The 40th anniversary of the Talking Heads 1984 concert film and album, Stop Making Sense, will be celebrated in theaters later this year, with the full show being issued on vinyl for the first time on August 18. The collection of beloved songs will be shared as a limited edition two-album set, paired alongside a 28-page booklet with unpublished photos and new liner notes.
Earlier this week, the band shared a post on the band’s social media featuring Talking Heads frontman David Byrne retrieving his famous oversized grey suit from the dry cleaner, after decades of storage. Byrne then rides home on his bike, dons the suit and warms up a little as “Naive Melody” plays over the video, segueing back to his 1984 self from the movie.
The Jonathon Demme-directed Stop Making Sense 2023 arrives via A24, which acquired the film’s worldwide rights. Stop Making Sense captured the Talking Heads as they performed at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December 1983 in support of their fifth album, Speaking in Tongues.
Accompanying the film will be a new deluxe edition of its soundtrack, due out on August 18th via Rhino Records. Available digitally with a Dolby Atmos mix of the complete concert and as a 2xLP set, the reissue is mixed by Jerry Harrison and E.T. Thorngren. Notably, the reissue adds on two previously unreleased performances of “Cities” and “Big Business / I Zimbra,” as well as unseen photos.
Byrne performed his Oscar-nominated “This Is a Life” at the Academy Awards earlier this week, which saw “Everything Everywhere All At Once” win 7 Oscars, including Best Picture. Next, Byrne will provide music for the upcoming John Mulaney Netflix special, Baby J, and his disco pop musical Here Lies Love, about the life of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos, which is set to open on Broadway this summer.
Since the 1970s, Do-It-Yourself (D.I.Y.) concerts proved to be a vital part of generational music culture, stemming from the thriving underground punk movement in cities like London and New York. The D.I.Y. scene brings local bands, artists, and other like-minded creatives together to build accessible, open environments for the community to enjoy music in safe and inviting spaces.
Our very own Albany has served as an epicenter of the underground music scene for generations, through informal gatherings of college garage bands and local talent. Passing the torch from venue to venue over the years, our generation’s leading venue can be recognized as The Byrdhouse.
Named for a stack of birdhouses in Washington Park and spelled with a “Y” instead of an “I” to make the brand more recognizable, Rachel and Adam founded The Byrdhouse in 2018 while attending undergraduate courses at University at Albany and the College of Saint Rose, respectively.
Rachel recalls attending basement shows at former Saint Rose venues called the Rice House and the Orange Peel as her “rite of passage,” while Adam performed locally in a band called Delphino. Upon the closure of these venues after their founders graduated, the duo partnered with other friends to create their own space to enjoy live music. The Byrdhouse first opened the doors to their basement in October of 2018 for a Halloween show.
A show at the Byrdhouse basement. / Photo Credit: Peter Herrick
“[The Rice House and The Orange Peel] always got really great acts and made a good atmosphere,” Rachel said. “Sort of what I wanted to base Byrdhouse off of.”
The early days of Byrdhouse focused on music and experience, with a tight knit community crew putting on and attending shows. Converting a rental house in downtown Albany into a small concert venue by building a makeshift stage, pitching in to collect speakers and other equipment – all while on a college student budget.
“We were cutting up mattresses, insulating, and making it noise proof,” Rachel said of preparing the rental house basement. “We even deconstructed a bunch of walls in the basement to construct an audience viewing area.”
“We did a lot of work to try to insulate to make sure that things weren’t too loud outside,” Adam said. “We never got a noise complaint, and you know, we were running a pretty tight ship. So that house was never really in disarray, at least not from the shows.”
As the years went on, Byrdhouse began to expand both their reach and notoriety among the Albany music community. Rachel found a passion in formulating setlists of acts of a similar genre for theme night events, and began to popularize amongst music-loving Capital Region college students as a weekend go-to.
