In No Particular Order: Top Albums of the Week (July 16, 2021)
Take off your jacket and hang out a while.
This week, things are taking a more chilled and relaxed pace, as I guide you through four of the best albums of the week including Australian hit-maker Chet Faker, singer-songwriter Clairo, Runnner, and Winnipeg-native Boy Golden.
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Runnner – Always Repeating
Run For Cover Records
Singer-songwriter
Patient, poignant, and consistent, Los Angeles-based songwriter Runnner has released his new album Always Repeating. Composed of five new songs and five re-recordings of songs from his 2017 EP Awash, the collection is a captivating and raw performance from Noah Weinman, as he relives moments of isolation, uncertainty, and feeling lost in life. After uprooting himself from his life in Ohio, he returned home to Los Angeles to recalibrate and fight off the existential dread – a flavour that doesn’t shy away on the record. His tame and slow-burning vocals depict poetic insecurities, while minimalist guitar arrangements lay the foundation for a steady and articulate performance.
Notable tracks: “Awash” // “Heliotrope” // “Ur Name On A Grain of Rice”
Chet Faker – Hotel Surrender
Detail Records/BMG
Indietronica
Nick Murphy has returned to his alter ego as Chet Faker for his latest music release. The flashy, indietronica producer continues his connection to the stylish world of psych-pop and groovy soul for the electronica-infused album Hotel Surrender. Coming from a place of positivity and happy freedom, Murphy’s fourth album (second as Chet Faker), is a bouncing and sprinkled-coated release of warm, summery vibes. Not to be rushed, the 10-track effort pushes close to a 45 minute run time, with each track allowing space for its respective motif to break apart and come together again – a feature that works for and against the album. While the album’s lead singles are at the forefront of the record, the remainder of the album still has some shining qualities, with a few hidden gems scattered in for patient, loyal listeners.
Notable tracks: “Low” // “Get High” // “Whatever Tomorrow”
Clairo – Sling
FADER / Republic Records
Singer-songwriter/Pop
With a steep line to stardom over the past few years, lo-fi bedroom songwriter-turned pop star Clairo is onto her sophomore album. The 22 year old worked with producer and famed songwriter Jack Antonoff (fun., Bleachers) to her diary-entry music to life, allowing his New Jersey songwriting to come through on a handful of tracks with melancholic rock n’ roll riffs that transform into soft, delicate ballads. With a breathtakingly simple yet powerful vocal performance, Clairo remains consistent with her dreamy vocals and heartfelt lyricism, this time expanding her sound with orchestral arrangements and full-band moments, and most notably, showcasing her talents as a pianist.
Notable tracks: “Amoeba” // “Blouse” // “Joanie”
Boy Golden – Church of Better Daze
Six Shooter Records
Americana/Singer-songwriter
Winnipeg Americana artist (or should I say Canadiana) Boy Golden has shared his debut album Church Of Better Daze. With the clean, friendly songwriting in line with Canadian artists such as Jason Collett and Joel Plaskett, but with a rich, western twang that comes through Boy Golden’s voice and the occasional banjo and fiddle solo. One of the biggest differences between Boy Golden and other Americana albums this year is his personality. He lets a piece of himself shine on each track of the record, whether it be through fun lyrics, or acrobatic vocals; something manages to stick out with a smile.
