WRMC Radio Roundup: New sounds for a new semester

This is the first installment of the column “WRMC Radio Roundup” from the Middlebury College radio station, in which WRMC executive board members offer album recommendations. 

Are you tired of listening to “Channel Orange?” Have you decided it's time to branch out, spread your musical wings and hear something new? Look no further. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. 

*RIYL = Recommended If You Like; if you like these artists, you’ll probably enjoy this recommendation 

General Manager’s Pick — Rayn Bumstead ’21

Album: “For The First Time” - Black Country, New Road 

Genre: Post-Punk 

RIYL: Black Midi, Iceage, Deeper, Slint 

Blurb: “For the First Time” is the debut album from the Brixton, England-based band Black Country, New Road. The group has already been hailed by Stereogum as “one of the most exciting, transformative young bands to come out of not just the Speedy Wunderground/Windmill ecosystem, but out of this new generation of genre-mutating rock artists overall.” The band describes its sound as “jazz-inflected post-punk,” and “For the First Time” delivers on that claim. It is dark and moody, makes use of a saxophone and contains some re-appropriated Phoebe Bridgers lyrics. Sounds weird? You should give it a try. 

Tech Director’s Pick — Maddie Van Beek ’22

Album: “The Leo Sun Sets” - Serena Isioma

Genre: R&B/Soul

RIYL: Dua Saleh, Arlo Parks, Orion Sun, MICHELLE

Blurb: After the release of her hugely popular single “Sensitive,” Isioma returns with her EP, “The Leo Sun Sets,” which deals with identity, youth and independence. Each song unlocks another part of her narrative, punctuated with playful riffs and melodies that echo childhood lullabies.

Creative Director’s Pick — Chad Kim ’23 

Album: “L. W.” - King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (KGLW)

Genre: Microtonal Rock

RIYL: Kikagaku Moyo, levitation room, Babe Rainbow

Blurb: Back in the fall, these boys from down under reprised their affinity for microtones with their K. G. album, followed a week later by the single, “If Not Now, Then When?,” hinting at the advent of an ensuing “L. W.” album. They did not disappoint. In addition to completing their microtonal trilogy, “L. W.” laments and warns of the modern apocalypse of climate change and corruption through their creative acoustic tones paired with their signature rock style.

Concerts Manager’s Pick — Eric Kapner ’21 

Album: “I Don’t Hate Hate You” - Ogbert the Nerd

Genre: Emo

RIYL: Sorority Noise, Snowing, PUP

Blurb: It’s been a while since I’ve gone to a show in a dingy New Jersey basement, but this album takes me back to that experience anytime I listen to it. Ogbert the Nerd’s debut record is as messy and loud as it is well written and catchy. Continuing a long tradition of semi-underground emo, “I Don’t Hate You” deals with getting over the past, stumbling into adulthood and generally feeling bad all the time.

Music Director’s Pick — Dan Frazo ’22

Album: “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” - Chinatown Slalom

Genre: prog-rap, pop/rock

RIYL: Bamily, extremely bad man, Mosie

Blurb: Most bands entering the music scene lead with an EP, a few singles, or something of the sort. Chinatown Slalom is not most bands. Right out of the gate, this Liverpool-based group released a full-length album titled “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The band’s four members live together in a house in their hometown, with the words “Everyone’s Invited” spray painted onto the walls, so naturally their music is a seriously eclectic mix. If you like collage-style samples, pedal-driven synth or eerie background harmonies, this album is definitely worth a listen.

Studio Manager’s Pick — Lucy Rinzler-Day ’21 

Album: “Kids Talk Sun” - Camila Fuchs

Genre: Dream Pop, Psychedelica, Darkwave

RIYL: Björk, Cocteau Twins, Beach House, Katie Dey

Blurb: Listen to while stoned in the dark.