Adam and Rachel of Byrdhouse (left-to-right). / Photo Credit: Josh Reedy
“We started off as a venue that was free to everyone…bands that we knew and people that were cool with that and it was fine. But as we started to charge and I started to get bigger acts, I started to formulate shows based on similar genre and theme…if I was doing a theme show…for goth night…I would be looking for all Gothic-esque bands and I would search from different cities” Rachel said.
While Rachel took on promoting and organizing shows, Adam served as what he calls the “technical hand.” What set Byrdhouse apart from other venues was their commitment to sound quality. Eddie, who joined the team later on, took over the sound technology.
“That’s a big deal for me, you have to take care of people’s ear health,” Eddie said. “Some venues now don’t even have a tech person… we were one of the few that had someone, either me or Adam, dedicated to it.”
Byrdhouse kept a consistent lineup of shows up until March 2020, when all events shut down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When COVID had hit it had blew out all of my plans. We had thought about doing live streams and stuff, but it just seemed too much at the time for everyone, I think, and after COVID had cooled down a bit…I had talked to some other friends of ours who wanted to keep the Byrdhouse spirit alive,” Rachel said.
The Byrdhouse returned on Aug. 21, 2021 to fans, bands, and artists alike welcoming them back – craving the sense of togetherness underground music once brought. The Byrdhouse returned with the same vibrant energy, and basic health precautions, to ensure locals had fun and bands could get back out into the scene.
“We had a good reputation with people, you know, people would come back and spread the word,” Adam said. “If you see a band that you love play live for you and they tell you that this is our favorite show or one of our favorite places to play, that’s awesome… that’s hard to beat”
Though “covers” were charged at the door, varying from about $5 for entry, the Byrdhouse organizers never took any profit. At the end of the night, the money was counted up and equally distributed to each of the performing acts as payment.
“Basement venues are like nonprofits…you’re working to not make profits…the profit is the community coming together,” Eddie said. “You can tell that bands wanted to play there…it was all focused on the music.”
Guitarist joins the crowd. / Photo Credit: Peter Herrick
After four years, three houses, and one global pandemic, The Byrdhouse held their last two shows at the end of Phoenix Fest, a D.I.Y. festival, in April of 2022.
“Graduating from college I felt like it might be a better time for younger generations to start their own basement venues and pass it along…pass along the torch to the younger generation so they can experience what I did” Rachel said.
Today, Rachel still plays a role in the Albany music scene with the transition of The Byrdhouse to D.I.Y. booking and management group Byrdhouse Records. She says it will “continue with doing shows and booking tours” through above ground venues like No Fun in Troy.
“My heart is in the D.I.Y. scene, but as I’ve gotten older with it, I want to make it into something bigger and more versatile,” Rachel said. “[Opening] an actual established concert venue is something that I dream of.”
*This article originally appeared in a series created by the Albany Student Press, University at Albany’s student-run newspaper.
“It Sounds Better in the Basement” is a developing series playing off of punk band The Devil is Electric’s 2001 release of the same name. The song represents the soul of basement shows and its importance in providing a platform for local bands. As Albany college students, we strongly believe in archiving the student culture of the Capital Region for generations to look back on. As part of UAlbany’s independent student newspaper, it is our mission to tell stories while protecting those who live them – which is why we have chosen to refer to sources on a first-name basis (unless receiving permission otherwise). This series will continue with features of other local venues, bands, and notable figures.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Ampevene, Tops of Trees, and Simplemachine.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Ampevene is a fresh, experimental fusion of original Progressive Rock, Psychedelic, and other genres based out of Albany. The group is currently comprised of Gabe Stallman (guitar and vocals), Mack Hogan (bass), Ava Smith (keys and synth), and Brian McKinney Fahey (drums). They take inspiration for their free-form frenzy, jagged riffs, and hypnotic rhythms from groups like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, TOOL, and more.
