Lav's Music Corner

Boys Of Faith  EP - Zach Bryan Zach Bryan dropped his self-titled album a few months ago, which I think is one of the best country projects of 2023. He fully lived up to his potential as a songwriter with rootsy folk-style capabilities and a definitive country swagger to go with. The album also broke him into the mainstream as a commercial music force with his name still popping up in the top 10 of both the Hot 100 and Billboard 200. I think that this EP was released so shortly after for two reasons. The first appears to be that he had leftover material, which is nothing out of the ordinary but normally causes me to temper my expectations. But once I saw the two features on the project it changed my perception. The project also recruits one of 2023's breakout stars Noah Kahan and the always-reliable Bon Iver as features. While the EP hasn't necessarily resulted in a mega-hit or anything, I think it's obviously an attempt to settle Zach Bryan onto the charts indefinitely. Bu...

5.  Gem & I  - Animal Collective This may be the simplest of AnCo's new singles yet. That isn't just due to its composition which certainly arrives more slimmed down than the 21 minute epic they led off their new era with. But even thematically and sonically what you see is what you get with the song. Thankfully, I find the refrains very compelling and the gentle indie folk flourishes are pretty satisfying even on repeat listens.  Listen 4.  Motorbike  - Poppy Right out of the gate, I'll say I know that this song does have a kind of critical flaw, the lyrics. To call this clunky would be an insult to a lot of embarrassing songwriting I've described in those terms in the past. It's unfortunate because this song has a chorus that I find absolutely intoxicating and it's been stuck in my head since the moment I heard it. I also think the track has thematic elements that work really well. The sleek and sensual worship of motorcycle girls is pretty easy to get beh...