★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Boise, ID— “Loop Soup with Jamz” drops on February 9th, and emerges as a succinct and yet immersive EP, a collaborative soundscape crafted by the ingenious minds of Sove the Second (@sovethesecond) (Idaho) and Justice Of The Peace (@justicerobinettmusic) (Oregon). Across its six tracks, there is a mesmerizing blend of lo-fi hip-hop, jazz, funk, and singer-songwriter elements that, as a musician, invited me into the realm where I felt the creative process pulsing through my speakers. As the album unfolded, I could envision myself in the studio, watching this duo push the boundaries of conventional songwriting while allowing the ‘jamz’ to guide their artistic vision. Despite the kaleidoscope of sounds and influences on this album, it remains well-woven together and very well-produced, just like a well-crafted soup it offers your taste buds diverse flavors yet maintains a consistent essence. Admittedly, “Loop Soup” will not cater to every musical palate. Still, for enthusiasts of lo-fi and experimental music, it presents a feast that lingers long after the final track fades. Sove’s vocals exude power and vulnerability, especially with tracks like “Eight of Swords” that serves as a showcase of her expressive range and prowess; yet still my favorite track is “Innernet” a track where Justice of the Peace shines brightly, too. Listening to Sove’s lyrics on “Loop Soup with Jamz” evoked a memory of my first encounter of the groundbreaking artist Merrill Garbus of Tune Yards, a memory I hold near and dear to my heart. Paired with Justice’s boundless creativity, the album is a testament to innovation, which is why I wanted to do this review. Creativity and Innovation—check. Intention—check. Uniqueness— check, check. In its brevity lies a true complexity, and this album left me craving the opportunity to catch them live. Luckily, there are a few local Boise opportunities to familiarize yourself with Sove the Second’s music, first at the Neurolux on 2/18 and Treefort this year. Sove the Second will also be live on Radio Boise’s From the Basement at 4 pm MT on Friday 2/9. So, tune into your local radio station to listen to locals doing unique things. “Loop Soup with Jamz” drops tomorrow February 9th, and you can listen here.

-Ali O’Malley

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Boise, ID- Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jacob Wylder (@jacobwylder) is set to drop his new EP Waiting for Things to Change this January 18th. Multi-faceted Wylder shines in what is a very carefully crafted album, created wholly by Wylder himself, except for backing vocals from local songstress Jenn Sutkowski (Trippy Hearts) on tracks 1 and 3. Despite the attention to detail needed to play all the instruments, and then mix and master such a delicate and moody album; this four-song EP exudes a rather seamless flow and sense of space. What could have come across as being too taught or meticulous, instead exhibits a well grasped creation of ambiance capable of leaving a lasting impression on the listener. The album doesn’t necessarily exhibit large changes in mood or tone — reminiscent of early 2000’s indie pop vibes akin to that of Ben Gibbard. However, there are some clever and subtle choices that make each song stand out, while still striking that nostalgic chord. This is particularly evident in my favorite track of the EP “Fast Food”, I truly appreciate the juxtaposition of such carefully crafted music and the sometimes seemingly irreverent nature of Wylder’s lyrics, making his music feel so incredibly relatable to me. What I look for while reviewing an album is intention and creativity, and it is safe to say that Wylder delivers both on this delightful EP; aptly representing his diverse and charming catalog of music. Though Waiting for Things to Change doesn’t slap as hard as his 2021 EP Phone Dead (I quit) —which feels more like Yoni Wolf meets Tokyo Drift than anything Gibbard— this album is definitely worth a listen and only further exhibits Wylder’s diverse range of talents. Not only do I genuinely like this EP, but discovering Jacob Wylder as an artist makes me incredibly thrilled for a new year of new music discovery. Listen to Jacob Wylder’s previous releases here.