Simplemachine – “Ingloria”
Simplemachine just released the anti-suicide anthem “Ingloria,” urging those to get help if they are struggling. The song tugs on your heartstrings as they sing “I never saw it coming/then through the haze/the hum of distant drumming.” The song utilizes powerful vocals and somber violin strings to get the message across that help is available to you, and to please seek it before doing anything drastic.
Tops of Trees – “Frontline”
Tops of Trees are a newly budding original music group based out of Upstate, NY, with a modern interpretation of soulful music steeped in early R&B, funk, and blues.
Sister pop duo Aly & AJ released their fifth studio album, With Love From, on March 15. The album comes after 2021’s A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun, their first studio album in 14 years. Prior to its release, four singles, “With Love From,” “Baby Lay Your Head Down,” “After Hours,” and “Blue Dress” were released in support.
The cover of Aly and AJ’s debut album, Into the Rush. Credit: Amazon
Aly & AJ were born in Torrance, California in 1989 and 1991 respectively, and raised in both Southern California and Seattle. Both of their parents, who are now divorced, work in the music industry, their dad is a producer, and their mother is a musician who performed in the Christian rock band, JC Band. The sisters have a history with Disney, with Aly playing a supporting role in the sitcom Phil of the Future from 2004-06, co-starring in the 2005 Disney Channel Orginal Movie Now You See It, and starring with AJ in the network’s 2006 original movie Cow Belles.
Their debut album, Into the Rush, was released in 2005. The album was heavily supported by Disney, with their cover of “Do You Believe in Magic” appearing in the soundtrack of Now You See It…; the single “No One” appearing in the 2005 Walt Disney Pictures Film Ice Princess; another cover “Walking on Sunshine,” appearing in the soundtrack for the Lindsay Lohan film Herbie: Fully Loaded. The album’s debut track and fifth single overall, “Rush” was featured in Disney’s Twitches, before being released to mainstream radio and becoming their first single to chart the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at 59. Their single, “On the Ride” appeared in the soundtrack for Cow Belles.
Insomniatic, their third studio album, became their most successful release to date in 2007. The album’s debut single, “Potential Breakup Song” similarly became the duo’s most successful single to date. The sisters took an extended break after the album’s release, marking their return in 2017 with the EP Ten Years. In 2021, they released their first studio album in 14 years, A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun. The album didn’t reach the same success as their previous work, but it was supported by a single, “Slow Dancing.”
With Love From marks a minor departure from Aly & AJ’s previous work, something they started doing with their prior album. Highlights from the album include the title track, “With Love From,” and “After Hours.” While their early work encompassed upbeat dance music you were likely to hear at a party in the late 2000s, their newer music is a slower-paced, soft-pop sound. The change feels natural, reflecting the growth they’ve had over the years of their career. Aly & AJ are ready to introduce their new sound to a live audience, headlining a tour this spring that will have a stop at the Hammerstein Ballroom on April 22.
Listent to the With Love From music video by Aly and AJ.
Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh performs this week at The Capitol Theatre with a slew of talented musicians for four nights, which started on March 15, Phil’s birthday show. Sunday will see Phil notch his 100th show at The Cap, capping off the celebration.
For Phil’s birthday show, he was joined by Rick Mitarotonda, Grahame Lesh, James Casey, Natalie Cressman, Jennifer Hartswick, John Medeski, & John Molo. The show started off running with “Help On the Way > Slipknot”, with the first set including Deadhead favorites such as “Cumberland Blues” and “Scarlet Begonias”. Later in the set, James Casey’s vocals on “Fire on The Mountain” were masterful.
The second set opened up with “Not Fade Away,” filled with explorative jamming which peaked with a psychedelic “The Wheel” and an energetic “Let it Grow” to close out the set.
Owner of The Capitol Theatre, Peter Shapiro, came on stage to surprise Phil Lesh with a birthday cake. The crowd proceeded to sing “Happy Birthday” to Phil, before the band concluding their encore with a classic “I Know You Rider.”
