WHO: Colleen Green WHAT: Cool WHY: They don’t come much catchier, chiller, breezier, and harmonically lovely than Cool. And we’re not just saying that because Colleen Green is a local gal. In her latest effort, Green’s focus is to satisfy and cater to your sweet tooth, whether you’re 2 or 82. There are highlights on this album (I Wanna Be a Dog is just a chef’s kiss), but regardless of where you look, these 10 tracks are fun, poppy, and…cool....
WHO: Czarface WHAT: Czarmageddon! WHY: Czarface is on a run of making unfuckwithable records, and I’m not saying that because they’re local boys. I have not heard a Czarface album that wasn’t smart, witty, and full of craftsmanship. Their newest Czarmageddon! is no different. It follows the path you would expect, like tight flow, interesting beats, brevity (as in no-filler), and even throws in some curveballs like the agro punk “Big Em Up.” Hip Hop is alive and well with...
WHO: Superchunk WHAT: Wild Loneliness WHY: Not even COVID will stop these guys. Recorded in lead singer and songwriter Mac McCaughan’s house and mixed to perfection, Wild Loneliness is Superchunk’s 12th album and is remarkable in the sense that it proves this band still has something to say. Although a bit less rocking than its predecessor, these tracks are poignant, masterfully arranged, and have added depth that comes from one of the best lyricists of our generation. Wild Loneliness is...
WHO: Abbie Barrett WHAT: I Will Let You Know WHY: We try to promote the local bands here on Ground Control, because let’s be honest, we’re a website of the people. No, but seriously, Abbie Barrett is someone we’re going to be watching more closely because with I Will Let You Know, she has delivered a hard-hitting, catchy, riffarific pop-punk album that’s chock-full of catchy tracks and perfect for the Summer. You know you’re listening to greatness when, after just...
WHO: Steve Gunn WHAT: Other You WHY: I’ve been having a hard time describing Other You, the latest album by Steve Gunn. Every time I play it, it pulls my attention and immerses me in the rich world of its sound. It’s a beautiful world, gentle-sounding, mesmerizing, and full of guitars and layers. It’s Kurt Vile with a lot more Van Morrison thrown in. Other You is the kind of album that somehow works as therapy, making me introspective and...
WHO: Fiddlehead WHAT: Between the Richness WHY: No lie, this one’s a grower. And a remarkable thing for an album that’s so short. Between the Richness is equal parts post-post-hardcore as it is western Mass, whatever that means. Pay close attention and you might notice the passion and rawness of Patrick Flynn’s vocals perfectly balanced with the elegant and rich guitars that adorn the entirety of Between the Richness. Somehow, this album welcomes you to its roughness, maturity, and intensity,...
WHO: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard WHAT: KG / LW WHY: I don’t know if these are meant to be consumed as separate albums, but considering how productive King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard is, I’m pretty sure this is one album. KG / LW is the best release this band has had in years, combining everything that they do well (psychedelic rock, metal, and prog) into shorter songs following a overarching theme. KG / LW rocks and pulsates...
WHO: Mannequin Pussy WHAT: Perfect WHY: Mannequin Pussy is one of the most exciting punk bands around at the moment. They’re just one of those bands where every element of their music comes together and elevates the songs: they probably have the best drummer in punk rock, and this is a wonderful complement to the bass playing which sounds big and tight. Singer Marisa Dabise’s vocals are powerful and passionate. Perfect, the follow-up EP to their massive hit album, is...
WHO: The Bronx WHAT: The Bronx VI WHY: The Bronx don’t have a single bad album. Not many bands can claim that. Fewer punk bands still. Bronx VI brings with it everything good that you’d expect from an album. It’s riff heavy, it pounds mercilessly, it simmers and builds, it’s filled with great musicianship on every level, and it knows not to take itself seriously. That threatening aura is still there, but this time, you can sing along to it....
WHO: Vicious Dreams WHAT: Selftitled WHY: We try to stick to the newest releases on the Spotlight column, but this album is just too good to pass up. Vicious Dream’s Selftitled sounds like the Rezillos but louder, snottier, faster, and tighter. Vicious Dreams tread’s the thin line between threatening and fun, like a rollercoaster ride. Except this one goes on for 30 minutes and will leave you wanting more. Hear it on...