#underscored-reviews

[nicoleheaviland]

AirFly Duo Bluetooth adapter: Connect wireless headphones to your plane

Very seldom does a product come along that completely changes how we travel. There are already such a vast number of products that have elevated how we fly — from ultra-supportive neck pillows to blackout eye masks and even AirTags that help us track our luggage at every step of the journey. The Twelve South AirFly Duo is another game-changer that every frequent — and occasional — traveler should…

[reportwire]

Best silk pillowcases in 2023 | CNN Underscored

This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new. Silk pillowcases are having a moment, bolstered by claims they can help reduce wrinkles, acne and even frizziness in hair — all while giving you a better night’s sleep. And…

[leftneb]

art vs artist but also a yearly art rewind because appearantly I've been drawing car people for exactly 8 months! seriously cannot thank you all enough for sticking around and being such a lovely community 🫶 looking forward to another year of insanity in 2025, happy holidays and merry christmas to all those who celebrate!!!!!

[friendlynaborhooddisapointment]

NO CUZ OLD MONEY BITCH IS SO BATFAM CODED YOU DONT UNDERSMTANNNDDDD

[evalynstanley]

Music I like! : Wallsocket by underscores

HELLO! SO! The album Wallsocket, is one of those albums that I just have on repeat! It has become a staple for me to listen to this album at least once a week all the way through. April- the MASTERMIND behind underscores really put her heart and soul into this collection of songs. Hitting a whole bunch of emotional tones and telling stories with these songs- that are really something to write home about. These songs really do go into deep and some disturbing themes- so if you are very faint of heart- I don't recommend you go into this with a weak mind. But I do recommend giving this album an honest shot- While you are at it! Check out all her other works and see what tickles your fancy, because there is something for everyone.

[oneweek-at-a-time]

underscores - wallsocket | seventyseven dog years, and how to deal with someone you hate

underscores is an artist that my affection for has only grown and grown over time. i LOVED fishmonger, wasn't too fond of boneyard, loved the singles and collabs they put out after (count of three my beloved <333) and then wallsocket came out and HOLY SHIT

the love and affection i hold for EVERY song on wallsocket is immeasurable, it's this perfect fusion of trans angst, midwest emo, repressed trauma, and the coolest sounds you've heard in a while. one of the songs that, admittedly at release, didn't hold the same weight as some of the other songs for me, was seventyseven dog years. then i got out of a relationship that i didn't realise was abusive until after, and i just let myself think about the media i was consuming a lot more, including this song, and i've found not only comfort, but also great meaning in this track specifically.

the song, to me, is about April (underscores, will henceforth be referred to as April) meeting with someone from her past, likely unannounced, and talking about the past they had together. April, obviously, doesn't want to talk to this person, hates doing so, indicated through lines like "I hated it, but I took what I could get" or "...grown so old, since I learned what you did?" implying some kind of awful fight/event. and it's because of this that i LOVE that the song starts so so quick!! in April's style of music, and especially this album, she usually takes a lot of time, cops and robbers takes 16 bars, horror movie soundtrack takes 8, you don't even know who i am technically takes 10, but seventyseven dog years only takes two, which signifies her strong desire to get this conversation "over and done with".

i think the ramping at the end of every chorus, with two quick screams kind of drudges up those feelings of talking to someone you hate even more, how you want to do nothing more than have them apologise for what they did to you, and make it up to you, knowing they're not able to. you want to scream at them, give them a taste of what they did to you. you want to chase them away, knowing you don't have the strength to, and just have to put up with it, which i think is put into lyric so so well in the last verse

"When you walked in, I got all riled up like our dog;

if there's a threat to the pack, then she'll start to bark;

and she means well, but it's funny to watch;

she's only fifteen inches tall;

couldn't scare a fly off the wall."

it's such a beautiful song, and as someone who has,, a fair few people in my life i'd get riled up by this way, it means so much to me to have someone be able to put feelings that i have into words, it's great being able to point to something and go "yeah!!! this is how i feel!!!"

like and comment and subscribe for more very autistic reviews of media

[bangers2]

Weekly Music Roundup 5/7/24 :D

Hey! I hope y'all had a great week. I've been super busy as of late since I'm packing and preparing for a long trip, but I still managed to squeeze some listening into my miserable daily Walmart visits. I didn't keep with the daily schedule, but I have many albums to get through on the 12-hour drive that I will probably be on when this is posted. Good times!