Phil Lesh – The Capitol Theatre – Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Set 1: Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Cumberland Blues, Dire Wolf, Scarlet Begonias, Fire on the Mountain, Franklin’s Tower Set 2: Not Fade Away, Playing in the Band, St. Stephen > The Other One > Long Time Gone > The Wheel > Let It Grow Encore: Donor Rap, Happy Birthday to You, I Know You Rider
Due to illness, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band’s concert at MVP Arena in Albany on Tuesday, March 14 has been postponed.
In a statement, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band said that they “are working on rescheduling the date so please hold on to your tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled show.” This has been the third show the band has had to postpone due to illness, including March 9 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH, and March 12 at Mohegan Sun in Montville, CT.
The show has been rescheduled to Sept. 19, and previously bought tickets are valid for the new show. If you cannot make the show, you can request a refund up until April 16.
Four-time Grammy-award-winning and multi-platinum-selling artist Drake announced his 2023 ‘It’s All A Blur’ Tour with 21 Savage in June. Presented by Cash App, Visa, and Sprite with producer Live Nation, Drake and 21 Savage will be going on an arena tour, including four nights at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on July 17, July 18, and July 20 and 21, with three nights at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, on July 23, July 25, and July 26.
Drake and 21 Savage It’s All A Blur Tour
‘It’s All A Blur’, is a celebration of the last decade and a summary of Drake’s sentiment of the unprecedented run and his ambition for a new run. In the last five years, Drake has released four albums, including the latest album Her Loss collaborated with 21 Savage. This exciting album reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and had all 16 songs debut on Billboard’s Hot 100 list.
Drake is a Canadian rapper and hip-hop artist who first gained serious attention in 2009 with his EP So Far Gone. In 2018, Drake dropped the platinum double LP, Scorpion which included a staggering 25 tracks. Afterward, he started his Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour across the US with surprise guests, Meek Mill, French Montana, Travis Scott, and many others. In September of 2021, Drake released his most highly anticipated album Certified Lover Boy. In 2022 he released his seventh studio album Honestly Nevermind, featuring 21 Savage, then released a collaborative studio album with the rapper titled Her Loss.
Grammy Award Winning multi-platinum artist 21 Savage is a rapper based in Atlanta, Georgia. His 2016’s record Savage Mode, and 2019 album i am > i was received platinum certification. i am > i was received a nomination for Best Album of the Year in 2020, earning him a Grammy for Best Rap Song for “A Lot.” In December 2022 the state of Georgia recognized December 21 as 21 Savage Day in recognition of his extraordinary philanthropic efforts.
Tickets will be available starting with Cash App Card and Sprite presales beginning on Wednesday, March 15. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, March 17 starting at 12 pm on drakerelated.com. Onsale start times vary by market, check your local listings for more information.
DRAKE: ‘IT’S ALL A BLUR’ 2023 TOUR DATES:
Thu Jun 29 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum
Sat Jul 01 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Wed Jul 05 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Thu Jul 06 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Jul 08 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Sun Jul 09 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Tue Jul 11 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Wed Jul 12 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Fri Jul 14 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre *
Sat Jul 15 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre *
Mon Jul 17 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Tue Jul 18 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Thu Jul 20 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri Jul 21 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Sun Jul 23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Tue Jul 25 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Wed Jul 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Jul 28 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Sat Jul 29 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Mon Jul 31 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Tue Aug 01 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Thu Aug 03 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
Sat Aug 12 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Sun Aug 13 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Tue Aug 15 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Wed Aug 16 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Fri Aug 18 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Sat Aug 19 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Mon Aug 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
Tue Aug 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
Fri Aug 25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sat Aug 26 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Mon Aug 28 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena *
Tue Aug 29 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena *
Fri Sep 01 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
Sat Sep 02 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
Tue Sep 05 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Wed Sep 06 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Fri Sep 08 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Mon Sep 11 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Thu Sep 14 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center +
Fri Sep 15 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center +
Sun Sep 17 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center +
Mon Sep 18 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center +
Wed Sep 20 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center +
Brooklyn Funk Essentials has debuted their newest single, their feelgood, rollerskating jam ‘Rollin’ (Love Will Be Here)’ out now on Dorado Records.
