NYS Music 202​2

Category: Album Reviews

  • monarch. Release Heartfelt Debut EP “Sweet Little Things”

    The Hudson Valley based band, monarch. release their EP, Sweet Little Things, on June 17, a stunning debut with five tracks sure to get you dancing. The project comes after the release of the single “Faces In Crowded Places,” in November 2021.

    Comprised of Sarah Hartstein (vocals), Johnny Lu (drums), Nick Pappalardo (guitar), and Jesse Hartstein (bass), the band pulls inspiration from multiple genres and influential artists, like Fiona Apple and Amy Winehouse. The group began Sweet Little Things in the summer of 2021 and is currently touring throughout New York.

    monarch. originally formed in 2017 and consisted of just Sarah Hartstein and Lu. As the duo started writing this most recent project, they knew they needed more, and the band’s debut EP represents that full evolution.

    The EP is sonically cohesive without being repetitive, as monarch. explores a range of tempos, instruments, and melodies. Themes of love, passion, growing up, and letting go of hardships make up the EP, the lyrics honest and relatable for any listener.

    With a strong start on vocals from Sarah Hartstein on “Morning Coffee,” the opening track on the EP grabs your attention and then keeps it with catchy lyrics and upbeat instrumentation.  The introspective lyrics over a bubbly tune make it easy to get swept away in the music.

    The title track slows things down, at first.  Soulful, the track drives the group to explore their blues roots and encompasses the overall theme for the project. Guitarist Pappalardo shines with an engaging solo over an energetic drum track. 

    Overall, the EP showcases the immense growth of the band, expanding on their talents and experimentation in their first single, “Faces In Crowded Places.” Energy and spirit intertwine throughout the EP, making it a joy to listen to. 

    The last of the five tracks, “Naive,” reminds audiences we can easily get lost in harmful relationships. Heart-wrenching lyrics from Hartstein pull you in, and intense instrumentation builds up for a passionate ending to the debut EP. 

    monarch. shines on this project, and certainly warrants one dancing around screaming the lyrics on repeat. The band has shows across NY in the promotion of their newest project, with dates well into the summer.

    Key Tracks: Morning Coffee, Sweet Little Things, Naive

    @monarchtheband.ny

    POV: you’re listening to our song NAIVE which will be on our debut EP “Sweet Little Things” being released in one week from today 🥺💗 #sweetlittlethings monarch. #music #musiciansoftiktok #hudsonvalleyband #hudsonvalleynightlife #nycband #nycmusician #brooklyn #newyork #newyorkcity

    ♬ Naïve – monarch.

  • Morningsiders Release Their Newest Album “I’ve Got A Song”

    New York City folk-pop trio, Morningsiders, release their newest album, I’ve Got A Song on June 17. Known for their unique style of indie music, this album encompasses a set of their latest quirky tunes. Their sound is often described as music that bridges the gap between virtuosic, intimate live moments and gorgeously atmospheric studio-produced pop. 

    Morningsiders "I've Got A Song" Has Just Released

    The Morningsiders are NYC-based, having met and formed at Columbia University. The band is comprised of Magnus Ferguson (vocals/guitar), Reid Jenkins (fiddle/vocals), and Robert Frech (piano). 

    The band has evolved from an Americana-collective into today’s guitar-fiddle-piano trio more focused on song craft and production. Originally, the band was comprised of rotating members and improvisatory performances. 

    Morningsiders had first made a name for themselves on a national level when their song “Empress” went viral, topping Spotify’s Viral 50 in 2015. Shortly after, they ended but being featured in a Starbucks commercial featuring Oprah Winfrey. “Empress” now has over 44 million streams on Spotify to this day.  

    Songs like “Hang the Cedar” and “Bowery Ballroom” have an emotional yet upbeat melody, with pop-punk highlights. The lyrics are heartfelt and gentle, making us reminisce about a past or current relationship.  

    Morningsiders "I've Got A Song" Has Just Released

    This album has quite a few gentle melodies, “This Could Be Good” has a beautiful guitar riff with motivating yet gentle lyrics. Yet, “Four Faced Liar” pokes at our heartstrings with a beautiful symphony and chorus.

    Currently, the trio are set to expand their popularity using their quirky sonic maneuvering, while still retaining the moments of brilliant musicianship. I’ve Got A Song encompasses this new style overall, making it an easy hit. 

