This month has seen a lot of diversity in music releases, but when it comes to the atmosphere, we’ve definitely left the lightness of the summer behind. As we enter the colder months, a lot of these releases should be listened to in the comfort of your own room, a box of tissues nearby.
Trigger warning: mentions of death, illness, discrimination.
SINGLES
Fable, Gigi Perez
After the success of Sailor Song, Gigi Perez returned with an emotional track. Fable is a tribute to Gigi Perez’s sister, who passed away years ago. The singer-songwriter explained the last time she heard her sister sing on stage was a lament, and Fable is honoring the memory. The lyrics express not having faith in religion and how distressing that is after the loss of a loved one. Although the production might take away from the lyrics a little bit, paying attention to the words makes the song heavier. Fable is a natural continuation to the artist’s trajectory, who has established her signature music.
Pushing Daisies, Ashe feat. Suki Waterhouse
A few months ago, both Ashe and Suki Waterhouse returned with new albums. Their collaboration is a testimony to a friendship that has encouraged one another to create. In an interview, Ashe said Pushing Daisies was the first song she had written in a long time, which then inspired her to go onto writing her album, Willson. The track’s sound is fun and upbeat, however the lyrics are at a complete dichotomy. They express difficulties of falling asleep, and nightmares when they do sleep. Pushing Daisies is a saying that means “to be dead and buried” — Ashe expresses her fear that this struggle is making her question if she’s even alive. Their voices compliment each other in this deeper than meets the eye collaboration.
People Still Show Up, Maren Morris
Maren Morris released her EP “Intermission” a few months ago, but this is only the beginning. People Still Show Up is a new sound for Maren Morris who expressed her desire to make the switch from country to pop, but it still remains authentic to who she is as an artist. The rhythmic single has the artist’s signature over it, with the subject of friendships prevailing showing up once again. People Still Show Up tells us that even in our darkest times, when people disappoint us, there will be others who see us for our worth. Maren Morris has been vocal about her strong values and this song proves once again that she is one of the most headstrong artists of our time.
Even, Rachel Chinouriri feat. Cat Burns
Rachel Chinouriri’s debut album has been acclaimed by critic. Her name became known across the United Kingdom, as well the world in general. In her new single featuring Cat Burns, Rachel Chinouriri points out the disparities of being an upcoming singer while also being a person of color, compared to being white and/or fitting in the norm. The lyrics ask the question “we talk the same, dress for fame, why does no one believe in us the same?” while at the same time answering the question — “guess they never played us even”. The production builds up to reminisce on the experience of the constant undermining. Rachel Chinouriri and Cat Burns’ voices blend together in a harmonious manner, creating a record to be remembered.
EP’s
Painful Euphoria, Lilyisthatyou
The extended play starts with “Peace comes and goes, can’t find the antidote”, which is a perfect description for the project. Painful Euphoria explores falling in love with the wrong person, and trying to forget them through various coping mechanisms, such as partying and drinking. The hurt achieves a high point with the title track, where we hear the lyrics “can you tell it hurts like hell?”. Lilyisthatyou explores her trauma and perseverance with a vulnerable and honest poise.
F.I.L.T.H., PVRIS
PVRIS’ entirely independent project has been in the works for a long time. Lynn Gunn, the lead singer of PVRIS explained that she “wanted to make a project where female/non-binary artists could hop into the world of PVRIS and vice-versa”. F.I.L.T.H. lives up to its name in the most punk-rock way, with the lyrics being explicit and unafraid to fight back against societal norms. By exploring lesbian lust, shapeshifting as an artist, as well as other female-adjacent issues, it is stepping over patriarchy’s toes. The extended play reclaims power for women and non-binary people by giving complete control to the artists involved. It is refreshing to hear and embrace such a project.
ALBUMS
The Great Impersonator, Halsey
It’s difficult to put this album into words, as it is everything at once. Halsey dealt with chronic illness her entire life, but particularly in these past years, which made them question their career. The singer-songwriter shared her wondering what would’ve happened if she had gotten famous in another time? The album takes inspiration from icons of previous decades, such as Marilyn Monroe, David Bowie, Britney Spears, and more. The production is to be applauded. Combining the sounds of numerous artists across decades could’ve been all over the place, but Halsey is brilliant. The genres blend into each other despite their distinction. The storytelling is on another level. Halsey is known for turning her poems into songs, but the lyricism of this album is breathtaking. The acknowledgment of one’s mortality makes for a deeply contemplative record. We feel the devastation and brutal vulnerability of Halsey’s experiences with sickness, heartache, family trauma, motherhood and tying it all, her career. There is no doubt, The Great Impersonator is one of the best albums of the year.
Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, Charli xcx
We knew the remix album was coming but it was still nothing like what we imagined. It is completely different, and it only reinforces the cultural impact of Brat. This album is a response to the original, before Charli xcx became the name on everyone’s lips. Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat explores the aftermath of the success, having to adapt to the lifestyle. The remixes add a new dimension, with each artist featured bringing their own touch to the subjects, sometimes even transforming them into a new set of experiences. Notably, Everything is romantic feat. Caroline Polachek and B2b feat. Tinashe adapting to the new reality of being overbooked and overworked. The record is honest and vulnerable, a fresh approach to the Brat that changed the world.
What A Relief, Katie Gavin
Katie Gavin’s debut album isn’t anything like we’ve heard from her before, in her records with MUNA. What A Relief is an indie folk album that explores an array of emotions. What stands out is the dissection of one’s own experiences and trauma when entering a relationship. With songs such as The Baton, the singer-songwriter explores the work she has to do in order to heal from intergenerational trauma. As Good As It Gets and Inconsolable admit she might not know how to be with the other person, and that they might not succeed in having the perfect relationship, but she wants to try. The musical production is impressive, with each song exploring the indie genre in a unique manner. The album ends with relief, a deep breath after the heartache.
With A Lightning Strike, Genevieve Stokes
The title of the album encapsulates everything the record is and more. With A Lightning Strike tells the story of a heartbreak, a relationship that came out of nowhere and disappeared just as fast. The atmosphere of the fall months maintains throughout the album, with the inclusion of the elements. However, it is a dark kind of autumnal record. The haunting music production and lyricism reflect the album’s cover, where we see Genevieve Stokes stranded on an island in the night, a flashlight illuminating her presence. Around the middle of the album, Life of a Woman clarifies her facial expression with “the life of a woman afraid to be found”. With the song, the difficulty of leaving an unhealthy relationship becomes apparent. When Your Heart Opens is a turning point, the recognition of being stuck in the relationship and the strength of facing the fallout. Not only is it a powerful record about leaving, it explores the consequences of the relationship trauma after the break up.
If you’ve missed the releases of September, worry not! There’s still time to catch up:
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