This week, Nick Landolfi, WTSR assistant music director, highlights some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.
Band: Beat Connection
Album: “Product 3”
Hailing From: Seattle, Wa.
Genre: Shimmering Indie Synth Pop
Label: Anti-Records
Seattle quartet Beat Connection comes through with its third release, “Product 3.” The group has been known for upbeat, glossy pop beats and synth-drenched hooks. This album has a lot of those vibes, plus a bit more. You can also hear some more guitar work on these songs. There’s some new percussion work, pounding with a tropical and exotic urgency, that has you bouncing back and forth as you listen. A lot of these songs also feature more soulful sounding vocals that truly resonate with listeners. This album mixes a lot of funk with synth-pop, which breathes a fresh life into the cluttered genre.
Must Hear: “Another Go Round,” “Illusion,” “So Good,” “Reality TV” and “Rosealene”
Band: Cold Fronts
Album: “Forever Whatever”
Hailing From: Philadelphia, Pa.
Genre: Filthy Indie Pop Rock
Label: Sire
Philadelphia’s Cold Fronts is a modern-day band for every college kid out there. Fronted by the slightly insane Craig Almquist, the band pumps out thrashy guitars mixed with dazzling and piercing synth work. Each song is like a party that refuses to slow down. Bands like this give a bright and youthful punch to the industry in the best way possible. The album’s lead song, “Buschleague,” grabs your attention immediately and doesn’t let go, starting off the album on a party-ready foot. The song “Catch” grooves that party into its place and builds a catchy melody around itself. The track “Primetime” is a pop song for today’s youth that is chock-full of glittering guitars and goofy drums that make it all the more fun.
Must Hear: “Buschleague,” “Catch,” “Primetime” and “Radio”
