Le Tigre’s self-titled debut album was released in October of 1999. Years prior, Kathleen Hanna led a band called Bikini Kill, which worked to inspire thousands of young women and essentially changed the gender dynamic of punk rock altogether. However, after seven years, Hanna had decided that their band and the movement they helped start just became something of a talking point, and the band broke up. At Le Tigre’s start, Hanna’s two other bandmates, Johanna Fateman and Sadie Bennig, had no musical experience. They recorded this album on equipment that was completely new to them; drum machines, samplers, turntables, and more. What they came up with was brilliant.

Two of the most notable songs on the album, “Deceptacon” and “Hot Topic” also happen to be the first two on the record. “Deceptacon” has an insanely catchy chorus, they took from an older, novelty song. Hanna shouts put-downs at thoughtless self-confident assholes with an unwavering sneer. All of this is layered over chaotically energetic surf-guitar chords, thumping bass, and sporadic synth beeps. I would consider this song more pop-punk, but it is a highlight nonetheless. In “Hot Topic,” Le Tigre takes a few moments to shoutout numerous artists, writers, and activists who have inspired them, such as Yoko Ono, Joan Jett, Cecelia Dougherty, and more. While all very different, many of them are considered feminists, like Le Tigre themselves. “Hot Topic” was the album’s only single, and it is reminiscent of Japanese indie-pop and new wave.

Other notable tracks include “What’s Yr Take on Cassavetes,” which is about filmmaker John Cassavetes and questions if his work can be considered feminist. On this track, Le Tigre highlights the sexist disjointedness that exists in the independent film and music scene. This topic is tackled over a heavily distorted electric guitar and a rhythmic drum beat. Another highlight is “My My Metrocard,” which is a song that condemned New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. This song is a go-go song with its high tempo, dance beat.

Le Tigre said they wanted “to write political pop songs and be the dance party after the protest,” and I think they achieved exactly that. They embraced 80s new wave and genres like electroclash and dancepunk. The majority of the album is about happiness, solidarity, and freedom, though anger is also prevalent. Kathleen Hanna, yet again, reimagined what punk rock was, and how it felt. Overall, this album exudes confidence and feminist themes, I found it really easy to get into, and I absolutely adore it.

Favorite tracks: “Deceptacon”

Least favorite track (excluding interludes): “Dude Yr So Crazy!!”

Overall rating: 4/5

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SATURATION also referred to as SATURATION I is BROCKHAMPTON’s debut album, released in 2017. The album marks the first of a trilogy, SATURATION II and SATURATION III were dropped that same year. Upon release, it was gaining traction in the underground hip-hop scene and received high acclaim off the bat. Although it may be hard to keep track of all the different voices throughout the album, each member of the boy band shares their musical and lyrical styles and personalities, which make up the album’s versatile talent and creativity. It is clear that the members play well off of each other and share a lot of chemistry.

The first three tracks of the album, “HEAT,” “GOLD,” and “STAR” are by far the project’s highlights. “HEAT” features insane, aggressive lyrics alongside a heavy drum beat with a heavily distorted bassline. The chorus features an explosion of noise, with ear-piercing sounds and shrill melodies. “GOLD” is more dialed back in comparison, a smoother, lighter track with a lot of personality. This song features almost all of the band’s members, giving each of them a moment in the spotlight. This song emphasizes their confidence, where each rapper lends their strongest flow. This track is next level, with its futuristic beat and the best hook on the whole project. “STAR” contains countless pop culture references, ranging from music to films. The song emphasizes the boys’ desire to be famous, to be the stars. This beat also hits extremely hard, with flawless flow from every member and insane production.

The tracks mentioned above are already some of my favorites, but “FAKE” and “WASTE” are two others that drive the project home, in my opinion. “FAKE” is a more laid-back track compared to the rest. The song highlights how the music industry does not always allow artists to say what they like, which leads many of them to create fake personas that they have to keep up with. Their voices are also heavily distorted to reinforce this notion of ‘fakeness.’ The album’s final track, “WASTE,” is a deeply melodic, passionate guitar ballad with the spotlight on bearface. It focuses on the fear of being forgotten, creating amazing memories with another person that they ultimately forget. 

I first heard SATURATION days after its release, as my brother recommended it to me with high praise. It was like nothing I had ever heard before, colorful and bouncy, catchy with insane production. It is consistent in terms of quality, though lacking an overarching narrative or concept. Its versatility, switching between introspective moments like “WASTE” to hard-hitting bangers like “HEAT” was another compelling aspect. Each member plays off the others exceptionally well, and I soon became obsessed with the band. I have seen BROCKHAMPTON three times, their “Love Your Parents” tour, “I’ll Be There” tour, and “Heaven Belongs to You” tour. Over the past few years, I have noticed progressive growth in their sound and chemistry, and they will forever be one of my favorite bands. This is another album that I cannot say enough good things about and gets better with every listen.

This track, “LAMB” is another one of my favorites, however it never made it on to the final cut of the record.

Favorite tracks: “GOLD,” “STAR,” and “WASTE”

Least favorite track (excluding interludes): “CASH”

Overall rating: 5/5

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Archy Marshall, professionally known as King Krule, released 6 Feet Beneath The Moon in 2013, at only 19 years old. This album combines aspects of jazz, indie, hip-hop, and most prevalently, rock. Each song is a lyrical portrayal of Archy himself, depressed and uncertain as he drifts through his teenage years into adulthood. As solemn as the lyrics are, they are delivered urgently in his easily recognizable, aggressive, gravelly voice. There are countless moments where it is clear that Archy is still growing up, his perspective on life is still fresh and edgy. Which pairs beautifully with the consistent frenzied strumming of his electric guitar. King Krule explains that the title of this album is inspired by his fascination with the moon. To him, it represents comfort and his aspirations, something he is always looking up to.