-Ali O’Malley

★★★★★★★★★☆

Boise, ID- Grimage (@grimagetheband) released an album, “Amalgamation”, in September 2023 that has situated themselves as a formidable hardcore punk presence in our music scene. Comprising the talents of Jaxton (guitar, vocals), Emma (lead guitar, vocals), Miles (bass, vocals), and Owen (drums), this four-piece showcases their undeniable prowess throughout the entirety of this aptly named album. Described by the band as “the slimey abomination of the first year of Grimage”, with each subsequent listen I become more excited about this group. This is me hinting at what is a promising trajectory for them in the realm of hardcore punk, though I reckon they will have a larger appeal than your average hardcore enthusiast. This is due to their expert infusing of a dynamic range of sounds not typically associated with the genre. There is an intricate interplay of softer licks and instrumentals that are juxtaposed against that heavy and doomy riff-heavy sound, creating something that feels a bit more elevated than your average underground hardcore group. The well-balanced layout of the album provides an insightful introduction to their identity, with opening tracks that serve as a good testament to their musical ethos; I especially liked “Barnyard Brawl” at the beginning of this album, a punchy and heavy composition that exudes classic punk energy. As the album continues to unfold, with surprises like track “7”, the album captivates with this infectious sense of fun and the unwavering commitment to musicality. It is eleven songs, but like most good punk these are short, straight-to-the-point songs—this album still clocks in at under 25 minutes long with each member shining on this album. As I eagerly anticipate their next musical endeavors, “Amalgamation” is a testament to their potential to leave a mark on the contemporary punk rock scene. You can see for yourself if you are here in Boise by catching them on December 22nd at Realms, or January 11th at the Knit or you can listen to Grimage’s “Amalgamation” here.

-Ali O’Malley

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Boise, ID- December 1st, 2023, The Fugue State Ravens’ (@fuguestateravens) release a self-titled 7” vinyl on Simpul Records (@simpulrecords) featuring seasoned Boise punks, Chris Raney (guitar, vocals) and Jeremy Ford (percussion, vocals). This three-track album will surprise its listeners with its highs yet a has few moments that might give off a ‘warped tour dad energy,’ which is I find typical of many punk acoustic albums. I prefer side A, “Dracula in Daylight,” but throughout the album, what stands out is the punchy nature of the tracks, the production quality for an acoustic act, and the eye-catching, pink-tinged packaging. Admittedly, there is that warped-tour-dad-vibe in parts which lowers this album on my rock star scale, but the duo manages to offset that with plucky, charming, and snotty lyrics that inject a folk punk energy, which sets it apart from their 2021 demo. One applauds the growth and the artistic risk-taking showcased in this release, striking a well-balanced mix by incorporating acoustic elements while staying true to their punk roots. The clean production adds a layer of appeal that may reach wider audiences that typically do not follow these genres. Despite my preference for full bands, feedback, and wailing effect pedals, the album impresses with its rich lyricism, narrative depth, and character— qualities that lean towards more folk punk sensibilities. I can see fans of early Felice Brothers, or AJJ digging this duo. Vocally, Raney and Ford maintain a raw punk and street energy, creating a dynamic easy to envision in a live setting. I can imagine this duo around the campfire, or busking along gutters, and still could easily imagine these tracks played with full, electric backing. Even with the clean production quality and creative liberties taken in the studio, the gritty heart of this album still shines, making it a charming addition to any eclectic vinyl collection. Check out Fugue State Ravens here.

