On Instagram, Beyoncé declared, “This ain't a Country album. This is a Beyoncé album,” and she delivered on that promise. A massive 27-track record, COWBOY CARTER touches on family, religion, romance, adultery, America’s shortfalls, and Beyoncé’s reputation, backed by swarths of eclectic instrumentals from twanging banjos and fiddles.
Read MoreConan Gray swung big with his third record, Found Heaven, introducing a Swedish production team and nostalgic ’80s flair. The Texan singer-songwriter’s grand experiment is definitely enticing, but feels like it’s still waiting to be “Found.”
Read MoreWith twee’s recent resurgence online, it’s time to look past the ballet flats and Peter Pan collars to appreciate this aesthetic’s original fashion inspirations and roots in rebellion.
Read MorePuerto Rico’s latest trap star dials back the braggadocious tone of her SoundCloud days to deliver sincere lo-fi tracks on her debut album.
Read MoreKnown for its fragmented construction and grave content, “The Waste Land” may seem inaccessible to casual readers. However, it transforms into a timeless beacon of despair when paired with contemporary songs about desolation and disillusionment.
Read MoreIntimate folk tunes filled ACL Live at 3TEN on April 5 as Jonah Kagen brought the intimate “Save My Soul” tour with opener Vincent Lima.
Read MoreAlmost a year before the COVID-19 outbreak, the release of Titanic Rising foreshadowed themes of irreversible change and doom. But upon further listen, Weyes Blood’s real triumph is her capacity to offer a stern yet considerate critique on humanity’s hand in upending their own home.
Read MoreAt the end of each month, Afterglow presents a staff-picked list of new albums and singles that left a lasting impression on our ears.
Read MoreAlternative icons of decades past, Portishead and bôa, excelled at playing with vocal range and befitting soundscapes for timeless tunes for the lonely and spiteful.
Read MoreMultimedia staffer Baylee Rosado explores the recent resurgence of vinyl, and what the Austin vinyl scene looks like as a result.
Read MoreTeddy Swims brought his “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy” tour to Stubb’s on March 30.
Read MoreAlt-pop artist Chelsea Cutler performed at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater on March 28 with support from Yoke Lore.
Bright Future depicts Adrianne Lenker at a new level of vulnerability. With stripped instrumentals and more simplistic lyrics, she demands for her tender introspections about love and vastness to be heard.
Read MoreAustin Samba, a local band and dance group, encourages beginners to learn the foundations of the genre, teaching locals about Brazilian culture through performances all across Austin.
Read MoreMegan Thee Stallion’s recent two singles create a satisfying duology: With “Cobra,” thee Stallion of rap reflects on her past pain before using that very anguish in follow-up “Hiss” to warn those praying on her downfall that, through the hurt, she is back and ready to not only kick ass but take names.
Read MoreUMG’s removal of their songs on TikTok shows a shift in the relationship between social media sites and major labels.
Read MoreDuring its peak, the SoundCloud rap era was a force in Hip-hop, with gritty lo-fi production, multi-genre lyricism, and DIY bedroom productions. However, rappers often reinforced misogyny in their lyrics and downplayed the severity of accusations of sexual violence.
Read MoreMellow in your melancholy with these bittersweet tunes to soundtrack a gloomy weather stroll or a cozy night in.
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