[Sommer House; 2025]
Zara Larsson, most commonly known for her hit track “Lush Life” released in 2015, is back and better than ever with her new album Midnight Sun. The title track from the album is catchy and simply infectious. This new album shows off a sort of Lisa Frank-esque style that is wildly nostalgic for so many. Not only does Larsson show off her insane vocals on the track, but she also showcases her amazing dance skills in her live performances. The track begins with a short loop played throughout and immediately hooks the listener. Just before showing off her amazing vibrato in the chorus, Larsson uses bass and hi-hat that builds a crazy anticipation for the beat drop – let’s just say it does not disappoint. This track has everything a pop girly would love in a song and cannot go unnoticed this time around. The industry failed Zara Larsson as a pop princess once and she can’t be failed again.
- Eileen Fortner, News Editor
Motion City Soundtrack, feat. Patrick Stump – “Particle Physics”
[Epitaph Records; 2025]
From their first record in over a decade, The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World, Motion City Soundtrack releases the catchy and upbeat single, “Particle Physics.” The synth-heavy track features and is co-written by Fall Out Boy’s vocalist/rhythm guitarist, Patrick Stump, who originally conceived the riff and chorus for the song. Given Motion City Soundtrack’s and Fall Out Boy’s long history together, this recent team-up feels nostalgic and destined. MCS lead singer Justin Pierre and Stump’s vocals match layer one another seamlessly, offering a familiar feeling from past Stump and Pierre’s collaborations, like Fall Out Boy’s “Chicago Is So Two Years Ago” and “Everything Is Alright” by Motion City Soundtrack. The lyrics are littered with pop culture references, courtesy of Pierre’s lyrical whimsy and create an interesting metaphor for struggling to connect with people. Even if you’ve never been a huge Motion City Soundtrack fan, I highly recommend you give this track a listen!
- Brooke Phillips, Programming Director
Wednesday – “Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)”
[Dead Oceans; 2025]
Wednesday is a rock band from Asheville, NC, formed in 2017. They released their fifth album Bleeds in September of this year. “Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)” is a firecracker track all about trying to keep your head above water. The song’s title comes from Evan Gray’s poetry book, Thickets Swamped in Fence-Coated Briars, according to lead singer Karly Hartzman. This track sounds like the very beginning of a harsh winter or like summer’s slow decline, depending on how it strikes you. Hartzman’s gentle vocals steadily build to a blinding scream, accompanied by reeling guitar and heavy symbol crashes. What makes this track stand out on Bleeds is the slow build. It embodies the universal disappointment of when you’ve tried your absolute best, and still it wasn’t enough. “Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)”, is simultaneously the pain of rejection and the euphoria of daring to try your luck once more.
- Jenell Taylor, Columns and Features Editor
[Father Figure; 2025]
On September 26, the up-and-coming band Fake Dad, who is based in LA, released their single “Invader.” Compared to their previous works, this song brought a whole new energy – almost punk – to their sound. From the catchy beat to the intriguing vocals, this song encapsulates energy and spits it out. The fast-paced and upbeat feel makes you want to get up and jump around, but there is also an angst to it, especially since the song’s lyrics are pointing out manipulative behavior. The bass line is groovy and the background vocals are grungy, with a fun vocal inflection used throughout the chorus. Definitely looking forward to more like this from this band!
- August Paree, Contributor
[CHARM; 2025]
On October 10, emerging artist Lorelei Salone released their single “Old Dog.” This song emerged just in time for the gloomy chill of late October air and contemplative late-night walks. In this new single, Salone explores a more alternative indie sound than their past releases, featuring a gritty guitar riff and grainy drums. The lyrics came to Salone in their sleep, with the artist quoting on their TikTok, “About a month ago, I woke up from a nightmare, and I started writing in my journal. After l was done, I used some of what l wrote as lyrics and recorded the song.” Overall, this song is a dark and dreamy tune that brings October to its Halloween close!
- Anika Arcikauskas, Contributor
Marc-Antoine Barbier – “Ciel et Mer”
[Not Not Fun; 2025]
Musée Des Espèces, the debut solo album by French-Canadian composer and sound designer Marc-Antoine Barbier, is a collection of ambient vignettes that sound remarkably alive. “Ciel et Mer” is perhaps the clearest example of the album’s modus, which seeks to blend the sounds of nature (specifically drawing on the study of soundscape ecology) with whimsical, carefully textured electronic effects. The track opens with a flurry of sparkling, insect-like chirps, which give way to jazz-inflected melodic phrases and a looping bass tone that burbles and churns like a thick soup. “Ciel et Mer” brings forth a sense of warmth and wonder that would be welcome at any time of year, but becomes especially effective amidst the changing October weather.
- Grant Kelly, Reviews Editor
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