    Overall, “I’ve Got A Song” encompasses a gentle yet pop-punk side to the Morningsiders. They have evolved from an Americana-collective into today’s incredible guitar-fiddle-piano trio, you won’t want to miss out on this new album. 

    To download I’ve Got A Song, click the link here and watch “Hang The Cedar” below.

  • Hearing Aide: The Wrecks ‘Sonder’

    If you’re searching for the eternal sound of summer, the alternative indie punk-pop outfit the Wrecks might be just the thing you need to remember the season is here. The Wellsville, NY band’s sophomore full-length album Sonder drops on June 10 across all streaming platforms via Big Noise Music Group.

    Eleven tracks nod to the quintessential pop/punk sound of the early 2000’s paying homage to the pioneers of the genre. But in Sonder, the Wrecks have developed their own unique 2020’s twist incorporating elements of current pop trends and new wave style synth to the mix. 

    the wrecks sonder

    Lyrics are relatable; the kind of lyrics you can apply to your life without knowing original context or origin story. “I’d say our lyrics have always been honest and vulnerable,” noted Wreck’s vocalist/producer Nick Anderson, “and not only was I able to depend on that narrative compass once again, but I found it taking me to a whole new place this time creatively.” Anderson’s vocals shine.  There is a powerful delicate balance to his vocal performance, a beautiful dichotomy that fits the band’s musical vibe – soft and tepid to robust and commanding and back again with a natural ease. 

    The album’s lead single, “Sonder” is a musical punch. Musically, the tune is sharp and demands attention.  The chorus’s unexpected hook warrants a “car windows down, singing at the top of your lungs like no one is next to you at the red light” type of moment. “Where Are You Now” showcases a different side to the band’s sound – acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals create an unexpected ballad early in the track listing. The album’s latest single “Lone Survivor”, a flashy earworm, closes the album with a dance heavy bass groove that justifies using the repeat button for a few listens. 

    The Wrecks are currently touring in support of Sonder with a 33-show tour this summer.  New York stops include dates in Buffalo at the Rec Room (June 29), Albany at the Empire Underground (June 30) and Webster Hall in New York City (Jul 8). Full tour dates can be found here.

    Key Tracks: Sonder, Where Are You Now, Lone Survivor, I Love This Part

  • Sabrina Trueheart Emerges in “Holding Onto Something Good”

    On Friday, May 20, Albany folk singer Sabrina Trueheart released her debut EP, Holding Onto Something Good. The four-song project follows the release of singles “To Die Alone” and “Wait,” released in January and March respectively.

    Sabrina Trueheart in a dark room with her face illuminated by rainbow light.
    Cover art for Holding On To Something Good.

    The instrumentation of Holding Onto Something Good is almost as simple as possible, featuring nothing more than Trueheart’s voice and acoustic guitar along with a simple drumbeat on the title track.

    Trueheart’s singing is the EP’s best element, with her soft voice matching the project’s focus on tender emotions. She also makes sure to save her impressive vocal range for the right moments, going high in the final seconds of “Honey Bee” and “Skinny Dipping.”

    In terms of Trueheart’s guitar work on the EP, while the first two songs consist of slow and simple finger picked melodies, the second half showcases some technical prowess with the quick chord changes on “Skinny Dipping” and closer “Two of Us.”

    Lyrically, Holding Onto Something Good is introspective, with musings centered around romance and moving past personal hardship. “Used to wanna run, but those days are gone,” she sings on the pre-chorus of the title track, a moment showing the project at its catchiest.

    The EP’s title track showcases the project at its catchiest.

    “Skinny Dipping” shows some vulnerability with its use of imagery, as Trueheart sings, “your body glistening, medicine for my troubled mind.”

    “Two of Us” closes the EP on an intimate note, painting a picture of romance between two imperfect people. “Life’s good when it’s the two of us, but I’m still me and you’re still you,” she sings in the closing seconds.

    While just 12 minutes long, Holding Onto Something Good rings clear, painting Sabrina Trueheart as a person who acknowledges her growth and is looking forward.

    Key Tracks: Holding Onto Something Good, Skinny Dipping, Two of Us

  • Austin and the In-Laws Release Songs From the Woodshed

    North Country’s premier post-outlaw country band, Austin and the In-Laws, have just released their newest album titled “Songs From the Woodshed.” The album just came out on May 10th, giving their audience original tunes of cold weather country delivered in our signature post-outlaw style. They will be coming to play in Plattsburgh on June 24th, at Elf’s Farm Winery 5:00pm.

