Welcome to Something Old Something New! Every other Friday, you can find new releases and music recommendations here on the SOR Zine.
- Your House (from Open Wide) – Inhaler
The first track of the much anticipated “Open Wide” album dives into lead singer Elija Hewson’s haunting vocals. The experience is a tumble through a sorrowful, yet rugged sound. Plotted by lyrics displaying an attempt to cut the strings still attached to a love.
Yearning with an unmatched determinism solidifies a lasting impression as the newest addition to Inhaler’s music. It is definitely recognizable that their sound has started to evolve, gaining more depth (perhaps as the band members grow older), and really working with the journey and message of a song.
I love to enjoy this song, to the point of continuing on repeat, and it’s a hopeful look into what to expect for the Inhalers 3rd Album, “Open Wide”, expected in February.
- Through Moonshot Eyes – The Rare Occasions
This summer release maintains the Rare Occasions laid-back sound, but leaves a space to channel more depth, bringing out the rock side of their identity, evident in songs like “Mind Mutiny”, “Bury The Knife”, and “Mr. Bubbles”. However, the relaxed easy listening side of them still shines through in the tracks “Scribble” and “Black Balloons”.
I think this album maintains a basic sound; several of the songs have such a similar energy that they end up sounding the same. The background and guitar accompaniment are often extremely similar from song to song. However, the consistency in this album also makes it a good listen when you are looking to spruce up a mundane day, or maybe an early 2000’s main character montage moment.
Though the album holds onto what we expect the Rare Occasions to make, it’s still feel-good and holds its own as a unique piece among other releases of this genre. The surf rock/psychedelic influence is abundant, making the listener feel as though they are the only person in the world.
- No Line on the Horizon – U2
Released in 2009 the No Line on the Horizon album explores a broader sound–yet another sonic change for U2–finding depth as they include more electronic effects. The album also differs, in the development of lead singer Bono’s voice, gathering depth to showcase his vocal range. The song “Get on Your Boots”–which earned U2 an opening performance at the Grammys–showcases this well.
I think the star songs in this album, such as “Magnificent” truly leave a mark, the heartbeat of the song leaves a space to return to this song when in need. While there remains a strong, worship element to the song, regardless of your beliefs the beauty that it sings truly comes through. I think the pure expression of this album plays with both fun and serious advocations, as seen in the song “Cedars of Lebanon”.
Overall this remains one of my absolute favorites, since its release when I was one, this album remains a pillar of my music taste. The power and immersion that this album brings are incredibly consistent, while the energy isn’t the same, the path that the album takes you on is well worth the mood swing.
- Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin
English rock band Led Zeppelin is a staple in the rock and roll world. Their impact on the music world is undeniable, and this album is a key example of why. Lead singer Robert Plant’s vocals anchor this album while the impressive (to say the least) guitar of Jimmy Page takes the listener down the dynamic path of this work.
Each song offers something different from the next. The opening songs “Black Dog” and “Rock and Roll” are the definition of 70s rock, while songs like the forever iconic “Stairway to Heaven” and “Going to California” are much softer and lean into folk elements. They play with rhythms, and layering, providing a full and immersive sound.
This album has so much to offer, the sonic range really brings the listener through an audio journey, making it understandable why it had such a large impact upon its release.
Thank you for reading! Check back in on 11/29 for more.
