Lav's Music Corner

*mwah* 5.  I'm A Man  - Kim Gordon It seems like the uncompromising nature of the first single from this new Kim Gordon album was no accident. This second single is arguably just as intent to grab you by the throat and hold on tight. The instrumental once again featured rattling drums and rumbling bass but it's even more brash in its presentation. While the refrains here aren't quite as catchy as its predecessor they arguably set up for even more intense moments.  Listen 4.  Brown Paper Bag - DIIV In a world where a lot of music fans were excited for other things. I was hyped for the return of one of my favorite shoegaze outfits of the 2010s. DIIV's new lead single certainly fits in with the sound and style I was expecting to hear, but in a sense, that's why I'm not head over heels for it. While the slowed down and heavier demeanor is welcome, sonically parts of this song still feel like the band leaning into what they know they can do well. It's hard to see...

Warpaint is a California based indie rock act who settled into the scene nicely in the 2010's with back to back acclaimed records in 2010's The Fool  and 2014's Warpaint . Radiate Like This  is a comeback album of sorts for the band after having all worked on various other projects in the 6 years since their previous album as Warpaint. Review By Lav: While I've never been a die hard follower of Warpaint they are one of those bands who were there from the moment I first got into music and always seemed to be making great stuff. At least up until their third record which I thought was just okay and the very long delay we've had for a follow-up. But as soon as I heard the lead single for this record Champion  I was reeled all the way back in and had pretty high expectations going into it. While the band didn't blow me away or anything they proved my instincts correct delivering a mostly pretty solid tracklist that feels like they really haven't been gone for as...

This was a busy week full of big announcements, highly anticipated singles and the start of some promising new eras. For the second week in a row I had quite a tricky time putting this list together. 5.  Down  - Hot Chip After one of the more unconventional eras of their career a few years ago Hot Chip seemed to announce a return to the basics with this bright, catchy and incredibly dancy lead single. With punchy percussion and irresistible synths all built around an earworm sample it's very easy to explain and experience the great things about the track.  Listen 4.  Hips  - Warpaint This new era of Warpaint tracks has been defined by a gentle but sleek sound and this song is no different with playful basslines and ethereal vocal melodies. The percussion continues to be a huge highlight and the circular jam it goes on throughout the final 30 seconds is like icing on the cake. This is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated projects of the year.   L...

The Grammys are tonight, ick. While they will never achieve the level of industry admiration that the Oscars have, the great slap may have inspired the show to shoot for some kind of contrived attempt at cultural ubiquity. So assuming something meme worthy happens at the Grammys that then dominates the news cycle let's talk about these songs that came out this week while we still can.  5.  Deja Vu  - Toro Y Moi The upcoming Toro Y Moi album has the potential to be one of his best ever. After knocking my socks off with one of my favorite singles of the year so far Postman, Chaz came back just as strong with this breezy little psychedelic number. It perfectly combines his consistent delivery of chill wave bliss with an ear for instrumental texture that never fails.  Listen 4.  Sirens  - Flume (Feat. Caroline Polachek) After what was a pretty standard pop and EDM fusion for his lead single, Flume is back with something more outside the lines and I really enjoy...