Hua Li
Dynasty
(Next Door Records)
3.5/5
If there’s a clear takeaway from Victoria-born, Montreal-based rapper, vocalist, DJ, and producer Hua Li’s debut album, Dynasty, it’s that it’s anything but one-dimensional. Dynasty sees Li combine R&B slow jams with triplet flows to tackle numerous subjects, including identity, intergenerational trauma, and romantic anxieties.
The opening track, “Paper Sons,” is a reference to Chinese-born individuals who used illegal documents to immigrate to the United States despite the racist Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The song is an expression of minority empowerment, echoed by Li’s shoutouts to Black Panther Party co-founder Huey Newton and the Asian American Political Alliance.
Tracks such as “Sidebitch” and “Mastery” are stylistic odes to early 2000s R&B, channelling the likes of Ashanti and Aaliyah. Dynasty’s smoother, more vocal-focused tracks contain the album’s best production and allow for Li’s sharp writing to stand out.
Dynasty is an incredibly ambitious record containing multiple narratives and stylistic changes. Despite some rapping that feels slightly stilted, Li’s unique storytelling and R&B throwbacks make this album an incredibly captivating listen.
-Mitch Fisher
Lagwagon
Railer
(Fat Wreck Chords)
4.5/5
“What’s another word for ‘fuck’?” So begins Railer, California punk lifers Lagwagon’s ninth full-length album.
After a career full of hiatuses, rumours of breaking up, and turning down offers from mainstream record labels, this punk powerhouse bounces back with a collection of songs that’s a rock-hard kick to the listener’s head. These songs will leave your ears ringing and put a metallic taste in your mouth, then pick you up and dust you off, true mosh-pit style.
The album flows fantastically, circulating through upbeat guitar riffs with group chants to punchy choruses followed by slick solos in a way that’s never boring.
Lagwagon have a reputation for committing themselves to the pursuit of their craft rather than the pursuit of fame, and this comes across crystal clear on Railer. Track after track, Lagwagon demonstrate experience and finesse while maintaining a raw sound you’d expect from their younger, malcontent punk peers.
-Bo Essery
Vultures
Hunger
(Independent)
3.5/5
Local hardcore/metal band Vultures just released their second EP, Hunger, which is destined to be one of the notable West Coast hardcore records of 2019.
With its six tracks, Hunger brings out the excitement and madness of hardcore. While listening to each track, listeners can feel the aggressiveness, energy, and chaos of the tracks. The quality of the music in Hunger is also one of the good points of this EP. Due to the influence from the New York hardcore scene combining with a groove-metal sensibility and technical metalcore flourishes, Hunger will surely make Vultures become one of the hardcore powerhouses of the West Coast.
Although Vulture’s style is not very unique, this is a great EP that earns the band a top spot in the West Coast hardcore scene.
-Mark Nguyen
Vinnie Caruana
Aging Frontman
(Know Hope Records)
4/5
Aging Frontman is the third solo release by Brooklyn/Long Island-based singer/songwriter Vinnie Caruana. A music veteran, having played in both The Movielife and I Am the Avalanche, Caruana showcases his vocal versatility on this honest and worthy EP.
Caruana’s wistful lyrics strike early in the album’s evocative opener, “Better.” Over momentously dramatic guitar work, Caruana’s tone evolves from delicately vulnerable into a raspy roaring chorus that continues to resonate long after the song ends.
Fans of punk-influenced ’90s alternative rock will appreciate “Dying in the Living Room,” a short but sweet characterization of jubilant, elated suffering. Anchored by tight drumming and accented with a fuzzy, distorted guitar tone, Caruana hits his notes effectively in an anguishing, screaming pitch.
“Tex ‘The Rock’ Johnson” is a delightful, sentimental lullaby. Here, Caruana projects his capable voice in a melodious pitch with a croon-like delivery.
Aging Frontman is a poignant and varied EP that deserves a listen.
-Frazer Love
Jail Socks
It’s Not Forever
(No Sleep Records)
4/5
Jail Socks are a new alternative/indie band from Charlotte, North Carolina. The band’s debut full-length, It’s Not Forever, follows up a split record with Placeholder and the No Promises EP. It’s Not Forever delivers more punk rock to fill your earholes.
They sound very similar to bands like Neck Deep and The Story So Far, but they still deliver headbanging-worthy tunes with thick bass, smooth guitar, and solid vocal work. The lyrics are very personal, covering topics like relationship issues and the use of vices such as alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes to cope.
Jail Socks deliver nothing new to the genre, but they do deliver some great songs on It’s Not Forever.
-Joel Mitchell