Highlights include the album’s sixth track, “Baby Blue” where Archy explains that he is fed up with his relationship with ‘Blue.’ Though, he indicates that they are not in a formal relationship. This track highlights a more delicate tone of voice, exploring another aspect of his growing talent. This song could be classified as a ballad of sorts, where he croons over slick guitar chords with a swooning vocal melody. It is romantic in an unexpected way. “Out Getting Ribs” gets its name from a Jean-Michel Basquiat piece from 1982. Written at age 16, Archy employs deep imagery and complex lyrics to outline his unrequited love and bittersweet relationship with ‘Blue.’ The track’s bleak lyrics over simple guitar chords give a sense of comfort and intimacy with an emotional twist. Another highlight is “Easy Easy,” a song about remaining optimistic despite feeling like the world is working against you. The song, again, mainly composed of Archy’s electric guitar and powerful voice, provides a strong start to the album and introduces some of its most crucial themes.

My personal favorites include “A Lizard State,” which picks up tempo in a more jazz-influenced rock beat, with a frenzied horn portion throughout the chorus. Archy gains confidence and pleads with a lover to do what he tells her. He has dealt with a great amount of unrequited love. However, on this track, he lets these feelings go and the lyrics expose that he is falling out of love with this person, and begins to resent them. This song’s more upbeat tempo, with Archy’s manic voice over the chaotic horn section, caught my attention the first time I listened to it. Finally, “Cementality” is about his thoughts of committing suicide, in his own words, “becoming one with the cement.” This track is likely the album’s most depressing, as Archy depicts how awful he feels, guiltless, loveless, and worthless. Archy’s smooth voice over the song’s deep bass and reverberating electric guitar is enough to send shivers down your spine.

Although there is not much to be said about the album’s consistency, leaps between light-hearted tracks like “Border Line,” and hip-hop-influenced ones like “Has This Hit” show the ever-growing facets of King Krule’s talent. The different sounds grasp your attention and hold it through the album’s 52-minute run time. Archy guides the listener through the wisdom he has earned through his tumultuous relationships and fluctuating mental health. Though fairly depressing, 6 Feet Beneath The Moon demonstrates his stellar wordplay, unique sound, and I truly cannot say enough good things about it.

Favorite tracks: “A Lizard State”

Least favorite track: “Has This Hit?”

Overall rating: 5/5

This is “Little Wild,” which is the bonus track on the Japanese CD of this album.

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Deaton Chris Anthony’s sophomore album, BO Y, is an eccentric, insanely creative masterpiece that caught my attention the very first time I heard it. He experiments with different genres from bedroom pop, “U Got Talent,” to trap, “Tony Hawk (ft. LA),” and even spoken word, “Deaton’s Meditation”. Some beats are simple, while others incorporate elaborate sonic freakouts that briefly interrupt and alter the song altogether, for example, “Coca Cola Cutie”. There are vapor-wave and dance-house influences, and it is clear that DCA is very forward-thinking in his production. Although there are so many different factors at play, DCA manages to achieve a seamless, cohesive project with flawless production.

Highlights include “RACECAR (ft. Clairo, Coco & Clair Clair)” which is DCA’s most-streamed song, as it went viral on TikTok about a year ago. Heavy bass kicks off the song with Clairo almost rapping, a side of her I have not yet seen much of. DCA lets the features really shine on this track, and all of their voices blend together beautifully. The production on this song is slick, and heavy synth-use adds a really fun texture. Another song popularized by TikTok is “1999 She”. This track is super catchy with an up-tempo beat, including lots of synths and keys. The beat switches around 1:00 and gets even faster. Another honorable mention goes to “Hello Honeybee, Goodbye Butterfly” which is undoubtedly the climax of the album. It is an eight-minute-long interlude that kind of shifts between genres. It is full of emotion and best conveys DCA’s talent.

My personal favorites include “Mr. Call You Back (ft. Triathalon)” which is characterized by its bouncy synth chords, funny adlibs, and a catchy bridge/chorus. Also, “Tony Hawk (ft. LA)” is more of a bass-heavy trap beat. Finally, “Late Night Lovin’” (ft. Jean Dawson, Korbin in Orbit & Omar Apollo)” which has an upbeat bedroom pop vibe. DCA often uses his voice as a vocal bridge between songs, resulting in an album that flows well, where each song develops ideas previously presented. This is impressive due to the sheer versatility in sound throughout his entire project.

Though generally unorthodox, BO Y’s bright, colorful production, goofy yet catchy lyrics, and silly songwriting are what make this album so special. Through these cryptic lyrics, DCA emphasizes themes like heartbreak, loss, and superficial happiness. He is vulnerable and expresses his optimism, obvious through his catchphrase “Have a great day.” Humor is also center on this album, DCA’s persona is funny and charming, it really comes through on tracks like “Deaton’s Meditation”. The synth use is reminiscent of 90s dance-house and though it pulls inspiration from a lot of older music, though BO Y is extremely modern sounding. It feels original, well-thought-out, and works through many genres successfully. In my opinion, BO Y is one of the most slept on albums I have encountered, it is full of charisma and creativity and leaves me inspired every time I listen.

Favorite tracks: “Late Night Lovin'”

Least favorite track: “(Bonus) Sid The Kid”

Overall rating: 5/5

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