Diaspora Problems by Soul Glo
Released March 25, 2022 via Epitaph Records
In a spiraling outburst of anger and frustration, Soul Glo let loose on Diaspora Problems. At an unrelenting pace, the band’s sound is a fireball of aggression that’s as hardcore as hardcore punk comes. Rooted in the internal struggles of mental health — as well as the external issues of racism, police brutality, the exploitation of minorities, and the performative rhetoric of white liberals — vocalist Pierce Jordan’s words are as impassioned as any. At some moments, there’s a semblance of defeat in which Pierce feels confined within the restraints of his own depression and anxiety; but as has been the case for all of Soul Glo’s music, there’s a festering rage rattling back at the conditions that perpetuate those feelings. In times where “ACAB,” “abolish capitalism,” and the like have become more akin to buzzwords than actual rally cries, Soul Glo is fed up with the never-ending complacency and empty promises. It’s an attitude the band has put forth since their 2014 inception. But on their longest effort to date—Diaspora Problems—Soul Glo delivers the most gripping display of it yet. This is the kind of record that instantly belongs in the history books of punk, with the collective hands of Soul Glo inscribing the future of it. – Dominick (10/10)
It’s been many years since a punk album like Diaspora Problems has touched me so deeply in my core that it reminded me of my youth; having my mind blown on the daily while exploring punk records now feels closer than it used to. Soul Glo’s Diaspora Problems is an exhilarating mix of noise rock, hardcore punk, and hip-hop that creates something completely fresh, and pushes the concept of rap-infused rock into a new age. The chemistry between the members of Soul Glo is just absolutely insane; every note feels like they are completely on the same brain wave, highlighted by the manic energy that frontman Pierce Jordan provides. Lyrically, the group weaves several ideas into ferocious onslaughts of aggression, grabbing you by the throat and giving you no choice but to listen. Instrumentally, these guys are a force to be reckoned with; passion seeps from every instrument, making you want to get up and punch someone. The handful of features are all absolutely great, and often diverge from the absolute aggression of Soul Glo, which allows their individual personalities to shine. This is one of those albums that I really do consider flawless, and makes me proud to have a local band put out such a masterpiece. – Jared (10/10)
Dominick: 10/10 | Jared: 10/10 | Hadley: 9.5/10 | Cam: 9.3/10
Pax: 8.6/10 | DeVán: 8/10 | Peter: 8/10
Frank by Fly Anakin
Released March 11, 2022 via Lex Records
Pax: 8.2/10 | DeVán: 7.8/10 | Cam: 7.8/10 | Dominick: 7.5/10 | Jared: 7.5/10
PAINLESS by Nilüfer Yanya
Released March 4, 2022 via ATO Records
Nilüfer Yanya's latest project is of the densely layered kind. Lush and glossy—but not in the sparkly sense—the material on PAINLESS is ironically layered with thick overtones of painful disappointment. Active in approach, Yanya's material bridges the gap between straight up pop and slightly experimental music with elements of interesting, listenable characteristics; with the studio being used as a way of bending the norm into misshapen, somewhat warped ways. The slightest of additions in sound expand horizons indefinitely and intricate details lace PAINLESS in syrup-y splendor. Tuning in to the deeper designs within the album, you'll find an abundance of bits to find pleasure in. Nilüfer Yanya is a gem in the art pop crown. – Peter (7/10)
Pax: 8.7/10 | Alan: 8.4/10 | DeVán: 7.9/10 | Dominick: 7.5/10
Hadley: 7.5/10 | Jared: 7/10 | Peter: 7/10 | Cam: 7/10
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