Easy Morning by Elliot Maginot
More like Elliot Maginot Line, because this album was a tactical disaster!! Just kidding. Going to break out the ol’ stand-by of “it was fine.” The religious nature of the lyrics didn’t really resonate with me as a godless heathen atheist & the orchestral pop melodies never strayed from well-trodden ground for the genre.
2.5 stars out of 5.
When Smokes Rises by Mustafa
This is a very heartfelt, tender album made in the aftermath of a friend’s untimely death. Which means I’d look like an absolute monster if I were to say “this album was boring & it didn’t hit with me. The piano was treacly as hell and, in several songs, the production made the music sound like the audio equivalent of pea soup.” So I won’t say that, but I’ll leave the implication there anyway.
2.75 stars out of 5.
Waska Matisiwin by Laura Niquay
Rollicking folk rock songs sung in Atikamekw. Another album where I can sort of shrug, say “it was fine,” and then move on to the next one.
Highlight: “Nicim.”
3 stars out of 5.
Girls Like Me by Nyssa
Sly, sarcastic lyrics about the classic topics of “life on the road,” “leaving your hometown,” and so forth with ’80s-style synths and vocal reverb. Kinda fun!
Highlights: “Hey Jackie,” “The Swans.”
3.25 stars out of 5.
The Ends by The OBGMs
Ahh, neat. Some noisy punk rock. All the songs sounds exactly the same, but that’s cool by me.
Highlights: “Cash,” “Not Again,” “Move On.”
3.5 stars out of 5.
ruminations of a sad oaf. 