Inside Noise Week of 10/27
This week was fairly quiet on the major label release side, with the new Taylor’s version and all. However, the indie circuit had plenty in store for us!
The Secret to Life by FIZZ
Theatrical, flamboyant, and fun, The Secret to Life by FIZZ pulls out all the dramatic stops you'd expect from the world of musical theater in the unexpected context of an indie rock record. Such a concept may sound like a recipe for disaster, but The Secret to Life uses all its expanded harmonies, dramatic stops and starts, and Queen-esque chord and instrumental structures to pull off some genuinely compelling compositions. Filled front to back with delightful, energetic performances and engaging songwriting, this record will surely have you coming back for more. 7/10. -Michael
Nekkuja by Merina Herlop
Trading in her intensely self-serious, deeply dark sound for something more whimsical and bright, Barcelona-based Marina Herlop's new record Nekkuja frames creativity as a strictly positive process. From a bed of her progressive, frantically rolling percussion, angelic vocal harmonies, and varied baroque pop instrumentation, Herlop grows a garden of shimmery, memorable, and naturally flowing fruit. At times sounding connected to electronic art pop like early Grimes while at others sounding more in the vein of progressive and psychedelic sounds, Herlop's new record offers up a unique sound that simultaneously remains accessible and upbeat. 7/10. -Michael
Jenny from Thebes by The Mountain Goats
Pleasantly, the Mountain Goats are still finding new ways to grow their sound 22 albums in. Jenny from Thebes features a larger sound than you might expect from the group, big baroque pop elements blending comfortably into their signature folk rock sound. Still grounded in acoustic guitars and piano, the group incorporates new elements like bright violin riffs, smooth synths, and more involved brass ornamentation. Even with this expanded sound, Jenny from Thebes still reads as a fitting album in their oeuvre. 7/10. -Carrie
