Albums of the Month: January
By Zach Zollo
One month into 2020, here's a roundup of the best albums thus far released.
X: The Godless Void and Other Stories - ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
The indie rock legends released their tenth record this past month, their first since 2014's IX and Conrad Keely's return to the US from his stay in Cambodia. After 25 years as a group, there's not much left to prove, but The Godless Void could very well be one of the band's best three records. The album thrives on Keely's mixture of affecting lyrics and somber contemplations, while the band's signature prog meets post-hardcore compositions are direct, rejuvenated, and surprisingly, some of their best ever. "Don't Look Down" remains my favorite song here, with "Into The Godless Void," "Children of the Sky," and "Blade of Wind" also being highlights.
You Can Never Have A Long Enough Head Start - Floral Tattoo
Seattle-area "post-emo" band Floral Tattoo released their second record only three days into the new year, yet managed to catch on like wildfire fire almost entirely by word-of-mouth. The album blends a plethora of influences for a variety of genres: folk punk, shoegaze, dream pop, post-hardcore, etc. Even when it's apparent there's still room to master their craft, the central message of this record - overcoming your fears in the face of a crumbling, uncertain world - is delivered with a raw insight that most groups of their ilk are lacking.
Broken Window of Opportunity - Sir Michael Rocks
Broken Window of Opportunity offers the familiar perspective of an elder statesmen giving career advice, except Sir Michael Rocks does this in a way that only an Internet-age rapper can. Over lean, syrupy and aquatically textured beats, Rocks brings his signature personality and melodic, quippy bars (including "I cut them hoes off/cause they all speedy" and "I sold a feather to a pelican wing"). But now, he's introspective and experienced in what it feels like to have never quite lived up to the hype music blogs and Internet fans created. Not to say that this album is bitter or jaded - it's a celebratory, wisdom-bearing, smooth and blunt-friendly record that's fun as hell. It's just so happens to combine these two moods to the perfect effect.
Just as always, AJJ's music is as refreshing as a shot of vinegar. While Good Luck Everybody often revels in its lack of hope, the potency of Sean Bonnette's lyrics remain top-tier, with the songs capturing the state of the nation with unparalleled documentation. It's the type of record that will go on to serve as a relic of our current age, but hopefully, it doesn't define everything of our time.
Good Luck Everybody - AJJ
Read The ReviewJust as always, AJJ's music is as refreshing as a shot of vinegar. While Good Luck Everybody often revels in its lack of hope, the potency of Sean Bonnette's lyrics remain top-tier, with the songs capturing the state of the nation with unparalleled documentation. It's the type of record that will go on to serve as a relic of our current age, but hopefully, it doesn't define everything of our time.
