Lav's Music Corner

Zola Jesus is a singer-songwriter whose been around for over a decade now dabbling in genres like goth, chamber and industrial. While she's pivoted between styles throughout her career, her previous album in 2017 represented a critical high point for Zola Jesus creating hype for this album from fans and critics alike. Review By Lav: 2017's Okovi  was my favorite Zola Jesus album to date and while that doesn't guarantee any success on a follow-up, particularly five years later, it was reason enough for me to be at least curious at what she would be doing next. What got me really excited was the singles three of which I really enjoyed and set up my high hopes for this record. While it does have the occasional slip-up for the most part it has all the interesting sonic explorations I was hoping for going into it.  As usual for a record with good singles let's cover those songs first, especially because they're three of the first four tracks. Lost  is the standout of the...

As the pendulum does swing, last week was a bit dry by singles standards but this week featured a flood of new tracks to choose from. Enjoy <3 5.  Because  - Danger Mouse & Black Thought (Feat. Joey Bada$$, Russ & Dylan Cartridge) Before I broke down every single element of this posse cut I will just say that yes the contributions are inconsistent among the various rappers as to be expected. But the song still has so many great facets starting with another killer retro instrumental from Danger Mouse that Black Thought and Joey in particular sound excellent over.  Listen 4.  Skin Of My Teeth  - Demi Lovato I never thought I'd say it but this Demi Lovato punk song actually has some grit to it. While it never fully leaves the realm of pop flavored punk compared to many of their contemporaries Demi proved they can really up the ante. The song is not only unafraid to touch on some of her past controversies and traumas but it does so with a vengeful venom t...

Another week that absolutely filled up the stat sheet with lots of new releases from notable names. While there wasn't a grand, highly anticipated comeback or massive pop collaboration to steal the spotlight there was something new this week for just about anybody and the best of the bunch are here.  5.  If We Get Caught  - Bloc Party After their last few singles I had been begging Bloc Party to dig their heels in and drop something that really rips, but it turns out the secret to making their best single of this era so far was to lean into their sentimentality. There's something very sweet and innocent about the fear of getting caught and the expression of love as if it's the very last thing you'll ever get to say to someone. The song is sweet and infinitely endearing.  Listen 4.  Lost  - Zola Jesus Even though you can never be sure what to expect from Zola Jesus, you can always expect it to be good and this certainly is. The chambered mix of the song with...