grunge production really encapsulate Wolf’s frustrations with being in a long-distance relationship. I think the angst and desperation she feels is something that many listeners can relate to, whether they’re in platonic or romantic relationships. In all, it’s a fun track to listen to and proves Wolf is not to be undermined as a pop singer.
- Grace Koennecke, Managing Editor
[WORLD MUSIC; 2024]
- “Greaser” is a bright and jaunty tune by The Crying Nudes, a project by an artist of an unknown origin. Our only clue is that they have a single produced by British music producer and DJ Vegyn, titled “Jawbreaker.” Acknowledging that I may be more than several weeks early for the arrival of spring, “Greaser” encapsulates the slow thaw of transitioning from winter’s frosty bite to the soft comfort of spring. It seems that listening to “Greaser” is only the precursor for beguiling and fortunate times ahead. Though it isn’t four-leaf, the gleaming clover on the track’s cover is a manifestation of this. The Crying Nudes might not have given us their identity, but they did leave us something just as irreplaceable – anticipation.
- Jenell Taylor, Contributor
[Twelve6 Entertainment; 2024]
With this new year, Americana is in! Abbie Callahan’s music is among the best of new emerging Americana artists. Just recently discovering Callahan’s music, “Marry Jane” instantly had me hooked. Since the very first time I heard this song back in December, it has been playing in the back of my mind all the time. The most captivating part of this song is the incredibly catchy melody that makes you want to start stomping and clapping your hands. Not only is the melody captivating but the wonderful play on words makes this song incredibly fun to sing in the shower. Everyone needs a bit of a relatable, catchy tune to get them through these cold winter months!
- Eileen Fortner, Contributor
Del Water Gap – “All We Ever Do Is Talk”
[Mom + Pop Music; 2024]
After discovering this artist as the opening act for Niall Horan’s “The Show: Live on Tour,” I immediately fell in love with Samuel Jaffe and his onstage persona as Del Water Gap. I was obviously there to see Niall Horan, but it took me by surprise that the opening act was so good and eventually someone I dove deeper into. While his whole discography is worth giving a listen to, the song “All We Ever Do Is Talk” is an alternative beat about a relationship that once was. The repetitive melody of the song and the question of “What happened?” will pull any listener into his music, especially seeing this specific performance live. Del Water Gap is definitely someone to look out for in the alternative scene.
- Morgan Dilbone, Contributor
Paramore – “Burning Down the House”
[A24; 2024]
Last year, the ever-evolving and long-standing band Paramore released their cover of a Talking Heads’ classic, “Burning Down the House.” Their rendition is a piece of the puzzle that was a collaborative tribute album titled Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense. The album features artists such as Lorde, The Linda Lindas, girl in red and Miley Cyrus. Though each artist brings something different to the table, Paramore’s cover is simply untouchable. Their interpretation of the track is striking and transformative in a way that only comes from a history of admiration and study of Talking Heads’ legacy. Frontwoman Hayley Williams praised the band time and time again, even crediting inspiration to them for Paramore’s 2017 album After Laughter, which features poppy instrumentals, reminiscent of members Tina Weymouth and David Bryne’s own work. Williams brings a certain grit to the song; a distinct joy and passion that is evident in her voice. Though a powerhouse in her own right, guitarists Taylor York and Brian Robert Jones, along with drummer Zac Farro, help bring to life the spirit of the original and iconic 80’s tour of Stop Making Sense. It is undeniable that their tribute honors Talking Heads’ ever-lasting influence on music, and blows every other cover out of the water.
- Sage Spirk, Contributor
[#Boyz Entertainment LLC / EMPIRE; 2024]
Free at last, Rio Da Yung Og is back and out for blood. The Flint, MI-based rapper was released on Dec. 11 after almost four years in prison for one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In the month since his release, Rio released the album RIO FREE, a testament to his time in prison and the hardship Rio had preserved. “Shake Back,” the second track on the album, lyricizes the rapper’s thoughts on his time away and how it feels to be back home. “Sixty months in the feds, I can take that,” Rio rapped, “Worked my way up, I had to crawl in.” Despite the hiatus, Rio will forever stand as a Midwest/Michigan street-rap staple. Rio’s bar “Only thing I’m really worryin’ ‘bout is gettin’ my weight back” is an indication of his step back into the spotlight. With Rio back in the game, keep a lookout for new drops coming soon.
- Tyler Callahan, Contributor
[City Slang; 2024]
Lambrini Girls’ debut record, Who Let The Dogs Out, is packed full of high-energy bangers ready to be unleashed onto the listener’s ears like a punch to the face. One particular song stands out the most to me, which is the fourth track on the record titled “No Homo.” The song has an almost Hole-like flare to it with its grumbly bass line, booming kick drum and driving guitar riff, which makes it instantly catchy. Its lyrics depict the queer struggle of opening up about crushing on someone who may or may not feel the same way, downplaying the interaction with the slang phrase, “No homo!” The juxtaposition between the heart-felt compliments, like “Dressed like a daydream, I’ll get down on one knee / Ethereal reflection, the sun rises just for her” and the immediate cut off of “No homo” is almost like a slap in the face. It’s accurate and relatable, and the viewer can hide behind the fear just like the lyrics hide behind the playfulness of the instrumentals. Overall, I highly recommend this track, especially for other queer folks who simply get it!
- Brooke Philips, Programming Director
Greg Mendez – “Alone”
[Dead Oceans; 2024]
Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Greg Mendez released his most recent EP First Time / Alone in October, and it has solidified its spot in my rotation ever since. After his self-titled album was released in 2023 and received widespread acclaim, his new release follows in a similar direction of stripped-back, simple and gut-wrenching songs. The strum of his guitar and backing harmonies accompany an uncomplicated (though, certainly, by no means ineffective) melody. In his music, Mendez hones in on the details, twisting the knife where you didn’t even know it would hurt. As the sentiment goes, the more specific a detail is, the more universal its impact will be. If you’re searching for a soundtrack to a dreary and dreaded winter, Greg Mendez might just be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
- Julia Weber, Editorial Director
ACRN.COM 
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