Posted: by The Editor
The Alternative Weekly Roundup is a column where our staff plugs a variety of new releases in a concise, streamlined format. Albums, singles, videos, and live sets. Check back each Monday to see what we were jamming the week prior.
Hana Vu – Romaticism
On her sophomore album Romanticism, Hana Vu really feels like she’s coming into her own. 2021’s Public Storage was pleasant if a bit faceless, but Vu presents a well-rounded view of herself as an artist here; “Alone,” a nice microcosm for the full LP, at first plays out like an alt rock throwback before a jangly riff lends it some color, “Dreams” and “Play” demonstrate that she could competently shift into straight-up synthpop if she wanted, and “Airplane” is a four-minute showcase of everything she does well, gliding from softspoken verses to a powerful bridge. Hana Vu isn’t a particularly showy singer, so it can be easy to take for granted just how good she is; she has a quality not unlike Lucy Dacus, and she never needs to belt to make you feel what she’s feeling.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
all under heaven – “Always”
Freehold, NJ, alternative rock band all under heaven’s new single “Always” builds on their melodic sensibilities with space rock inflections and emotive crooning that at times reminds me of Dallas Green. A simple and hopeful song with a romantic sentiment, it ambles along like a mid-afternoon daydream. Their debut album What Lies Ahead of Me is out on June 7th on Texas’ Sunday Drive Records.
Loan Pham | @x_loanp
Corey Mastrangelo – Figure 12
Between Vasudeva’s Generator and his last solo effort Long Distance Station to Station, Corey Mastrangelo’s been behind two of the decades best post-rock LPs so far, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. His new album Figure 12 takes him deeper into ambient territory, with tracks like “You Can Have It All” and “Location Problems” sputtering and luxuriating in the openness. On other songs he hews closer to the electronic post-rock of his other work, like the gorgeous “Craft Paper Stars” and the fluttery title track.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Candy – “Love Like Snow”
Richmond, VA, hardcore band Candy released one of their most experimental tracks yet with their newest single “Love Like Snow.” Featuring Marisa Shirar of Mirsy and Fleshwater and mmph (otherwise known as Korean electronic composer Sae Heum Han), it incorporates industrial metal and electronic elements that gives their hardcore edge a modern neo-punk flair. Their upcoming album It’s Inside You is due for release on June 7th through Relapse Records.
Loan Pham | @x_loanp
Blushing – Sugarcoat
Shoegaze bands are a dime a dozen these days, drenching wistful vocals under six feet of reverb and dark, crunchy riffs. Blushing run in the other direction, and on Sugarcoat, the Austin, TX, four-piece turn in their brightest and most colorful album yet.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
The Alternative’s ‘New Music Friday’ playlist
Each week we compile a playlist of songs our staff has been jamming. We post it on Fridays on Twitter and then include it in each edition of the Weekly Roundup to make sure you don’t miss any of the great music we’re recommending.
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