This week, WTSR Assistant Music Director EJ Paras highlights some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.
Band Name: Future Islands
Album Name: “The Far Field”
Release Number: 5th
Hailing From: Baltimore, Md.
Genre: Pulsating Indie Synthpop
Label: 4AD
Future Islands’ hooks on “The Far Field” undeniably stand out. Samuel T. Herring’s crisp voice carries the songs through. His lyrics have a central theme: There is power in emotional vulnerability. You can find a way to laugh and cry in the same breath, and be stronger for it. The bass is awesome throughout — groovy basslines add to the texture of each song. They’ll continue to grow their fanbase as they play festivals this year like Coachella, Panorama, Bonnaroo and more.
Similar Sounds: Glass Animals, Mac Demarco, alt-J
Must Hear: “Time on Her Side,” “Ran,” “Cave” and “North Star”
Band Name: Nana Grizol
Album Name: “Ursa Minor”
Release Number: 3rd
Hailing From: Athens, Ga.
Genre: Indie Folk Rock
Label: Orange Twin
Is this Neutral Milk Hotel in 2017? Well actually — two of the band members are from NMH, so you can be forgiven for that assumption. These melodies are familiar — you can tap your foot to most of the songs on this record. Horns are a definitive part of this band. The mature musicality and songwriting shines through. Lead singer Theo Hilton narrates a story and weaves the imagery of the nature-filled settings seamlessly.
Similar Sounds: Neutral Milk Hotel, Pinegrove, Weakerthans, The Decemberists
Must Hear: “Nightlights One,” “Mississippi Swells,” “Nightlights Two” and “Tacoma Center 1600”