    Austin and the In-Laws Release Songs From the Woodshed

    The band is formerly known as “Cash Journey,” due to their covers of the classic outlaw country style music by Johnny Cash. If you want an evening of country classics and original tunes, be sure to check out the upcoming show dates from the In-Laws. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXMopxSHi1o

    Regardless of their covers of Johnny Cash’s infamous songs, the band has just released their first original album. The band produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered all the songs on this album. Check out these five new original tunes in the classic outlaw country style. 

    The band is made up of four talented members including Austin Petrashune (Vocals, guitar, piano), Matt Hall (Drums), Ann Petrashune (Bass), and Reggie Duncan (Pedal steel guitar on Dark As Dusk). They are often seen on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and more covering Johnny Cash’s infamous songs like “I Walk The Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” 

    Upcoming shows 

    June 17th, 6:00 pm, Austin and the In-Laws in Keeseville

    June 24th, 5:00 pm, Austin and the In-Laws at Elf’s! in Plattsburgh 

    July 9th, 4:30 pm, Austin Petrashune plays the music of Austin and the In-Laws in Bloomingdale 


    You can find lyrics, upcoming shows on their Bandcamp page linked here.

    For more information, click the link here.

  • MoonTree Glows on Debut EP “For The Time We Have Left”

    Unique NYC duo MoonTree has released their debut EP For the Time We Have Left, an avant-garde, jazz-oriented record that shows the breadth of the duo’s creativity in 20 minutes.

    Eight songs long, the tracks on For the Time We Have Left follow loose, unconventional song structures and feature an array of instrumentation. Accents of mandolin and guitar in the waltzy and cybernetic “No Point of Reference,” and hints of oboe and flute in the cold and ambient “On Q” enhance the EP’s character.

    Cover art of For the Time We Have Left. (found on Spotify)

    Tone-wise, For the Time We Have Left can range from being eerie and moody to light and melodic. The space-agey shuffling of “UNEARTHLY” contrasts the arrhythmia and creepy vocal snippets of “LOCKET/SOLES,” while never ceasing to create an enveloping atmosphere.

    The EP is very textural, with MoonTree leaning heavily on reverb and never overplaying themselves on percussion, also subtly implementing vocal samples here and there to add an interesting rhythmic and melodic element.

    Especially spacious and free-formed moments like the closer “your tree” reminisce slightly of Arthur Russell’s experimental 1986 album World of Echo, however MoonTree’s songs on For the Time We Have Left are consistently more focused than Russell’s offerings.

    The EP is lyrically sparse overall, with Jaya Franceschini’s echoey lounge-esque vocals conveying a general focus on the complexities of romantic intimacy. This is made clear at points where reverb stripped away, such as the duet-spoken word piece “A Shoulder to Rain On” about an intense romantic moment between two lovers with a disjointed saxophone-driven instrumental sitting in the background.

    There’s also the more traditional jazz cut “open book” which offers the record’s sole guest feature. Brooklyn rapper Zedikaya’s guest verse is as open-book as possible, with him offering musings about a love affair gone sour. This brief detour offers a change of pace on the EP and gives MoonTree a good opportunity to incorporate their hip-hop influences.

    Despite juggling various ideas and influences, this project weaves these concepts together into a cohesive, inspired project. With tight musicianship on display, this duo of Jaya Franceschini and Ben Cuomo gives an inspired showing of what they have to offer on For the Time We Have Left.

  • Hearing Aide: Harry Styles ‘Harry’s House’

    Welcome to the fuzzy synth, wet bass and glittery guitar that is Harry’s House. Superstar Harry Styles‘ third album release has some old formulas, new movement, and as always, a lot of falsetto. It shouldn’t surprise any fans that this record is also packed with mushy moments, breakup stories, and rather scandalous dirty talk, as this is Harry’s first record since landing his new lady Olivia Wilde.

    Even in the throes of a public relationship, Harry does not fail to bring a variety of influences and ideas into his music to create something that feels truly like home. 

    Harry's House

    Straight away, it is jarring to hear a brass band mixed into Harry’s energetic first track “Music For a Sushi Restaurant”. The masterful blend of disco rhythms and 80s influenced electronic elements creates the whipped cream that tops many songs on the album, including the pop marvel “Daydreaming”. This masterpiece of a track has an engaging hook that samples the Brothers Johnson and earns Quincy Jones a spot on the album’s writing credits. It’s clear that Harry Styles is doing his research into soul music, and songs like the sultry r&b number “Daylight” and the rhythmic “Grapejuice” have a modern, funky foundation to tie the album together seamlessly.

