By - Kristi Houk Recommended if you like: Wednesday, Snail Mail, Sharon Van Etten, Bruce Springsteen Thank god for Chicago-based Ella Williams aka Squirrel Flower and her beautiful, grungy new album (her third full length), Tomorrow’s Fire. Honestly, there’s not a stinker in the bunch, but are you really surprised? If you are, then you aren’t paying attention and pay attention you should. As a friend recently remarked when I […]

Australian punk rock band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers have taken the music scene by storm with their highly anticipated debut album, "I Love You." The release has fans and critics buzzing with excitement, and for good reason. With a compelling mix of raw energy, emotional depth, and catchy melodies, this album has something for everyone. The album's lead single, "I'm A Jerk," sets the tone for the entire […]

By - Kristi Houk Recommended if You Like: Soccer Mommy, Bully, Chastity Belt, Elliott Smith God, I really love the title of this album. Oh, to be that direct. Would save a lot of heartache which I think is what Clementine Creevy is aiming for on her latest album in four years. I Don’t Want You Anymore.  Upon first listen, it is apparent that Creevy has matured and gives zero […]

By - Jackie Lo Recommended if you like: Snail Mail, Land of Talk, Alvvays, Alex G, Sheryl Crow, Julien Baker, The Breeders Slow Pulp, a Chicago quartet I’ve been following for a few years, released Yard, their sophomore album and their debut on Anti-, this week. I went for my daily walk today and popped this album on so I could listen to it uninterrupted as I wanted to know […]

By - Kristi Houk Recommended if you like: ANY POST 80's ROCK AND ROLL “Everybody wants to be special here…” It’s about time. Replacements fans everywhere are likely giving a collective fist bump over this stunning, 4 album deluxe box set containing a remix of the misfits from Minneapolis fourth beloved album (their first on a major label and arguably their best collection of tunes), Tim. It’s an embarrassment of […]

By - Kristi Houk Recommended if You Like: Doesn’t matter. Just listen to it. Ok, everyone, we’re going to play a game. Every time Mitski Miyawaki mentions God, angels, or insects on her latest album, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, you have to take a drink.  Oh Mitski, you’ve managed to break my heart while falling in love with you all at the same time. That’s how […]

By - Kristi Houk Recommended if you like: The Cars, Gang of Four, The Strokes, Arcade Fire  Talking Heads, Early Cure, Television Don’t be afraid of a little post-post-post punk. Is that even a thing? It is now.  The Chicago quartet, Deeper, is definitely carrying that torch. Careful!, their latest release and debut on the famed Sub Pop label, is a stroke of dark wave, post punk genius. The album […]

By - Jackie Lo Recommended if you like; Elliott Smith, Duster, Big Thief, Crumb, Broadcast, and Nick Drake While scrolling through new album releases last week, I came across Elliott Fullam’s End of Ways, listened to a few seconds, and had to stop scrolling. Dark, haunting, and lush vocals on top of gorgeous guitar picking piqued my interest and I knew I needed to give the whole album a listen. There […]

By - Kristi Houk Recommended if you like: Throwing Muses, Bully, Liz Phair I’ve never understood why Confessional poetry gets a bad rap. According to the Poetry Foundation, Confessional poets wrote in direct, colloquial speech rhythms and used images that reflected intense psychological experiences, often culled from childhood or battles with mental illness or breakdown. Maybe it’s all that navel gazing? My take as a writer has always been to […]