This week, I listened to:

underscores - Wallsocket (Director's cut)

Everyone Asked About You - Everyone Asked About You - EP

Tinashe - 333

English Teacher - This Could Be Texas

Syzy - The weight of the world

underscores - Wallsocket (Director's cut) (2024)

I started my Friday out by listening to the new Wallsocket deluxe “Director’s cut” tracks. Holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit. These new tracks, albeit mostly familiar to me ("My guy (Corporate shuffle)" and "Northwest zombie girl" can both be found on Wallsocket ARG websites, and April teased "Stupid (Can't run from the urge)" on Tiktok), are absolutely breathtaking. "My guy (Corporate Shuffle)" is a wonderful throwback pop song that has a simple shuffling beat, but by the end of the song it goes absolutely insane. "Northwest zombie girl" is super fun as well, but not my favourite upon first listen. I think i need a little more time with "CCTV" to really get it - these are my initial thoughts and not full reviews, and I still need to deep dive into this one's lyrics. However, the standout has GOT to be "Stupid (Can't run from the urge)." "Stupid" is a cute glitch-pop track with the punchiest percussion I've ever heard in a song. This might sound kind of weird, but each time I hear the kick I feel a kick in my chest. It's epic. The melodies are incredibly earwormy and I haven't been able to get the song out of my head. Overall, this new "Director's cut" builds upon an already incredible record (SERIOUSLY. Listen to Wallsocket if you haven't already. It's insane) with even more well-produced, well-written, well-sung, bangers. I wish anyone listening to Wallsocket for the first time "Good Luck!"

Everyone Asked About You - Everyone Asked About You - EP (1997)

We love a 4-track EP moment. I saw one of my AOTY mutuals give this a 100 so I listened to it because I had a free moment, and 4-track EPs are, like, my favourite thing ever. This is a cute set of twee / emo love songs with sugary melodies and adorable lyrics. It’s wholesome and loving and absolutely gorgeous throughout!

Tinashe - 333 (2021)

I can't recall a time I've ever been this excited about an artist as I have since I heard my first Tinashe song. Her artistry is unmatched and I seriously admire her refusal to adhere to basic cookie-cutter r&b, instead embracing a really unique and eclectic style. She’s been so consistently making some of the most innovative music in the industry, so it’s no surprise that 333 is as excellent as it is. This is a really solid addition to her discography, and while I think BB/ANG3L is a stronger record, 333 still shines. There's so many moments on this album that set it apart from other albums from similar artists. She explores so many different sounds and vibes on here - everything from breakbeats on "Shy Guy" to dance-pop on "The Chase." I'm so happy Nashe is getting more recognition these days; she really deserves all her flowers!!

English Teacher - This Could Be Texas (2024)

I first discovered English Teacher in August or September of last year, when their song "The World's Biggest Paving Slab" appeared on my Youtube recommended. I had that song on LOOP for months after that - it was just so damn good. I didn't really keep up with ET as a band in the months between "Paving Slab" and This Could Be Texas, their debut record. I saw it on AOTY when it first came out and was strangely, really scared to give it a listen. So I put it off way more than I should've. I guess a part of me was afraid that this album wouldn't live up to my expectations only hearing "Paving Slab.' But god damn did they deliver. Suffice to say this very much DOES live up to my expectations. There are so many diverse sounds and themes being explored here, all while going incredibly hard. The vocals are excellent, and the melodies are all so memorable. It's an ambitious album and it's clear that they've mastered their craft already, one album in. Ughhh it's so good. There's more exciting moments like the aforementioned "The World's Biggest Paving Slab" and "R&B," slower and gentler cuts like "Sideboob" (my FAV!!), and really fun synthy cuts like "Not Everybody Gets to Go to Space," which while being my least favourite, still sticks out to me! If that's the lowest point on your album, you have a damn good album. I'm so glad I mustered up the courage to finally listen to this, and I will eagerly await what other lessons my English Teachers will teach on their next record.

Syzy - The weight of the world (2024)

I want to start this blurb out by saying that riddim is NOT my forté. I am totally unfamiliar with the conventions of the genre and how this holds up compared to Syzy's contemporaries. That being said, this shit is heavy as fuck. I went into TWOTW totally blind, with no prior knowledge of what kind of music Syzy makes. All I knew was that there was a kmoe feature.

Each track is so intricately put together, with really delicate nuances and details hidden beneath the layers. This is an album that demands every ounce of your attention. I tried listening to this while reading a book (usually goes well, even with really loud shit) and I could not focus on the book at all. There is no way to tune this out. That being said, you won't want to tune this out. You will sit down and listen to TWOTW and you WILL enjoy it. There's something to like about this record for everyone - not just those who normally jive with this type of music. The melodies are incredible and the buildups and drops are immaculate. The production is so detailed, with flourishes here and there that keep you engaged. Not to mention the kmoe feature is phenomenal.

"HEART123" features a gorgeous, euphoric melody, and great vocals from Kale. The first drop took my breath away (as many moments on this project did...I need an inhaler), and the energy was infectious. Same goes for "Take my energy!", an obvious standout and definitely one of the best tracks I've heard this year. What the fuck? I'm headbanging so damn hard. The outro is one of the gentler passages on the record, giving you some breathing room before you're thrown back into the fun with "Caught up (in circles)" - a track that sounds like exactly that: spinning rapidly in a circle. That's my favourite 3-track run on the record, but I could go on and on about the track continuity like this. TWOTW manages to find a wonderful balance between soft, ambient sections and visceral yet euphoric drops. There's buildup and release. Inhales and exhales. Ups and downs.

This is starting to exceed my usual "short review" length and I'd really rather not make this a wall of text. I'll probably write a longer review for this record because HOLY SHIT??!?!??!!? But all in all, I think The weight of the world sees Syzy making some of the best electronic music out there. It's explosive and euphoric, with passages that both take your breath away and breathe life back into you. It's an insane effort and I'm definitely going to delve into more of their discography in the future. Wow, I love dubstep.