-Ali O’Malley

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Boise, ID- Everything You Know Will Go Away is the first full-length album from Endless Atlas and was released this week, November 4th, 2023. Endless Atlas (@endlessatlas.music) is a solo project created in 2019 by Dale Hiscock. This album is eleven songs of self-produced music adeptly exhibiting the diverse range of talents of Hiscock, who does an excellent job of creating ambiance and vibes in this electronic, dreamy soundscape of an album. Though it feels undeniably moody, it never lulls, keeping this pop-infused pacing to the music but never sacrificing any emotion or constricting itself to any one genre. I think it starts out stronger than it ends, but ultimately, it is an album that suits the fall weather, it feels very much like early 2000s indie-pop which permeates this nostalgic yet melancholic undertone. Paired with Hiscock’s delicate and understated vocals, this will potentially pull on your heart strings, even though the lyrics feel very narrative driven and less metaphorical or traditionally poetic. Endless Atlas does a great job of straddling the barrier of futuristic electro-pop and retro callbacks that have this Pink Floydian Justin Vernon- meets- Brian Eno covering Tame Impala- sound that I believe Hiscock should be incredibly proud of. Despite having parallels to other artists, there is something utterly unique about this album that truly surprised me. This album is not for all, but it is an artistic composition that will take you on a journey and that has beckoned me to catch this artist live. I would recommend this to fans of Bon Iver, Why?, Death Cab for Cutie, Brian Eno, Brian Wilson... you get it. Check out this beautiful album here.

-Ali O’Malley

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Portland, OR - Latest Hits is the second 2023 release (the B-side) from Dead Silhouettes (@dead.silhouettes), a talented three-piece with an expressway ticket to my heart. This self-released, self-recorded, five-song album immediately had me hooked. I was pleasantly surprised with the uniqueness of their sound, unbound by any particular genre, and yet couldn’t deny how hauntingly familiar it also felt. By the end of their second track, “sick sense”, I wrote down that I felt like I had found an unheard tape of a young Black Francis (the Pixies) performing over indie-infused grungy psych rock that reminded me a bit of Karate’s earlier works (In Place of Real Insight is in my top ten favorite albums of all time). With that being said, it is very evident that vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Luke Hogan, is undeniably his own artist; making music to honor the craft, and not some money-driven or self-gratifying endeavor. His bandmates, Teddy Engs (bass) and Jamie Higgins (drums), also shine in this album albeit (with the direct to ½ tape recording) this sound sometimes becomes one and tracks do get buried a bit; but it also means that this doesn’t come across as over-produced and polished fluff. Honestly, this recorded-to-tape lofi sound is well-orchestrated aural candy for your ear holes that aptly represents why I’ve loved PNW music throughout my life. Dare I say, like the Pacific Ocean itself, this moody album ebbs and flows in energy and pull, yet as a whole is one forceful and connected piece of work that will carry you to another place. I cannot recommend this group enough, and I truly hope this is not the last I’ve heard of this dynamic trio. Kudos, Dead Silhouettes, I didn’t plan on doing an album review today, but I’m so glad I found you. Listen to the album here.

-Ali O’Malley

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Boise, ID- Master & Machine is a genre-bending ten-song album tracked at the Tonic Room (Boise, ID), remastered at Abbey Road Studios (London, UK), and features none other than Boise rock hero, Brett Netson (on tracks “Blueprint” and “Friends We Once Had”). The collective input certainly created an album that showcases the creative range and dynamic talents of Mylo Bybee; I am incredibly impressed at the rawness, creativity, and range that is on display on this album. With additional layers of instruments, I would normally not expect at a live show, Mylo Bybee stretched their creative wings and utilized the artistic opportunity to use the studio, and the multi-instrumental talents of the group, to create something I think they should truly be proud of. An album that, at times, made me feel all the feelings that are shared by this charming trio. Read the full write-up here.

-Ali O’Malley

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Boise, ID- WOUND is Ghorot’s full-length sophomore album stacked deep with “five blasphemous tracks” . This is an “orchestrated rollercoaster of dynamic ups and powerful downs”, “a well-recorded, and artistically powerful and heavy soundscape of mind-boggling doom”. WOUND is bound to charm fans of the genre, but might just scare away all the Beliebers and Swifties of the world. I do wish I could understand more of the lyrics since the music itself felt so damn emotional and potent, though they do suit the genre stylistically of course. A full write-up is available here.

-Ali O’Malley