INSIDE NOISE Week of 8/11: Noname and More!
Sundial by Noname
Right as we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the invention of hip hop, we got a fantastic new album on the jazz rap circuit. Sundial by Noname is bitingly socially conscious, with lyrics that tackle important subjects from relationship dynamics to white settler colonialism. Musically, the beats here give us that wonderfully wonky, off-kilter cadence that we hope for with each jazz rap release. My only gripe comes with Noname not really playing with the underlying structure of her songs, which leaves major potential untapped. Overall, this one's great. 8/10. -Michael
Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You by Bonnie “Prince” Billy
In the mood for a good old guy singer-songwriter tape? Louisville's Bonnie "Prince" Billy, the longtime alias of veteran songwriter Will Oldham, released a new record this week called Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You. Staying true to Oldham's alt country and freak folk roots, this understated album uses pretty much only raw guitar, country harmonies, and the occasional fiddle to throw the spotlight on its expertly crafted lyrics. There's not really a lot of individual moments on the record that had me lost in thought at its profoundity, save maybe for the extended tree analogy on "Willow, Pine and Oak" and "Trees of Hell," but Oldham's lyrics generally have this dad-like sense of giving life advice that's endearing and interesting enough to prop up the whole record. 7/10. -Michael
Goliath by Kataklysm
Kataklysm has been putting out great death metal since 1991, and they haven't strayed far from the formula with their release of Goliath. This record is instrumentally straightforward, with the same aggressive riffs and brutal breakdowns that we expect to hear from the founders of the Northern Hyperblast scene. Goliath is an apt name for this release, with lyrics about "conquering your enemies" and "the will of perseverance". This style of tough-guy positivity is endearing, and overall I really enjoyed listening to this record, but it didn't exceed my expectations or offer any surprises. I'd recommend this if you're looking for something new and heavy to add to your metal gym playlist, but it's not pushing any boundaries. 7/10. -Kalen
A Love Letter to You 5 by Trippie Redd
Trippie Redd is someone who needs no introduction at this point, and his new record A Love Letter to You 5 really doesn't either. Yes, it's a bit endearing to hear someone this on top of the world talk about how they're an overly loyal, romantic, and passionate mess, but there's not much on this album to really make us feel that. What we get here is telling over showing, and the lyrics and production here largely fail to stand out from the pop pack. 4/10. -Michael
Chrome Dreams by Neil Young
Neil Young has produced an insane amount of material in his lifetime, but this record is one to particularly pay attention to. Chrome Dreams is a lost album largely made up of recordings from the late 70s that were left on the cutting room floor. A few of the songs on here ended up getting re recorded later and enjoyed decent popularity, so seeing them all in their original, raw form is an incredible opportunity. What more can I say? I expected great songs, and I got great songs. 8/10. -Michael
