WARNING: this album contains usage of the f-slur, as well as themes of alcholism, substance abuse, homophobia, toxic relationships, derealization, and suicidal ideation. now, where to start because oh my god. Twin Fantasy (2018) is an album that means so incredibly much to me. for some context, this isnt the original version of the album. the original version of the album was made in 2011 in Will Toledos car. fresh off of a breakup with his partner at the time, he made Twin Fantasy to process his emotions and work through how he felt about himself at the time too. the original is messy, poorly mixed, and incredibly charming and sad. theres a real feeling of desperation and depressive moods throughout the original, that arent entirely absent in the new one either. however, the 2018 remake with Toledos full band on board meant that it could be a reflective work instead. reflecting both on the relationship, and on the original album. with cleaner production, more mature and raw vocals, and lyrical changes that bring a sense of hope and moving on into it, the album is truly moving. my favorite tracks include: Stop Smoking, Sober To Death, Beach Life in Death, Nervous Young Inhumans, Bodys, and Twin Fantasy (Those Boys)
WARNING: this album contains themes of homophobia, alcoholism, and abusive family dynamics. WISHBONE BY CONAN GRAY!!!! this album fucking RULES dude. definitely not the same vibe as Twin Fantasy, if anything this is a huuuuge heel turn haha ^w^ Wishbone is Conan's 4th studio album about his most recent relationship at the time of writing. its something new, but also a return to form for his work in terms of its sound. sonically it evokes his first album Kid Krow, my former favorite of his, with its pop heavy sound that works so well with his vocals. additionally though, Conan has since matured his sound and his writing skills, giving Wishbone the edge it needs to truly stand out. it explores how he felt about this relationship that had to be kept private for so long, and how navigating that space was difficult to deal with. while not the most thought provoking, it really is a good album that i highly recommend. favorite tracks include Actor, Vodka Cranberry, Nauseous, Sunset Tower, and Care.
WARNING: this album contains the use of a transphobic slur, as well as themes of transphobia, racism, grooming, stalking, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, religious trauma, familial abuse, and body dysmorphia/dysphoria. that may ssound scary, and i wont sugar coat it. Wallsocket is a very intense album that handles a lot of very intense themes. that said, its an incredible feat of hyperpop work by undersocres, also known as April Harper Gray. her ability to weave such vivid works about her experiences through the lens of fictional characters in the fictional town of Wallsocket is incredible. not only is it a highly ambitious work, it does so flawlessly. the production is done so well, and start to finish ticks all the boxes for me. my one word of advice, is to make it past track one. its the most disconnected from the premise, and has initially put some of my friends off the project, and the good stuff really starts at track 2. as for favorites, those are Duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Johnny johnny johnny, Shoot to kill kill your darlings, Old Money Bitch, Geez louise, and Seventy seven dog years. that last one is my absolute fave on the album.
paramores self titled album is so so so good. following the very anger filled Brand New Eyes, Paramore stands to be something more reflective on how Hayley Williams feels about her life and where she's at. the desire to move on from the bad and to give a moment to it all is very palpable, and while i have less to say about this album its still one of my favorites. its pop-rock sound is very familiar sound for those familiar with their work, with slightly more conventional chord progressions and lyrical choices. my favorites off of this one are Fast In My Car, Grow Up, Part II, Still Into You, Anklebiters, Interlude: Im Not Angry Anymore, and Future.
WARNING for themes of death and suicide. this album is less of an album and more of an EP. its a very sad ep that feels oddly comforting. hey nothing as a band are an indie midwest emo group and that sort of sound really comes through here. its hard to say if theres a consistent narrative here, but i still thoroughly enjoy each track regardless. their lyrics and instrumental choices are really awesome. my favorite track is Sick Dogs, but i really do hope you give this one a try!