Okay! And that concludes my weekly first listens. I may or may not post next week - I'm going to be really busy and might not have time to write these. Nonetheless I'll try my best. See you soon and I hope you all have a great week :]

[gerogerigaogaigar]

Underscores - Wallsocket

I'm a sucker for any music that defies easy categorization. Wallsocket jumps from noise rock, to hyperpop, to indie folk and other genres at a whim, using different styles to create very specific moods. The result is that every song feels like it's own complete world and they come together to create a picture of suburban modern America that is more than the sum of its parts. Wallsocket is emotionally deep and musically complex. I'll be keeping a close eye on these guys from now on.

[criaturaconfortavel]

One thing about me is that I'll fall HARD for every silly song that has something like a cheerleader chant in it.

[catty-words]

having a pathetically Human moment (proud that the art i didn't make but love so so much is being well-received)

[thegothicarchitecture]

Track Reviews (Aug 14 -> 21)

Best

undescores - Old money bitch

The narrative on this song really beats out any competition. The nuanced portrayal of an obscenely privileged little princess who wants punk cred, one who shoplifts and dyes her own hair to fit in. I love that this titular "Old Money Bitch" is not an effigy to privilege, but rather a somewhat layered character who feels overshadowed by their parents accomplishments while perpetually unable to escape and live a normal life. Her frivolous and misguided attempts to fit in make her stand out more as an untouchable little shit, and the ambiguity about underscores relationship to the character (as a purely fictional character study, somebody they knew irl or a self insert) in a World that wants to tear down "industry plants" makes the song's dance with danger one worth exploring across numerous listens.

awakebutstillinbed - airport

Admittedly, the mix on this song isn't perfect. However, I have to recognize the amazing songwriting and lyrics. This song is raw as hell, and Shannon Taylor can still scream like a banshee murdering her fears. The lyrics at the end about not recognizing yourself hit me hard, maybe I can relate more to them than I'd like to admit. Overall, this heart wrenching little song was one of my favorites this week, and I'm eagerly awaiting this new album!

Meh

The Menzingers - Hope is a Dangerous Little Thing

The Menzingers have a tendency to sound a bit constipated on their more anthemic tracks (looking at you "America (You're Freaking Me Out)"), but the band also tends to shine when writing simpler songs. The concept on this track is broad but very relatable, and it's not hampered by some generic-as-Muse political gesturing. Hope is a dangerous thing indeed.

blackwinterwells, FloodDubs - Glass Cannon

This newest song from blackwinterwells sounds pretty dry and faceless, as if to be buried in a playlist with thousands of similar songs. I guess I'm not surprised the sound and structure of 2012 dubstep is coming back in 2023, I just wish blackwinterwells incorporated this signature sound with their own (and didn't eschew personality).

Eyedress, Mac DeMarco - The Dark Prince

Zzzz....

Worst

The Streets - Too Much Yayo

It's been diminishing returns for the Streets since Original Pirate Material, but this is a new low. The farty synth and drill 808s make for a strange instrumental, and the horrible singing makes this a worst song of the year contender for me. Mike Skinner, lay off the yayo.

[nicoleheaviland]

Allbirds Riser review | CNN Underscored

It’s officially cute sneaker season, and that can only mean one thing: retiring my snow-stained boots to finally look put together for the first time all year. As someone who lives in Montreal, Canada, the weather is often too unpredictable to invest in a pair of luxurious sneakers for everyday wear, but I’d do anything for journalism. That’s why I was super thrilled to put Allbirds’ new…

[reportwire]

ReMarkable’s new Type Folio keyboard makes the best paper tablet even better | CNN Underscored

ReMarkable — the company behind the incredible paper tablet ReMarkable 2 — just launched its new Type Folio, a keyboard case attachment that transforms the ReMarkable 2 into a full-fledged writing machine. Previously, you could only take handwritten notes on the tablet and convert it to text. Now, with the launch of Type Folio, you can turn your ReMarkable 2 into a mini laptop that can combine…

[reckonslepoisson]

Wallsocket, Underscores (2023)

Underscores’ sophomore belts upwards, changing my mind on the project entirely. Whereas the debut, to me, listened like a 100gecs knock-off, Wallsocket is entirely its own, a boundless expulsion of tenderness and melody, originality and personality.

Pick: ‘Old money bitch’

[felismors]

An adoring review of Wallsocket by Underscores

I listened to this album largely not knowing anything about the "lore" accompanying it, so I just felt it as a purely personal project. The production is creative and well-crafted all the way through, and the jump away from hyperpop has definitely benefited underscores in a way that I haven't seen from any other formerly-hyperpop artist. She's extremely talented at the whole alt pop thing. The lyrics hit extremely hard on every track, especially on the last two. I haven't cried this much at an album in ages. The most remarkable one is definitely "You don't even know who I am", a track that, I feel, tackles the trans experience of jealousy in a way I've never seen before. AOTY 2023, absolutely no question.

Score: 5/5

listen on bandcamp