OPM: Putting the Pop in Popular

Thor Speeler – Vestige

Appealing and well-crafted set of gloriously synth-driven indie pop. The opening tracks suggest something between the Postal Service and Passion Pit, with a touch of MGMT thrown in for good measure. Just when you think you have it nailed, it takes a delightfully weird and retro turn into a song that sounds like “Being Boiled”-era Human League with a guest spot by Gary Numan. 

After that we get a pair of tracks that would pair nicely with the chillwave of early Neon Indian. All in all, a wonderful collection of strong, appealing songs that encompass an excellent stylistic variety.

(Listened to the entire album)

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Nicholas Burgess – Re-Animator

A delightful set of covers – some obvious, some obscure – that transform the originals into disco-kissed indie pop gems. Everyone from Lady Gaga to obscure noise-rock bands get the treatment, with notable highlights including Audioslave, the Carpenters, Harry Nilsson and Jan Hammer. I have a real soft spot for cover albums that really put effort into transforming the original songs while honoring their essence, and this collection nails that.

The bedroom pop/electro indie production carries a lot of water in that regard – many of these are rock songs originally, after all – but beyond that, Burgess’s affection for the originals is apparent in every note and timbre, however much he transforms them. Obviously, your enjoyment will depend to some degree on your affection for the originals, but not entirely – I thoroughly enjoyed the Pearl Jam cover, and I hate Pearl Jam. Definitely give this one a look!

(Listened to the entire album)

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Veil of Tears – “Hymn XVII: Lacrimae”

A relentless, pulsing, beatless slab of gooey doom with a tortured vocal and almost unbearable heaviness. This draws on elements of industrial, extreme metal, and noise to create an unholy hybrid that assembles the remains of those genres into something truly forbidding and harsh. 

I have to admit this is a new one on me (tho I don’t listen to enough heavy music to say if it’s truly new new) and, while it’s A LOT, it seems like something that lovers of heavy music need to check out – if this fits your taste, you’ll be glad to have discovered it. 

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jpoduill – Nótaí

A charming and energetic mix of pop, psychedelia and Irish folk in service of a solid set of songs. Arrangements lean folky/poppy, except when they lean into big fuzzy guitars riffing (and one or two synth pop diversions). Vocals have a rough edge, an easygoing vibe and fit the material beautifully – may be a personal idiosyncrasy but I’ve always had a soft spot for a catchy tune sung in an Irish accent. 

The production that ties it all together is subtle but solid; transparent enough you don’t have to notice it, deft enough you won’t mind if you do. Overall, a skillful and well-made set of folk pop with just a hint of an edge.

(Listened to the entire album)

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fawn – the hermit EP

Starkly minimal rhythmic and atmospheric IDM/ambient/industrial hybrid. Each track is assembled from a collection of clattering, buzzy, distorted and occasionally sussurating noises. These weird little sounds slide against each other, occasionally collide, and generally build an atmosphere of quiet, intense uneasiness. 

The tracks do a nice job of building tension, but there’s not much release – which I assume is wholly intentional. Weird, discomforting and original; definitely not easy listening, but absolutely worth giving it the ~10 minutes it’ll take to experience it.

(Listened to the entire EP)

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