Lorde – “Pure Heroine”

Reviewed By Oona O’Toole

The New Zealand teen known as Lorde has shot her way to the top of the charts complaining about moneymakers in the music industry.

Ironic and brilliant, right?

Still at the age of 16, Ella Yelich O’Connor has been deemed “the new queen of alternative” by Billboard magazine and is the youngest artist to top the charts since 1987.

Despite not owning her own Cadillac (yet), O’Connor’s song, “Royals” proves that one day she will be wealthy enough to own a whole fleet of collectible cars.

Her debut album, “Pure Heroine,” features self-written songs. Her prize-winning poet mother clearly influences her style.

Deep vocals accompany a hip-hop style beat reminiscent of Grimes and Lana Del Rey, but she is no copycat. Her chart-topping song cleverly mocks the traditional hip-hop culture that glorifies an extravagant lifestyle that, for most, is unattainable.

O’Connor has clear and concise lyrics with a smooth and sultry voice. Many of her songs resonate with a younger generation because of their youthful stanzas.

The breakout artist is sure to see plenty of success in her future, and after the release of her album, is sure to board her first plane ever.

The hype for Lorde is well deserved and her album is a dazzling compilation of songs.

MGMT – “MGMT”

Reviewed By Rachel Stone

“MGMT”, an album satiated to capacity with twisted lyrics and perplexing reverbs sends the listener on an endless carousel of confusion.

The New York rock duo, MGMT, attempted for a sound unlike their past LP’s and they undeniably succeeded.

After their previous album,“Congratulations,” in 2013 and nearly three years since their last record release, fans were anxious.

The album has a psychedelic feel, opening with the track “Alien Days” that begins with what sounds like a child’s voice assorted with sci-fi noises. This track sets the tone for the rest of the album.

Different sounds can be caught throughout the entire album: whistling, chattering, tapping, and buzzing. The heavy use of synthesizers and snares distinguish the songs.

Each track has something distinctive to offer, although not always for the better.

“Your Life is a Lie” is at times overwhelming, expelling numerous sounds at the same time. The track becomes difficult to grasp.

However, when listening to “Cool Song No.2,” talent is still apparent in the songwriting.

Those expecting a similar vibe as “Electric Feel” would be surprised. MGMT had certain perceptions to live up to after their previous achievements. They were also produced by the same person who worked with the Flaming Lips, enhancing the pressure.

MGMT strived to set themselves apart from their image, but may have only jumbled their followers instead.

Deer Tick – “Negativity”

Reviewed by Kasey Vedder

The pop-rock band Deer Tick’s newest album, “Negativity,” is a broken heart spilled onto an empty page. Front man John McCauley writes about his break up with his former fiancée Nikki Darlin.

The album is a depressing compilation of ballads and blues. It starts off slow with the song “The Rock.” It sounds like the guitar has nothing left in it, and then abruptly gets louder and more promising.

McCauley sings about how there’s nobody else he’s going to give that ring to. A woman who broke his heart, and it’s as if he just won’t let himself move on.

The song “Trash” is a break up that has changed him for what seems like the best. McCauly, known to be big on partying and booze, looks at himself as a failure and sings about growing up and moving on.  He confesses “look where I’m at/I don’t want the drink/I’ll dry out in style,” His broken heart has changed him to stop his drinking habits.

In “The Curtain” he shows his despair. It starts off with singing about how even instruments are useless, and speaks negatively of them. “The organs pleases no one/The piano is pulling teeth,” as a musician he shouldn’t see these instruments in such dark lighting.

The song “Big House” is slow and sad. I’ve never heard a better line to sum up addiction, “Every morning when you mean to keep your hands clean but it’s running down your arms casting shadows on your heart.” McCauley sings with a rough but sweet voice and strums a subtle but optimistic beat that contrasts his depression.

The song “Dreams In The Ditch” breaks things up with catchy guitar riffs and a smooth rhythm.

This album is based on a bad break up, something we all go through. You relate to every word and emotion put into his songwriting. You have a stronger appreciation for their music and lyrics once you get to know their background. It’s like they’re telling you a story and want to let you in personally.