ICYMI is a series featuring new and notable releases you (and we) may have missed
Art by Enne Goldstein, you can find more of their work here
Modern Vices – If Only
To put it in the most concise terms possible, If Only slaps. Anchored strongly by singer Alex Rebek’s vocals, the band flirts with combining darkness and light throughout the album as brighter, pop-leaning melodies exist next to more melancholy lyrics. Their first release since their self-titled album in 2014, If Only was definitely worth the wait.
Rose Cologne – Dark Alarm
Vaporous and atmospheric, Dark Alarm is a vivid mood of muscular rhythms and chiming accents that would be the exclusive contents of a jukebox in seediest depths of Frank Miller’s Sin City. A femme fatale in four tracks; sexy and predatory like the shimmering black coat of a panther coolly stalking the urban jungle. A pair of yellow eyes smoldering from the deepest shadows of the back booth, gaze firmly affixed on unsuspecting prey. Without a sound she’ll strike, manicured claws closing in on exposed flesh and brilliant fangs flashing behind bold red lipstick. The only warning a subtle scent on the wind, the faintest suggestion of Rose Cologne.
— Clay Pacelli
Wombo – “Sad World”
I hate writing about music because how can I say the guitars sound like grit and glitter and not sound like a douchebag (but what can you do). Wombo’s lead singer Sydney Chadwick’s vocals float along in perfect juxtaposition and the weird, retro home movie vibe ends up being way cooler than you would think possible. This was my first introduction to the band, but was a strong one while keeping it short and sweet as well. Also, great name.