With all of these bands that I love releasing albums practically back to back recently, the fact that Wallows dropped their third full length album, Model, last week with basically no promotion came as quite a surprise to me. A pleasant one, but still. Even though I follow them on social media, I must not be in the know enough for eavesdropping advertising or just straight up fan posts to fall through the cracks and into my feeds.
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The Rest of the Best of 2022
That’s right, we’re talking books, albums, podcasts, and of course, concerts.
Read moreFan Art Friday: Wallows
Look, I had every intention of getting this drawing done before I saw Wallows perform back in May, but here we are in the middle of September. Oh, well! At least it’s done before I get to see them again next month at Austin City Limits!
Read moreWallows Concert Review
You know, back when I bought my ticket to see Wallows, I think I did so reluctantly. Their first album was kind of a flop in my eyes, but they’ve had a bunch of really catchy songs and EPs since then. When they recently released their sophomore effort, Tell Me That It’s Over, I was finally convinced that I made the right choice. And having come back from the concert, I can confirm that I did!
Read moreWallows – Tell Me That It’s Over Album Review
Even though I am going to see Wallows over the summer, I was a little nervous to hear their full-length sophomore effort. Their debut had really strong singles, but I was overall supremely disappointed by it, and I was kind of expecting the same thing here. Fear not! Tell Me That It’s Over was actually quite nice!
Read moreSunday Singles
It’s that time again – new music! Several bands have put out new tracks recently, and I thought it best to let you know my opinion on them. Let’s dive in!
Read moreNew Music: Singles Edition
I love new music and here’s a bunch of it!
Foster the People
“Chin Music for the Unsuspecting” – I suppose this is new to me but old to the band because it’s another unreleased track from Torches…ten years ago. It’s quite different from anything I’ve heard from the band before! It’s pretty stripped back for them. By that I mean there’s no synths or pre-programmed sounds. Most prominently is the piano, with a solid drum beat accompanying it. Despite its lack of synths, I could have seen this complimenting “Miss You” off the initial release. Something about it just feels like it would have been a natural flow. After one listen, I don’t love this song, but I love Foster the People and I know this will make its way into rotation soon.
Bullet for My Valentine
“Rainbow Veins” – For the band claiming they’re reverting back to their hardcore roots, this is a pretty light song title. And I suppose, in a way, compared to the other two singles released this is a “lighter” song. Vocally, at least. Matt Tuck is able to float effortlessly between almost whispered strained singing to ripping screams. The lyrics are quite dark, but I’d expect nothing less from this band. Feelings are always visceral for them and this entry is no different. I like how opposite this song sound compared to the others and it’s got me more eager to listen to the rest of the album when it comes out later this month. Could be a more well-rounded album than I was initially going to give it credit for.
AFI
“Caught” – New AFI?! It’s at least new to us. The band really loved this song but felt it didn’t go with the flow of the record. Thankfully they didn’t choose to scrap it, and instead they even chose to share it with all of us! We are truly blessed. I can see what they mean about it not really fitting with the rest of the album. This song is about as close to a ballad as I’ve ever heard from them. It’s bare bones with just guitar, but it’s beautiful and shows off Havok’s always perfect vocals. I do hope his song finds its way into a live setting (could give Adam’s arms a break), but it if not, at least we got it like this.
Ghost
“Hunter’s Moon” – Ghost just keeps giving us little treats and I’m here for it! Especially in lieu of a new record. Everything they’ve done recently I have to imagine has been so fun, and getting to do a song for the Halloween Kills soundtrack has to be right up there! I know the movies are taking place in present day, but this song transports me back to all of the 80s hair metal I’ve listened to in the past (sorry, wasn’t alive back then to enjoy it in its prime). Also lyrically, how can you not think of Michael Myers following you around and stalking you from a distance? This song will likely become very addictive, but in the meantime it has me pumped to go see Halloween Kills next weekend!
Miles Kane
“Caroline” – The latest single off of Miles Kane’s upcoming release definitely carries the same vibe from “Don’t Let It Get You Down.” Especially in the way the saxophone really punches it up. Plus it’s upbeat and seems very danceable. In fact, I’d much rather be hearing about this Caroline at a wedding than the typical one…just saying. It’s got a real oldies quality to it, but I find that I really enjoy it! Aside from that, there are parts of the song where my brain immediately switched to Kings of Leon’s “Supersoaker,” which I suppose is a compliment. I really like that song, so if I’m getting reminded of it, he’s doing something right without copyright infringement happening. This continues to have me excited for the full record in January.
Wallows
“I Don’t Wan to Talk” – Wallows have been hit or miss for me in the past, but did that stop me from buying a ticket to their 2022 tour? Absolutely not. Despite not all of their music resonating with me, I can still appreciate and really enjoy the songs I do like. This new single lands somewhere in the middle. I appreciate the use of the harmonica. I like seeing Cole on acoustic guitar (in the video at least). I don’t like that weird little chirpy noise they’ve got rolling through the whole track, but I can ignore it in certain parts. Sometimes Dylan Minnette’s monotone vocals get me nervous, but I think over time he’s found a way to make it work for their music and that is no exception here. Who knows, maybe after a few more listens this will click with me more. We shall see.
Mediocre Music Review: Bad Suns & Wallows
Sad to report that this weekend I listened to two pretty disappointing new releases.
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