    It’s satisfying to see Harry take so many new directions, but what needs trimming are the formulaic songs that round out this album. The acoustic love songs surrounded by waves of harmony or the ambient breakup anthems are very familiar, and it seems the rock and roll energy we’ve seen in Harry’s 2017 title album is missing in Harry’s House. His live shows are a huge affair, and harder rock songs like “Kiwi” and “Only Angel” are the perfect choice for these live performances. As he rightfully progresses into funk, he shouldn’t retire his rock frontman persona just yet. This is a chain of many great albums to come, but let’s hope he dives deeper into the realm of brass funk, leaves behind the old successes, and gives us more of the modern rock and roll we need right now.

    Key Tracks: Music For a Sushi Restaurant, Daylight, Daydreaming

  • State Champs Leap Back Into Focus with “Kings of the New Age”

    Albany pop-punk veterans State Champs have returned with their fourth studio album Kings of the New Age, a 35-minute montage of guitar-driven angst and lust that rarely slows down.

    Kings of the New Age is the first release by the band to feature only one guitarist, after Tony Diaz stepped away in 2020. Nevertheless, the group’s sound isn’t any smaller, with the other four members nicely filling in the gaps. This is aided by some tight production from California based Drew Fulk a.k.a. WZRD BLD, whose collaborations include Lil Wayne, A Day To Remember, and Ice Nine Kills. Cleanly mixed, the band’s full arrangement shines through on Kings of the New Age, with no instrument or vocal sounding unclear, choppy or overshadowed.

    While production does play a significant role in the band’s presence standing tall with a smaller lineup, credit has to be given to Tyler Szalkowski for his increased duties as both lead and rhythm guitarist. Songs like “Here to Stay” and “Just Sound” showcase guitar work that both maintains a loud presence while enhancing the song melodically.

    kings of the new age
    Cover art for Kings of the New Age.

    Lyrically the album generally focuses on topics of romantic lust and strife. “Being with you is like working on the weekend,” sings lead vocalist Derek DiScanio on the chorus of “Everybody But You,” the album’s lead single. Even though romance is a major focus of the record, songs like “Here to Stay,” which begins the album, reinforce the idea behind the album’s title. “The kings of the new age, the wrong time, the right place,” sings Discanio in the track’s opening lines.

    With State Champs entering the scene of pop-punk after the genre’s boom in the late ’90s and early 2000s and before its recent renewal with Machine Gun Kelly’s pivot towards the genre hatching new commercial attention, the optics of this timing might not be great, but they don’t mind. “On our own it’s safe to say, we’re here to stay,” DiScanio sings at the end of the opener’s chorus.

    State Champs attempt to reinforce this footprint on Kings of the New Age with four features scattered across the album, with appearances from Neck Deep’s Ben Barlow, Against The Current’s Chrissy Costanza, Nashville country pop singer Mitchell Tenpenny, and Four Year Strong’s Alan Day & Dan O’Connor.

    Each artist is given a bridge to sing or maybe a little more on the tracks which they have feature duties, which is something that holds back the effort and impact of these guest contributions. Chrissy Costanza’s contribution on “Half Empty” slightly stands apart in this regard however, with her bridge and chorus near the song’s ending adding another perspective to this track about a struggling relationship.

    And even though part of this album’s mission is clearly dedicated to not changing up the band’s formula, this leads to Kings of the New Age sounding repetitive at points. This is why slight deviations on songs such as “Act Like That,” which functions more as a straightforward pop rock track, and closer “Some Minds Don’t Change” with its loud, waltzy chorus are easily appreciable moments.

    Nevertheless, State Champs’ classic pop-punk formula works out well overall, with loud anthemic choruses and relatable melancholy lyrics shaping a strong album for the seasoned band. Kings of the New Age doesn’t reshape the punk genre or push too hard on any boundaries, but it’s good enough on its own to prove that State Champs deserve to hang around.

    Key Tracks: Here To Stay, Just Sound, Act Like That” (featuring Mitchell Tenpenny)

  • Hearing Aide: Glass Pony “Nowhere Daydream”

    Albany’s Glass Pony continue a hot streak that has seen the group persevere through a pandemic to build an audience and unique sound, and return from the studio with a strong sophomore album, Nowhere Daydream.

