In No Particular Order – March 13, 2020
There’s no denying it: things have gotten weird this week. Cancellations, self-isolation, and hoarding of toilet paper seem to be hijacking headlines this week, so hopefully this week’s In No Particular Order can bring some quality updates to your life and your newsfeed.
There were a handful of fantastic albums released this week, and as the arts industry takes a hit from the current world health situation, supporting your favourite artists is more important than ever currently. So don’t be shy – pay for a digital copy or buy some merch while you’re in quarantine!
And as usual, don’t forget to follow Dusty Organ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify! It will help pass the time….
The Districts – You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere
(Alternative rock)
Not only is You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere a re-development for the band, it also takes the genre of alternative rock literally. The track list is littered with varying styles, giving listeners different options over the 11 songs.
The shift of their sound is undeniable, and a crucial, but welcomed factor as the band continues to evolve. Some may be left feeling unsure about the inconsistency in style on You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere, but nevertheless, the group’s fourth effort holds some of their best work to date. Knowing that Grote and the band nearly called it off, it’s a relief to know their determination and creativity won after all.
Notable tracks: “Hey Jo” // “Cheap Regrets” // “Sidecar”
8.5/10
Porches – Ricky Music
(Synth-pop)
Lead by songwriter Aaron Maine, New York synth-pop group PORCHES have released their fourth album Ricky Music, which is best described as Maine’s musical diary. He provides an insightful look on his emotions and life through varying styles of synth-pop. Album openers “Patience” and “Do U Wanna” play with melody and melancholy in an electronic landscape, while more experimental-pop songs such as “I Wanna Ride” or the house-pop “Madonna” fill the gaps with energy. With a few skip-able tracks (“Lipstick Song”, ” “) the album isn’t overly strong, but when it works, it works.
Notable tracks: “Patience” // “Do U Wanna” // “Fuck_3”
6/10
Porridge Radio – Every Bad
(Indie DIY-rock)
Brighton alternative rock group Porridge Radio have this unique ability to turn softness into finesse. The sounds of raw desperation transpose themselves into power and articulation on their latest album Every Bad, as front-woman Dana Margolin takes control on the reins. Opening tracks “Born Confused” and “Sweet” showcase the album’s delicate teeter-totter of self-control and self-destruction. Playing with the album’s countering dynamic, the track list continues the trend with songs such as “Don’t Ask Me Twice”, and the crescendo-ing finale of “Lilac”.
Lead by Margolin’s poignant lyricism, Every Bad is a loud, fiery, and introspective collection of Brit-punk and DIY-fuzz. Patience is necessary on the album, with a number of them taking their time to hit the mark, but the highs on Every Bad are captivating.
Notable tracks: “Born Confused” // “Sweet” // “Lilac”
7/10
Joywave – Possession
(Indie rock/Alt-pop)
Even though their 2015 debut album How Do You Feel Now? became a hit with tracks “Somebody New” and “Tongues”, Joywave were still figuring themselves out and experimenting with their sound. The subsequent albums Swish and Content were met with mixed reviews as they played around with electronic and experimental influences, and now, on their fourth album Possession, the New York four-piece are leaning more into their alternative rock roots – but not all the way, of course. Synthesizers and electro-pop elements add depth and layers to the track list, giving their biggest songs some extra power.
And for a band that is continuing to keep their heads down and create music on their terms, it is no surprise they’ve matured their sound, crafting more well-rounded, consistent music. Possession as a whole struggles to have a naturally occurring flow, but nevertheless, the individual songs on the album keep it afloat.
Notable tracks: “Half Your Age” // “Obsession” // “Blastoffff”
