by Shannon Smith
Father John Misty—born Joshua Michael Tillman—has made a career as an enigmatic figure, both a purveyor of biting social satire and a seeker of deeper existential truths. His journey from J. Tillman’s introspective acoustic folk roots to the lush, expansive sonic palette of Father John Misty has been marked by continuous reinvention. Mahashmashana, his sixth album, is the latest chapter in that evolution. The album speaks with a voice more intimate than Pure Comedy, but more expansive than God’s Favorite Customer. This album, co-produced by Tillman and Drew Erickson, invites listeners into an exploration of [...]
by Shannon Smith
Lotte Gallagher’s debut EP, A Better Feeling, is a striking entry into the alt-rock landscape, reflecting her musical roots and raw, emotive lyricism. As a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Northside Melbourne, Gallagher has already made a name for herself, impressing Triple J tastemakers and earning a top-five finalist spot in the 2023 Unearthed High competition. With influences ranging from the 90s grunge scene to the modern indie sounds of Phoebe Bridgers and Angie McMahon, her music feels organic, refreshingly blending angst with introspection.
Opening with “Gasoline,” a slow-burning track [...]
In the bustling indie-pop music scene, a song emerges every once in a while that encapsulates a moment, a feeling, a shared experience. “Street Dog” by The Ivy is one such song—a moody sojourn through lanes of introspection and self-discovery. As the first notes play, you’re immediately enveloped in a low-fi drum pattern, reminiscent of those old cassette tapes we’d play on loop. But, when those vocals kick in? Pure auditory bliss in high def.
One might argue, “Is it the hazy guitars that set the tone, or the punchy vocals that tug at the heartstrings?” The answer, my fellow music enthusiasts, is both. The Ivy, [...]
“Lakehouse:” The enigmatic SYBLING sisters
SYBLING, composed of the enigmatic sisters Alice and Mariana Makwaia, offers listeners an auditory journey with their latest single, “Lakehouse,” a vital chapter in their forthcoming EP, Strange Ways.
From the moment you press play, SYBLING masterfully blends folk and electronica as “Lakehouse” surrounds you with electronic wind sounds and an arpeggiated acoustic guitar pattern. The synergy between the sisters’ vocals is uncanny, casting a spell that’s both enchanting and unsettling. Their harmonization amplifies the [...]
