Uncovering the origins of Lovers Rock
One day on my routine walk to class, “Lovers Rock” by TV Girl came on through shuffle. Call it overstated or cliché, but for some reason, this song always pulls on my heart strings. The sweet swells of vio...
YUNGBLUD’s weird! is a testament to individuality
YUNGBLUD’s recent album is a tale for the ages. The UK-based singer-songwriter’s sophomore album, weird!, is an ode to the lost youth of today’s society. With tracks about polyamory, depression, and suici...
Tom Misch grooves at the Fox Theater
London’s incessantly evolving music scene has produced a new sound, incorporating mellow jazz, uplifting hip-hop, and classic soul and funk. Leading the way is 23-year-old artist and producer, Tom Misch. On O...
A night of catharsis: IDLES unleash at The Independent
“I’m pretty sure we’re going the wrong way!” I yelled to my friend Jack, panting, as we sat on our bikes on top of an utterly ruthless San Francisco hill. After taking BART into the city, we had managed...
Henry Grace sounds like he’s right at home at The Back Room
Open since April 2016 in Downtown Berkeley, The Back Room Berkeley is a relatively new music venue that welcomes all types of acoustically based genres, including jazz, blues, folk and more. The set-up has abou...
Henry Grace’s graceful approach to balancing school and music
Henry Grace’s adept songwriting skills and unique vocals defy his age. At 25 years old, UC Berkeley student Henry Grace sounds like he’s a musician with years of experience touring and making music under hi...
Ski masks and religion: Stormzy’s transparent debut
Gang Signs and Prayers (2017) comes at a time when Grime is at it’s strongest. The aggressive, fast paced rap genre has seen exponential success over the past year or so after several Grime acts broke into th...
The xx are invisible on I See You
As the 2010s enter their eighth year, I’ve taken considerable time to reflect upon the decade’s most influential artists. Bands like Beach House came in strong, put out consistent LPs with only minor variat...
Stop what you’re doing and listen to the new Palace album
It's here. After releasing Lost in the Night (2014), London alt-blues outfit Palace strolled onto the radar with five elegiac tracks effortlessly balancing soaring guitar harmonies and sophisticated diminuendo....
Field Notes: Electric adventures in London’s new undisputed reign
London. Some call it the most expensive city in the world; others call it the land of deflated dreams and broken spirits. Some call it the hub of everything and anything exciting; a melting pot; a chaotic m...
Australia’s Thomas Jack surprises XOXO crowd, throws off-the-wall party in London
LONDON, ENGLAND*--In the birthplace of drum & bass, Thomas Jack’s signature tropical house proved to be a smash hit in the London club scene. This past Wednesday at XOXO, the atmosphere of casual ming...
Arcade Fire in London: a reflektive spectacle
LONDON, ENGLAND* -- Beneath transformative flashing lights and a mobile ceiling of mirrors, Arcade Fire staged a breathtaking coup of London’s Earls Court on Friday and Saturday night. The expansive hall was...