Welcome to The Notebook. Every month explore the new sounds that the Hult Center team (and some special guests) are listening to.
February is short as is but it’s already March?
Abbey Aronica – Marketing Manager
I typically don’t go for music falling into electronic genres, but Kelela is the exception. This album has emotional highs and lows and hits you with some tunes that feel super clubby and others that have you DEEP in your feels. I think that ebb and flow balances the album in a really interesting way and no matter which direction you enjoy more, Kelela’s vocals are gorgeous throughout. My personal favorite on the album is “Sorbet” which is soaked in seduction and probably the most ambient, dreamy track.
‘One Night with the Valet’ is off Tennis’ latest album Pollen and is the perfect dreamy-pop song. This married duo are experts at creating extremely pleasant, easy-listening music that is perfect for any occasion. This song in particular is about the artist wanting to be something bigger than she is, so when you break down the lyrics behind this light and airy tune, I feel like a lot of us late 20-somethings will be able to relate.
Kelela, Raven
Tennis, One Night with the Valet
Rich Hobby – Director of Marketing
Regular readers will find no surprise here as I am absolutely head over heels by anything that pianist Hania Rani creates, and that trend continues with her newest release “On Giacometti”, which is a soundtrack project to accompany a film about the family of swiss artist Alberto Giacometti, which saw Hania head to Switzerland to immerse herself in the environment that inspired the original works. It’s another gorgeous collection of immersive and flowing compositions, and also bonus points to all involved as there is a gorgeous live video just releasedthat was also filmed on location.
Hania Rani, On Giacometti
Vicki Infinito – Director of Programing
This song and some of the others on the album give me some PJ Harvey vibes and I am totally here for that. The single “blue bones (deathwish)” is another good one that reminds me a little of Sharon Van Etten.
Billy Nomates, spite
Greg – House of Records
Yo La Tengo, This Stupid World
Daniel Olbrych – Content and Design Coordinator
Manchester Orchestra previews a taste of a new EP and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s got major A Black Mile to the Surface vibes. This is a beautiful song. The only thing I don’t like about it is that its only 3 minutes and 35 seconds long. M83 releases half of a new album and it sounds like Nicolas Fromageau and Anthony Gonzalez are bringing back the vibe that made ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’ nearly perfect. And because I can’t be chill all the time, English rockers Hundred Reasons are back with a new record. Turn it up as loud as you can and enjoy.
Manchester Orchestra, Capital Karma
M83, Fantasy – Part 1
Hundred Reasons, Glorious Sunset
