10 Songs on Repeat: 1. You Can Have It All by Yo La Tengo (2000)- This classic from American alternative rockers Yo La Tengo is a simple, hypnotic and sweet song, dominated by the catchy, panning vocal harmony, giving the song an incredibly intimate atmosphere. 2. Model Village by IDLES (2020)- Based off the singles,…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Seasons (Waiting on You) by Future Islands (2015)- Few decade end lists were without mentioning this synth-pop anthem by American band Future Islands. From the catchy melodies, the baritone of singer Samuel T. Herring, some genuinely insightful lyrics about change and the explosive chorus, it is merely a masterpiece of…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. What's Your Pleasure? by Jessie Ware (2020)- This British popstar's latest LP is a beautiful odyssey to the world of disco in the 21st Century. The standout for me is the LP's sultry, catchy and groovy lead single, complete with an excellent yet subtle vocal performance and insane replay value.…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Street Pulse Beat by Special Interest (2020)- A thrilling combination of post-punk and techno comes to life on Street Pulse Beat, the anthemic and inspiring standout cut on the New Orleans band Special Interest's latest album, The Passion Of. 2. Paper Planes by M.I.A. (2007)- An absolute classic of British hip-hop and future…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Robert by Jockstrap with Injury Reserve (2020)- The recent wave of glitchy, noisy and challenging pop music that is sweeping the music world has continued with British duo Jockstrap's excellent new EP Wicked City. The best track for me on this mini collection is the bass-driven, highly abstract and multifaceted Robert, which also just…
10 Tracks on Repeat: 1. Spells by Backxwash (2020)- A fast-paced, spooky and downright catchy experimental hip-hop meets horrorcore number off the female rapper's menacingly engaging new LP God Has Nothing to Do With It Leave Him Out of It. 2. Grounds by IDLES (2020)- I doubt an album announcement in 2020 has got me as…
10 Tracks on Repeat: 1. ooh la la by Run the Jewels (2020)- Coming at the opportune time, alternative/experimental hip-hop duo Run the Jewels have come through with an excellent surprise release. The highlight of the stacked LP is lead single ooh la la, a straightforward yet thrilling rap banger complete with some great verses and thumping…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. People II: The Reckoning by AJJ (2007)- Folk-punk band AJJ's sheer negativity and nihilism is even a little hard for me to stomach to sometimes. Songs that are so drenched in negativity, they often strike a little too deep. But other times (like on this track here), their lyrical misery…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Future Doesn't Know by Guerilla Toss (2019)- This banger is a deft combination of art and psychedelic rock, creating a playful, catchy and addictive rock belter. Think Talking Heads if Kevin Parker was the lead producer. 2. Solitude of Enoch by KA (2020)- This New York rapper's reflective new album Descendants…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. A Hero's Death by Fontaines D.C. (2020)- I am still trying to figure out whether this is a happy or dark song. The lyrics are seemingly inspiring, the repetition of "life ain't always empty" and the various amounts of advice given by frontman Grian Chatten are uplifting and affirming but…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. There Must be More Than Blood by Car Seat Headrest (2020)- The Will Toledo led band's latest project is an ambitious and enjoyable sonic left-turn from their typically scrappy, guitar-oriented indie rock. There Must be More Than Blood plays out like a combination of anthemic Bruce Springsteen and the slow-burning electronica of…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Ghost Rider by Suicide (1977)- If their name is any indication, Suicide were one of the more boundary-pushing acts in the first wave of punk rock, as well as the likely the most unsettling. Their minimal, synth-based compositions were driving and at times frightening, with Ghost Rider displaying the full effect of…
10 Tracks on Repeat: 1. Shameika by Fiona Apple (2020)- To say that the singer-songwriter's new record is amazing would be an understatement, it’s a virtual cultural phenomenon. Shameika is just one of many excellent tracks on Fetch the Bolt Cutters; however, it does stand out to me as the top highlight. 2. Idontknow by Jamie xx (2020)-…
Ten Songs on repeat: 1. Paradise by Tropical F*** Storm (2019)- Tropical F*** Storm are an Australian art-punk supergroup that slipped under my radar over the last two years. However, due to all the time I've got on my hands these days, their aggressive, agitated and nasty style of punk has become one of my…
10 Songs on Repeat: 1. Sweet Porridge Radio (2020)- The second week in a row for this sensational young indie band, Sweet plays upon the loud, quiet dynamic often associated with grunge, creating a tight, angsty affair. 2. Makes it Funny by Avenade (2018)- An artist one day I hope will get the break he deserves, Avenade…
Levine Lowdown 