‘Rollin’ (Love Will Be Here)’ is the 4th single from Intuition, Brooklyn Funk Essentials’ seventh album of stellar, master-crafted R&B, discofunk, poly-riddims and pop-laced hooks, which will drop on May 5th.
Across a career that stretches 30 years and seven albums, BFE have established themselves as an audacious project, fusing soul, hip hop, spoken word, jazz, Latin and of course, funk. The band have built up a loyal international cult following on every continent since inception in 1993 by iconic producer Arthur Baker and bassist Lati Kronlund. BFE was born out of New York’s buzzing hip hop, jazz and slam poetry scenes in the early 90s, rotating some of the finest musicians, DJs, poets, rappers and singers. BFE’s celebrated debut album ‘Cool & Steady & Easy’ (Dorado/RCA 1995) scored an underground hit with the version of Pharoah Sanders and Leon Thomas’ ‘The Creator Has a Master Plan’,while tracks like ‘Take The L Train’ and ‘Big Apple Boogaloo’ became DJ favorites.
This new ’70s soul inspired roller romp and sinewy thump with the luscious vocals of Alison Limerick has its roots in the forever earworms of Ohio Players, Mary Jane Girls and Roy Ayers, complete with Brass Construction-esque horns and a Chuck Brown-inspired go-go break thrown in for good measure. The infectious tune was co-written with original Brooklyn Funk Essentials member and creator Hanifah Walidah (aka Sha-Key), who combined the hooky groove with lyrics capturing the relief when lockdown was finally over and we could party again.
BFE also have made ‘Intuition’ available today for their legions of fans to pre-save. The album is Brooklyn Funk Essentials’ first long player since 6th album Stay Good in 2019. It sees BFE lay out their new ‘all killer no filler’ long player across eight tracks of laid back grooves and arrangements that still remain cool, steady and easy. Alison Limerick (vocals), Desmond Foster (guitar, vocals), Ebba Âsman (trombone, backing vocals), Hux Nettermalm (drums, percussion), Kristoffer Wallman (keys, vibraphone and synths) and bandleader Lati Kronlund (bass, guitars, keys and producer) deliver a confident and vibrant set of originals.
From the roller disco-esque Brass Construction meets S.O.S. Band-like stomp of party selects like ‘AA Side Single’ and ‘How Happy’ to jams like the signature horn-fuelled arrangements, chunky grooves and vox fierceness of ‘Scream!’, ‘Sho’Nuff’ and the hook-laden title track ‘Intuition’. The album also welcomes dub poet Everton Sylvester from the original 1993 BFE band line-up. Sylvester’s honeyed contribution ‘Mama’ celebrates single mothers and was originally written for the band’s 2008 ‘Watcha Playin’long player, but now fused with a sinewy jam lead by Ebba’s dreamy trombone. BFE closes out the 8-track with the quiet storm-ish ‘Unkissed’, a reflective R&B paean about the difficulties of expressing love to those we care about the most when everyday life gets in the way.
For more information, please visit the bands website.
The Great Blue Heron Festival 2023 will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a lineup of fan favorites and ten new, never-been-to-The-Heron artists.
The Great Blue Heron Festival draws in thousands of fans from across the U.S. each year, remaining a tradition for people young and old to celebrate self-expression and music. The festival will take place at the Heron Farm in Sherman, an award-winning campsite, voted number one in the U.S. by HipCamp. The Heron is open daily for seasonal camping from May through October along with the Green Heron Growers Farm Store.
