2017 in Music: Lorde

Now that we're at the halfway point of the year, I'd like to put up a handful of new music reviews as well as my top 5 or 10 albums of 2017 so far. However, I may have to post them tomorrow. For now, here's a review of Lorde's new album "Melodrama" (I wrote more than usual and figured I could make it a stand-alone post).

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Lorde - "Melodrama" (June 16, 2017)

I never would have guessed that a genuine art-pop concept album could make it in today's musical landscape, but Lorde pulled it off. Melodrama is a self-contained sprawling portrait of emotional evocation, full of slow pulsing beats, winding vocal landscapes, and lyrics that push the envelope of popular songwriting. Thoughtfully paced, it takes its time guiding you through the in's and out's of its meticulously structured music, allowing each song to connect and sink in they way they were meant to. While the album does have a properly modern sound, its artistic creativity is most obvious in the ways in which its minimalist approach fully meshes and plays with its pop-oriented leanings toward grandeur. Anticipating and denying the expectations for solo pop artists, this record simultaneously puts Ella Yelich-O'Connor fully on display as a person while highlighting her as the artist we know as Lorde. The spotlight is placed on the feelings conjured by her words and mostly-subdued voice rather than attempting to elevate her as the masterclass singer-songwriter her contemporaries often try to present themselves as. There isn't a single "big" song on it, but the beauty of this album is how perfect it is as a collection of tracks which come together to paint a picture of both relatability and individual personality most people have only wished to see in the realm of popular music. Melodrama certainly isn't a summer album meant to be played on repeat, nor does it pretend to be, but it is an album made to be appreciated. Her style of music may not be my preference, but Lorde has now fully piqued my interest, drawing me into her world. If it takes another 4 years to get album #3, I'll be patiently waiting. (Standout tracks, if you can call them that, include "Homemade Dynamite", "Sober II (Melodrama)", and "Supercut")

8.5/10

2017 in Music, Part 3

The New Pornographers - Whiteout Conditions (April 7, 2017)

In a single phrase, one hell of a fun album. Seamlessly weaving energetic synth-driven melodies and Talking Heads-esque art-pop aesthetics through a baroque, symphonic atmosphere, The New Pornographers have once again proven themselves to be one of the most interesting bands in the industry. Beautifully organized harmonies, ambient soundscapes, and an obvious instrumental expertise make up the backbone of this record, not only meant to be listened to but also fully appreciated. Standout tracks include "High Ticket Attractions", "Colosseums", and "Juke". 

9/10

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Mac DeMarco - This Old Dog (May 5, 2017)

Trading in most of his zany guitar chops for a more consistently-acoustic sound, Mac DeMarco seems to have found solace in a new kind of lo-fi. Although the production value of this record is slightly more polished, and there's a stronger embrace of the keyboard-driven sounds only hinted at before, the payoff is worth it. As always, this album is fueled by raw, uncompromising creativity, simultaneously exuding a unique take on genre bending alternative music as well as a newly personal sense of artistry in the truthful lyrics flowing underneath its bed of laid-back sonic pleasure. Standout tracks include "Baby You're Out", "A Wolf Who Wears Sheeps Clothes", and "On the Level". 

9/10

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Incubus - 8 (April 21, 2017)

A strong entry back into the music scene following a 6-year break in studio albums, this collection of songs is a welcome improvement on their previous effort. More concise and melodic, the album is a return to the band's beloved mix of chord-driven alt-rock and swelling ballads. But there is also a hint of experimentation, with newly found electronics peppered across the record, and even an instrumental track in the second half. All in all, this is a rather enjoyable album from the often-underrated Incubus. Standout tracks include "Nimble Bastard", "Loneliest", and "Love in a Time of Surveillance". 

8/10

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Pond - The Weather (May 5, 2017)

Never a band to stray away from the strange, Pond have put together another hypnotically provocative set of electronic tracks for their latest album. With their own brand of neo-psychedelic stylings, here they exhibit an effective mix of indie-tronic sound collages, mod-synth experimentation, and more pop-oriented hooks to create a wonderfully trippy journey through a record unlike anything else you're bound to come across. Check it out if you happen to know who they are. Standout tracks include "Sweep Me Off My Feet", "Edge of the World Pt. 1", and "The Weather". 

8/10

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On another note, the next two months will be full of new releases from the likes of Roger Waters, alt-J, Phoenix, Royal Blood, HAIM, and Arcade Fire. Should be a great summer.

As always, Happy Listening.

2017 in Music Continued... (Delayed Post)

Alright. 2017 in music, continued...with a bit more variety this time.

Kendrick Lamar - DAMN. (April 14, 2017)

A very intelligent and well-constructed album. Combining politically-aware, engaging lyrics with Kendrick's technical prowess and a steady soundscape of jazzy, R&B-infused beats, this is modern hip-hop at its finest. Rhianna and U2 also make for awesome guest artists. I enjoyed it, it made me think, go check it out. A great album all the way through, a few standout tracks include "FEEL.", "LUST.", and "FEAR." 

9/10

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Temples - Volcano (March 3, 2017)





Diverging from the 60s psychedelia of their debut album, Temples trades in their Tame Impala-inspired guitar and drums structure for a more interesting take on 70s space-rock meshed with modern electronica. Like ELO meets Wilco meets M83, this is a sonically brilliant record, and fun to get lost in. Standout tracks include "I Wanna Be Your Mirror", "In My Pocket", and "Roman Godlike Man".

8/10

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The Jesus and Mary Chain - Damage and Joy (March 24, 2017)






The band's first album in nearly 20 years, this is a welcome comeback from one of alt-rock's giants. There are plenty of nods to the band's noisy post-punk heyday, but this album deliberately brings itself closer to mainstream territory, and does it successfully. More akin to The Dandy Warhols than Joy Division, this is an eclectic but highly enjoyable addition to The Jesus and Mary Chain brand. Standout tracks include "All Things Pass", "The Two of Us", and "Presidici (Et Chapaquiditch)".

8/10

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Mastodon - Emperor of Sand (March 31, 2017)





While this record doesn't tread new territory, it's still a merciless ride with one of modern metal's most talented bands. Mixing the more polished production style of their latest efforts with the crunch they're known for, Mastodon has yet again unleashed an epic collection of songs that should please any fan. Standout tracks include "Show Yourself", "Roots Remain", and "Andromeda".

7/10

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As a friendly reminder, Royal Blood has also released their newest, long-awaited track, "Lights Out", hopefully pointing towards a new album this year. Update: Royal Blood's new album is coming out on June 16th.

Happy listening.