    Glass Pony Nowhere Daydream

    Comprised of Chanda Dewey (drums), Eddie Hotaling (guitar, lead vocals), Jeff Picarazzi (bass), and Greg Pittz (lead guitar), Glass Pony has used the last two years wisely, honing their craft in practice and performance, preparing for the return of live music and hitting the ground running. Expanding their touring area to Central New York and the North Country puts Glass Pony on an upward trajectory, fueled by Nowhere Daydream.

    Glass Pony Nowhere Daydream
    photo by Frankie Cavone

    The album begins with the Hotaling composition “North Bound,” giving an early Ominous Seapods feel to the album, which dips quickly into a track that has quickly become a fan favorite, “Something Good.” The first notes to the album’s first single have a “Let’s Dance” intro vibe, a soaring guitar hook throughout from Pittz and serves as an upbeat post-pandemic anthem for an uplifting 7+ minute ride, .

    “House on a Hill” has a happy, upbeat jamgrass vibe, with lyrics by Keith Drinkwine. “Mortimer” brings in a “Wife Soup” feel in the intro before entering a swing-revival section – this fiery instrumental segues neatly into the brief and ambient “GN-z11.” The guitar groove of “St. Atocaster” from Pittz fits snugly into a pocket created by Picarazzi and Dewey, a track that captures the Glass Pony sound that has developed these past three years.

    Nowhere Daydream was recorded at Jellystone Park in Pound Ridge, NY; Blue Sky Studios, Delmar, NY; and Glass Pony Stables, Albany, NY. The album was mixed and engineered by Eddie Hotaling and mastered by Raelynn Janicke at Infrasonic Mastering, Nashville, TN. Matt Richards (Annie in the Water) is featured on keys on all tracks, with Will Hayes playing cello on “Lunar Flare.” Visit Glass Pony on Bandcamp.

    Key Tracks: Something Good, Mortimer, St. Atocaster

    Glass Pony will hold an album release show on May 21, 2022 at Parish Public House (388 Broadway, Albany. Tickets are $15, with 3 sets and doors at 7. Tickets are available via Glassponyband.com or guthriebellproductions.com

    Glass Pony Nowhere Daydream
    poster by Zak Radick

  • Pop Punk Duo poptropicaslutz! Release Debut EP

    Long Island-based emo-pop duo poptropicaslutz! released their debut EP, just in case the world ends on May 6.

    poptropicaslutz
    poptropicaslutz formed during the pandemic. Credit Eli Rae.

    Composed of Nick Crawford and Christian Cicillia, the group’s seven-track project explores their inspiration with a no holds barred approach to making music.

    Just In Case The World Ends is a project that started during the global pandemic, as poptropicaslutz! was forming, and the “end of the world” didn’t seem so farfetched,” the duo explained. “We thought about what album we’d make if it was our last chance to make one.”

    poptropicasluts cover art
    The cover art for the debut EP, “just in case the world ends”, from poptropicasltuz!

    The EP is released under Epitaph Records and is mixed by Matt Malpass, who previously worked with Blink 182 and MGK.

    Most of the songs on just in case the world ends have a traditional pop punk song structure and content—self-aware lyrics and romantic themes. But poptropicaslutz! modernizes them with sparkly synths in their production. The combination of which makes for a fresh take on the hyper-punk genre.

    poptropicaslutz! also released a music video for their lead track “this might be our last december” featuring Canadian artist 8485. According to the duo, this collaboration is the embodiment of the intersection of pop-punk and hyper-pop that they’re known for.

    Throughout the EP the Gen Z duo showcase their interests in experimentation. Particularly with the track “lackluster at best, masterpiece at worst” which features an acoustic guitar as opposed to their usual hard hitting electric guitars of pop punk.

    On “hysteria is impossible without an audience” they offer up some classic emo music before closing out the track with some impassioned screamo.

    just in case the world ends is accompanied by a series of animated music videos from Rob Fidel. The 3-part cartoon series follows the mishaps of a group of evil genius pigs with mohawks who desperately search for a way to fly.

    just in case the tour never ends PT. 1

    May 14 – Columbus, OH – Big Room Bar

    May 15 – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen

    May 17 – Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere – Zone One

    May 18 – Boston, MA – Middle East – Upstairs

    June 4 – Washington D.C. – Songbyrd