New Album: Lorde, Pure Heroine
New Zealand teen songstress Lorde has definitely made a name for herself this year with her song “Royals,” the EP it’s on called The Love Club, and standing in for Frank Ocean at the last minute at the Splendour in the Grass festival in Sydney this July. All while still in high school. However, she has a maturity to her sound far beyond her years, with her trademark exquisite vocal harmonies, poetic lyrics, and alternately cinematic and minimalistic instrumentals all over her new offering Pure Heroine, which just came out today in the United States. The album itself recapitulates some of the singles from her previous works, such as “Royals,” “Team,” and “Tennis Court,” but new tracks such as “Ribs” and “Buzzcut Season” offer reflections on growing up despite problems, both interpersonal and throughout the world at large. The production “White Teeth Teens” and “A World Alone” seem to harken back to a sound similar to 60s pop at times, imparting a timeless quality to these songs. Unlike her peers at this age who seem to be making bubblegum pop (Cher Lloyd’s “I want you back” and whatever’s coming from the Disney starlets du jour, for example), Pure Heroine is much more mature-sounding, dynamic, and cohesive album, anchored by her singles while simultaneously not disappointing with the album tracks. If you’re in a mellower sort of mood, definitely give this a listen.
What I’ve been listening to:
One song I’ve had stuck in my head due to all the things I’ve been doing with the UMass Marching Band over the past week is Steven Kellogg and the Sixers’ song “Shady Esperanto and the Young Hearts.” With alumni of the UMMB among their ranks, during band camp in 2009, they filmed a music video with that year’s band, and with the ocean of bandos dancing in the video, its use in Drum Major Academy, and the fact that it just sounds like an explosion of unbridled joy, it’s one of those tunes that I can’t help but grin like an idiot when it comes on.
I’ve also been really into Lucero’s album That Much Further West, which is a favorite of some of my friends back home. A wonderful mixture of punk and country, it’s the perfect backdrop for sordid tales of bars and heartbreak. Choice tracks being “That Much Further West” and “Tears Don’t Matter Much.” Another one I’ve had playing is Boston band Hands and Knees’ album Red Hot Minnow, which is some spirited lo-fi indie rock from a band that definitely deserves more attention. Choice tracks include “Cemetery,” “Sacapow,” and “War Feelings.”
Local Music Happenings:
1) UMass-based band Weekend Jeans will be performing at Snowzees in Sunderland on October 5 for a contest called “King of the Mountain” to play at Mt. Wachusett in the winter. With influences from the Replacements, Beatles, Fleet Foxes, and so many more, their songcraft and stage show are not to be missed. Other bands at this show will be Hot Dirt, Amy D’Amico and Friends, Eye Witness, Askim, and Kitchen Jams, all vying for position for a show at Mt. Wachusett. Doors are at 8:00pm, so come, support UMass music, and have fun!
2) If you want to go see a parody legend take the stage at the Calvin Theatre, “Weird” Al Yankovic will be bringing his silly stylings to Northampton on October 6. After having hits in 5 different decades, he’s still going strong, cranking out parodies and originals like there’s no tomorrow. Tickets are anywhere from $28.50 to $48.50 depending on seating, but if you’re into Yanjovic’s work, it’s probably worth it.
3) UMass-based band Hortonia has been doing a few shows in the area, up at Snowzees and elsewhere around the area. A folk-psychedelic rock band that has been playing together for a good while, releasing their first EP in 2011, is not an act to be missed. Look around for their next performance, you won’t regret going.