From June 30-July 2, there will be three stages, called the Main Stage, the big top Dance Tent, and the Tiger Maple Stage, as well as over 30 artists, featuring returning headliners Donna the Buffalo. The group has been together for over thirty years, releasing over ten records, performing with various musicians, including prominent folk/roots performers such as Jim Lauderdale, the father and son zydeco musicians Preston and Keith Frank, and more. Three Heron newcomers and finalists include Keller & The Keels, Couch, and Kaleta & the Super Yamba Band.
Keller & The Keels have been making Appalachian-style psychedelic bluegrass tunes since 2004, recording three albums since. Featuring award-winning flat picker Larry Keel, his bass-playing wife Jenny Keel, and Keller Wiliams, the trio is excited to perform at Great Heron. Boston-based group Couch infuses pop with funk, rock, and R&B/soul. Their vibrant sound is further defined by the members’ backgrounds in jazz, a cappella, and musical theatre. They celebrated the release of their debut EP, COUCH in Feb. 2021 as well as three new singles and a 20-city headline tourin 2022.
Brooklyn-based group Kaleta & the Super Yamba Band is fronted by Afrobeat and Juju veteran Leon Ligan-Majek a.k.a. Kaleta, living his adolescent years in Lagos, Nigeria where Afrobeat was born. The group has performed across the globe, releasing its debut album Mèdaho in 2019. Other performers for the festival include Peter Rowan, Kevin Kinsella OG JBB, Henhouse Prowlers, The Probables, Root Shock, Smackdab, Dr. Bacon, New Planets, Dirty Gems, Sun King Warriors, Pa Lane, and more.
Tickets for the Great Blue Heron Festival 2023 edition are on sale now.
Brooklyn indie-pop artist Oropendola has just released a music video for her newest single “Rorschach Sky.” This is the third and final single off her upcoming album Waiting for the Sky to Speak which has just released today, Friday, March 17th.
Oropendola, who has played with singer/songwriters Half Waif, Barrie, and Samir Langus, stated, “Rorschach Sky” points to the missed opportunity of spending your life waiting for something when life is happening all around you. If you’re waiting for some kind of answer from the sky, you’re not seeing the beauty and the motion in every passing moment.”
“I paused Twin Peaks to watch the kitchen clock,” said Joanna when thinking back on writing Rorschach Sky. “It was moving backwards. A slow, disorienting, luxuriously surreal countdown. April 7th, 2020, which I only knew because I grabbed my phone to type a bunch of exclamation points in my notepad. I had barely changed out of my pajamas for three weeks. I was happy for Time: being able to veer off course. Stretch like silly putty until becoming shimmery and translucent, changing color and sequence like a kaleidoscope. Shifting identity like the clouds.”
Joanna Schubert’s debut album is titled Oropendola, which is a bird whose name translates to “golden pendulum.” These tracks shimmer with bursts of energy and emotion, swinging from playfulness to earnestness with deft, technicolor brushstrokes. The album is a celebration of choosing life even in the face of its ephemerality, and of finding motion even in the midst of stillness.
The album title, which comes from the album’s opening track “Rorschach Sky,” is a fitting one then: the phrase points to the missed opportunity of spending your life waiting for something when life is happening all around you.
On lead single “Knocking Down Flowers,” Schubert finds life in the least likely of places: a construction site. Here, she recognizes and illuminates the power of living at the intersection of contrasts. The album’s emotional core comes through on roiling ballad “Trust the Sun” and clear-eyed album closer “When You Carried Me.”
While much of the rest of Waiting for the Sky to Speak careens across black-ice patches of inner conflict, both these songs offer a tentative hand outward, towards love, friendship, and family. Overall, Waiting for the Sky to Speak is an imaginative and colorful chimera of a collection that marks Oropendola’s triumphant arrival.
To watch the video for “Rorschach Sky,” click the link here.
To listen to Waiting for the Sky to Speak, click the link here.
