ajcollins15 | Sputnikmusic

	Still House Plants If I donâ€™t make it, I love u The UK-based experimental rock ensemble ventures into uncharted territory with their unique take on the genre. While the rock landscape often sees experimentation with soul influences, Still House Plants' approach on "If I Don't Make It, I Love U" is truly innovative. They blend Slint-style post-rock and math rock with lush, angelic soul vocals, infused with a hint of no-wave inspiration. The result is a captivating, albeit unconventional, fusion where the guitars sometimes seem to operate on a different wavelength from the vocals. This dissonance works to great effect on tracks like "M M M," where looping post-rock guitar chords elevate the	3.0 04.24.24
	Ekko Astral pink balloons The debut album from DC-based band Ekko Astral offers a blend of traditional concepts in the fusion of noisy post-hardcore and post-punk. However, what sets this band apart is their approach through a lens that's distinctly influenced by online culture, evident in tracks like "UWU Type Beat" and "Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between L'enfant and Eastern Market." Setting aside these unique titles, "Pink Balloons" stands out in various aspects, particularly in its infusion of raw energy reminiscent of the classic DC hardcore scene. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant 80s and 90s DC hardcore and queercore scene, Ekko Astral showcases a	3.5 04.24.24
	SeeYouSpaceCowboy Coup de GrÃ¢ce Prepare your eyeliner and fingerless black gloves because Seeyouspacecowboy, the mall emo revival band of the 2010s, is back with their third album, "Coup de grâce." This album serves as a continuation of the style and sound the band has been honing since their debut in 2019. It's a gripping, high-energy post-hardcore experience with hints of sasscore and mathcore that leave you craving more. However, compared to their sophomore release, "The Romance of Affliction," "Coup de grâce" feels slightly less exhilarating, particularly evident on tracks like "Lubricant Like Kerosene." Nevertheless, the album is skillfully executed and is sure to evok	3.5 04.24.24
	Lucy Rose This Ain't the Way You Go Out Lucy Rose's fifth album marks a significant departure from her traditional singer/songwriter folk style, delving instead into a jazzy and soulful direction. "This Ain't the Way You Go Out" presents a refreshing shift that I never realized I needed from Lucy. Whether it's the urgent cry for assistance in "Could You Help Me" or the soul-stirring "Sail Away," the album offers a diverse selection of focused tracks. If you're seeking bright and sophisticated pop music with a soulful twist, this album is definitely worth a listen.	4.5 04.24.24
	Eidola Eviscerate Eidola finds themselves navigating a transitional phase in their musical journey with their fifth album. While the band still retains elements of their swancore roots, there's a noticeable shift towards a heavier emphasis on metalcore and djent guitars. While the signature swancore cleans remain, they are accompanied by evolving ideas that signal a departure from their previous sound. "Eviscerate" stands as a solid album that reflects this transition, albeit with some moments of uncertainty. Particularly in the latter half of the album, the band ventures into awkward progressive metal tropes that feel somewhat premature. However, despite thes	3.5 04.18.24
	Metz Up On Gravity Hill The Canadian band takes a bold step in a new direction, trading their raw sound for a more melodic and occasionally eccentric alternative rock vibe in "Up on Gravity Hill." While the album's second half may not leave as lasting an impression as the first, it showcases exciting new directions for a band that seemed to have plateaued in their raw and blistering noise rock and post-hardcore origins. This shift may not appeal to everyone, especially those averse to bands embracing a more "mainstream" sound. However, there's no denying the presence of memorable ideas throughout the album. It's an intriguing exploration that hints at promising deve	3.5 04.18.24
	Greyhaven Stereo Grief Greyhaven, the alternative metal and metalcore band, persist in their quest to establish a distinctive style for themselves, and they come close to achieving that on their latest EP, "Stereo Grief." While it may not be the most groundbreaking album in terms of originality, several tracks leave a lasting impression and evoke an adrenaline rush. Particularly noteworthy is when the band dives deep into the realm of soaring alternative metal vocals, as showcased in "The Welcome Party." Despite its familiarity, "Stereo Grief" offers moments of intensity and memorability that resonate with listeners, demonstrating Greyhaven's potential for growth w	3.5 04.18.24