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Like most people my age, I found Black Box Recorder on TikTok with their song Child Psychology. It wouldn’t be years after that I would give them a serious look, and oh boy was I late. They’ve completely taken over my life; they’ve shot up my list of favorite bands. If you like melancholic, introspective, and atmospheric English rock music, they are for you. My musical palate is already accustomed to Morrissey and The Smiths, so it was very easy for me to dive in. It’s been such an enjoyable plunge. I did some digging on the bandmates and found that one was in a band called The Auteurs; they make similar music. After reading this, close the app or tab and open your music service of choice. Firstly, listen to Child Psychology if you haven’t; it’s a great entry point. England Made Me, and Wonderful Life are great songs by them. You should have a good idea of their sound, but then. Secondly, listen to The Art of Driving, The English Motorway System, and The New Diana. Those batches of songs are found on great albums, and if you enjoy them, give the albums a listen. I really love their music, and they need more fans. I beg you, they deserve it.
Jan 28, 2025
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Dan English is your favorite artist’s favorite artist. Who else could gather dozens of New York names to perform in an “acoustic guitar orchestra?” Sky Record is his first full-length in seven years, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been hard at work in the meantime—”Across My Jaw” was written in 2019, and “Borrow” even earlier. The list of credits seems overwhelming, but a massive camp is necessary to create something this expansive and haunting. It was a family affair, too. His cousin Melody English (General Director of the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra, with her own brilliant solo project) contributes vocals, and his dad Jon English broke out the harmonica. “Near to the Wild Heart” is a timeless piece of chamber folk, and “Need” combines Anne Carson poetry with pedal steel and noisy riffs. The world that English has built is just as impressive. All of the medieval storybook-style cover art from the rollout was handpainted, and a pair of live videos (backed by a 42-piece ensemble) are nightmarish and dreamlike all at once. Through all the strings and synths and hushed singing, it still reads as a rock record. It's as if he invented his own wall of sound.
- Madeline Frino
Jul 4, 2025
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Here are my fav records that I have been listening to lately, this lineup strikes me as very "pi.fyi-core". Hope you enjoy :)
(in order of appearance)
-Thinking Fellers Union Local 282: Lovelyville <discovered this reading some Robert Schneider interviews after seeing the Apples in Stereo play for the W.C. Hart memorial show in Athens>
-DJO: The Crux <That guy from Stranger Things has a set of pipes, great happy album>
Panda Bear: Sinister Gift <sounds like The Beach Boys! the parts that don't are kinda atmospheric and very very pretty>
Bon Iver: SABLE, fABLE <he strikes again. very stripped back but absolutely gorgeous. Justin literally can not make a song that isnt somehow lush and cold at the same, like being covered in a sheet of ice that keeps you warm. He has this interview where he talks about the work and thought process behind it. Very cool!>
Black Country, New Road: Forever Howlong <this album features almost entirely female vocals, a nice change since Issac Wood left the band, and the vocals, piano, and woodwind instumetaion are just absolutely gorgeous, sounds like rain smells.
Cameron Winter: Heavy Metal <since half of this app is from Brooklyn, I'm sure you know this guy! He sings for the band Geese, but this record doesn't sound much like Geese at all. It has some of the craziest lyrics.I have heard in a hot minute, and is adorned by ~usually~ sparse and skeletal instruments, as well as Camerons odd yet alluring voice.
Hope you enjoy! lmk what you think of these records :)
-Thinking Fellers Union Local 282: Lovelyville <discovered this reading some Robert Schneider interviews after seeing the Apples in Stereo play for the W.C. Hart memorial show in Athens>
-DJO: The Crux <That guy from Stranger Things has a set of pipes, great happy album>
Panda Bear: Sinister Gift <sounds like The Beach Boys! the parts that don't are kinda atmospheric and very very pretty>
Bon Iver: SABLE, fABLE <he strikes again. very stripped back but absolutely gorgeous. Justin literally can not make a song that isnt somehow lush and cold at the same, like being covered in a sheet of ice that keeps you warm. He has this interview where he talks about the work and thought process behind it. Very cool!>
Black Country, New Road: Forever Howlong <this album features almost entirely female vocals, a nice change since Issac Wood left the band, and the vocals, piano, and woodwind instumetaion are just absolutely gorgeous, sounds like rain smells.
Cameron Winter: Heavy Metal <since half of this app is from Brooklyn, I'm sure you know this guy! He sings for the band Geese, but this record doesn't sound much like Geese at all. It has some of the craziest lyrics.I have heard in a hot minute, and is adorned by ~usually~ sparse and skeletal instruments, as well as Camerons odd yet alluring voice.
Hope you enjoy! lmk what you think of these records :)
Apr 26, 2025
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🍋I've been kinda obsessed with this album This Could Be Texas by English Teacher recently. Something about angsty british people singing over lush instrumentals just hits every time. If this is your vibe, the song 7 Seconds by Porridge Radio is a good jumping point.
https://open.spotify.com/album/4gd3XcQ7dR37m8GimBfiYT?si=qncfnpw5QGuM9ADmBm32XA
Dec 18, 2024
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⛪With all the quick motions and shocking happenings of the world, I've been taking refuge in the faith I was raised with. Not with a reactionary frame of mind, but searching for the empathetic section of the world I knew when I was younger. Before, I learned about the expansive evils of the world and the contradictory nature of mainstream Christianity and, in extension, Catholicism. I've left the church, but I still visit from time to time, mentally. The teachings of love and justice have given me solace in these trying times. As some rights are being stripped and opportunities limited, my first reaction has been to pray for the people affected. Sympathy is hardwired in my bones, but it's new that I physically get on my knees to recite and conjure a prayer. I've been told I'm having a "come to God" moment, but honestly, I feel I'm falling in love with an idealistic version of Catholicism. Something I can defer to when the logical and the skeptical sections of my mind are overworked with anguish. I feel it couldn't only be me feeling these emotions.
Anyone else?
Jan 28, 2025
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💍Foolishly in love with my self-loathing, we’ve been married for years now. Although history proves I've been loyal, I can’t lie; my eyes are wandering. Moving on and self-acceptance have been looking real good recently. I think it's the promise they hold. I’ve inched towards them slowly, but I’m a married man. Leaving something that’s been with me for so long now is very daunting. To leave is to break trust and commitment. Who's lain in bed with me all these years, who's kept me company after dark? How could I dare leave my loyal partner? How foolish of me.
-Me
-Me
Feb 12, 2025
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In the circles I run in, it’s very underappreciated. Freddie and Alchemist must’ve sold their souls or something because the album from start to finish is literally the most beautiful and perfectly executed album ever. It’s perfect for long drives, walks around the neighborhood, and it’s perfect barbershop music. If you know what I mean. The lyrics exude a certain rawness and sincerity that, when juxtaposed with the peaceful samples on the instrumentals, form the perfect listening experience. The album feels too intimate at times; it genuinely takes me aback.
Jan 31, 2025