sweaterzine-blog

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Death Note - vermont.

have you ever looked out at a blizzard from your window while sitting by fire place? have you ever worn a sweater while drinking hot chocolate? it’s okay if you haven’t... because the new vermont single, “death note” gives you the exact same feeling. the last time the northern kentucky band released new music was all the way back in february with their amazing two song ep “swimming pools”,  making their newest single highly anticipated. the wait was long, but vermont did not disappoint. right off the bat, you can tell that the production quality is truly outstanding. the previous time that “death note” was released, it was an acoustic song on the band’s 2018 ep “we didn’t think we’d make it this far” but have turned it into a true emo rock banger. beautiful twinkly guitars? check. meaty bass? check. rootin’ tootin’ rocking drums? check. beautiful harmonies? CHECK! this song is not one you want to sleep on because vermont will take over the world.

love dom songs of tunnel songs 

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Somewhere City review By Yvette Naomi Meyers - Nov 12, 2019

Intro

What would happen if you took power-pop and sprinkled in easycore breakdowns? Pat and Ryland of Origami Angel decided to find out. Somewhere City, their latest release through Chatterbot Records, seems like Carly Rae Jepsen, Four Year Strong, and Touché Amoré all got together and brought forth a scientifically-improbable child. Despite crossing the boundaries between the notoriously moody emo, pop, and ___core genres, Somewhere City is incredibly positive. The album is littered with odes to love and friendship, and celebrates the simple beauties like getting fast food with your pals. Every song celebrates a victory, whether over those who said you’d never amount to anything or over your own thoughts and behaviors dragging you down. Today, I’ll be exploring the album through a play-by-play of the tracks and try to measure how “objectively” good or bad it may be before giving a final rating.

Play X Play

“Welcome to…” Origami Angel never lets me down. This song serves as the perfect intro to the rest of the album, and sets the tone for the journey through Somewhere City still ahead. I’m a sucker for gang vocals. What can I say?

“24 Hr Drive-Thru” I was impressed to learn there isn’t actually a mandolin on this track. Most Likely Video Game to Have This Song On Its Soundtrack: Mario Kart

“666 Flags” Guiness World Record holder for My Longest Blast Beat Ever Best Place to Drive While Listening to This Song: Off A Cliff

“Doctor Whomst” It’s at this point in writing the review that I realize how much I want to play all of these songs on Guitar Hero. These riffs are going to age way better than the cultural relevance of the “whomst” meme.

“Say Less” F*** the haters. “Say Less” is a classic anthem to the people who were big ol’ nerdos in high school and the like. This song would be right at home on MTV in between singles from Paramore and Taking Back Sunday or on the radio after the newest Lana Del Rey Single.

“Escape Rope” This is the song on the album I’m most likely to crowdsurf to. Whenever there’s a new Origami Angel release cycle, someone should start a betting pool for how many Pokémon references there will be.

“The Title Track” In another universe, I could totally see this being a Backstreet Boys song. This is not a bad thing. Almost as good as Title Track by DCFC. (Author’s Note: This is high praise.)

“Skeleton Key” One of the most sincere odes to being In-Love-but-On-Tour Voted Most Likely to Be Heard At Emo Weddings

“Find Your Throne” Including one of the sickest pop-punk riffs of all time was a really damn good idea. Joins the canon of best platonic love songs alongside Blue and Yellow and the Golden Girls theme song

“The Air Up Here” This track reprises the entire album, resulting in the greatest array of backup vocals possibly ever. THE CITY NEVER LETS ME DOOWWWNNNNN

“Objective” Measures

Somewhere City has essentially all of what makes a pop-punk album great. The sheer musicianship is immediately evident, even if you don’t play an instrument. Pat’s drumming has incredible technical skill, and Ryland’s riffs on this album are the most creative in the history of the project so far. His voice displays the widest range we’ve seen from him, and I’m confident that almost anyone would agree that the melodies are catchy to the point of ear-worm status. All of the songs flow into each other well and the overall sound of the album is incredibly cohesive despite the wide variety of influences. Jake Checkoway’s production is incredibly punchy yet maintains clarity and a polished finish. The main criticism I have for Somewhere City lies with the lyrics. Some verses seem ever-so-slightly half baked, and I would have liked to see more of the imagery or clever wordplay that Origami Angel is known for. Even this, however, is debatable since everyone relates to poetry differently, and there is no reliable standard for how much emotional impact any particular set of words has. Overall, Somewhere City is, by all measures, an incredible work of whatever kind of pop they’ll call this eventually. If you want to dance, or listen to something you can sing along to, or if you love hectic pop guitar riffs and breakdowns, Somewhere City is an excellent choice.

Final Score

Pokémon Sword and Shield full 890-size national Pokédex out of Limited 4XX-size Galar Pokédex.

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Laziness in the Modern Age – Tunnel Songs

Simplicity is an underrated concept in music. Not everything needs a face-melting technical guitar or JK Simmons approved drum track to be an absolute banger. Case in point this single from Ohio natives Tunnel Songs, a sweaty basement jam in every good way imaginable. Short, sweet and energetic - everything from the anthemic, sing-along chorus to the slightly off-tempo guitar riffs screams that house show with everyone up, singing, complete with that slightly-too-small mosh pit you don’t know whether or not to get into. Don’t be fooled however, that isn’t to say that there isn’t depth here. Quite the opposite, with the little flourishes in both percussion and guitar showing keeping the song fresh, and the addition of the subtle bass adding a punch often missed in songs of this ilk. There’s even a guitar solo for good measure. Lyrically relatable, this isn’t music for any situation, this night driving, windows down, belting out with your friend’s music. Tunnel Songs have got something right here that so many forget, that so many miss. Music is fucking fun. 

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Your Full Name in A Correspondence – Jimmy Montague

No song has ever perfectly encapsulated that hot-drink-on-a-cold-day comfort, that homely sense of belonging like this indie-come-folk-come-jazz anthem. This single is not just vinyl worthy, it is gramophone worthy, a harkening back to days past and memories made, like that strange wry smile that can be found only on the face of someone who is remembering, right there, right then. Musically, the rolling, scratchy guitar plays both melody and background, creating gaps for itself to fill. It’s got a tinge of rockabilly about it, a rhythm that generates an infectious sway and foot-tapping combo in even the steeliest of the listener. Before long, the brass section hits, a jazzy duet of saxophone and trombone that feels perfectly placed rather than shoehorned in, adding a colorful flavor of oldies to the mix. And atop it all, the lyrics remain erudite whilst also fitting each bar perfectly, clearly written to the tune and yet remaining meaningful. The tone is kept consistent through, lyricisms that speak not to sadness but rather to hope, an uplifting ode to what could be. If stock-standard indie is a bold coffee, this is a pleasant green tea; calm, welcoming and surprisingly spirited.