Inside Noise Week of 11/3
This week brought us its fair share of underrated bangers and not so underrated bangers in the popular indie / major label scene. Let’s look at a few of these records together!
I<3UQTINVU by Jockstrap and Taylor Skye
Wholly transforming the songs from I Love You Jennifer B, Jockstrap and Taylor Skye's new release I<3UQTINVU uses an experimental approach to remixing as they splice together chunks of preexisting songs with intense and unconventional sounds. Disorienting transitions elevate the project; it dips its toes into the surreal while remaining surprisingly cohesive, so much so that this remix album makes its own artistic statement. Fans of Jockstrap will pick out bits and pieces they recognize, but those fully new to the band will still find plenty to enjoy here without getting the inside references. Perfect for those who like a little bit of everything, I<3UQTINVU is a risk that has definitely paid off. 8/10. -Carrie & Michael
Sweet Justice by Tkay Maidza
2023 has already been a fantastic year for fun dance pop, and this historic run just got even better with Sweet Justice by Tkay Maidza. Fusing sounds from hip hop, R&B, and electronic dance music, Maidza delivers a record packed to the brim with crossover appeal. Above all else, this record's bouncy production keeps the atmosphere light despite the icy synth tones we hear throughout, and the interaction between the airy pop vocal delivery and the R&B-inspired harmonic layering creates a compelling, catchy sound. Overall, there's nothing I'm really left wanting from a pop record when I put this one on. 7/10. -Michael
Spiritual Cramp by Spiritual Cramp
Punk rock has certainly retained its edge, but sometimes it seems like the cynicism that propped up the early punk movement has somewhat gone by the wayside as bands take a more earnest approach to getting their points across. Spiritual Cramp's new self-titled record subverts this trend, taking us back to full snark with all their piss-taking on the silly goals that people in our society lay out for themselves. Nothing on this record comes across as particularly groundbreaking, but the attitude certainly feels fresh, especially as people struggle to cope with the stress of our inflationary economy. For people in the mood for a fun punk record to serve as an outlet for their frustrations over hustle culture and keeping up with the joneses, Spiritual Cramp will help you out. 6/10.
