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The Student News Site of Ithaca College

The Ithacan

The Student News Site of Ithaca College

The Ithacan

On Sept. 8, U.K.-based group Moose Blood released a two-piece Spotify exclusive, "Stay Beautiful." From left to right: Kyle Todd (bass), Eddy Brewerton (vocals/guitar), Glenn Harvey (drums), Mark Osborne (guitar).

Review: Moose Blood’s raw vocals shine on ‘Stay Beautiful’

By Stephanie Miller, Contributing Writer September 19, 2016
The group made waves with “Stay Beautiful,” a two-piece acoustic Spotify exclusive, released Sept. 8. Following the release of their second full-length album, “Blush,” “Stay Beautiful” is a coupling of two songs that successfully encompasses the two themes that are most prevalent in Moose Blood’s music: family and love. Their deeply personal lyrics translate beautifully into the stories told by the E.P.’s tracks, “Glow” and “Knuckles.” The first track, “Glow,” opens up with slow, melodic guitar strumming, which sets a melancholy tone for the rest of the track. The instrumentals are followed by the lyrics, “I said goodbye today / I just watched you drive away / I just stood with mum and waved.” The combination of Eddy Brewerton’s raw vocals and the guitarist’s soft melodies add a heart-wrenching touch to the song. The lyrics provide insight to the difficulties of being separated from one’s father, while sweet melodies and instrumentals envelop the listener. Released as a single on Jun. 1, “Knuckles” is a true anthem to those who have experienced unrequited love. Opening up with the lyrics, “It wasn’t hard to fall for you / You had it all planned out, didn’t you,” the song offers an introspective look at love. The track builds on this knowledge, providing slow, low instrumentals to accompany it, adding to the emotion. It continues later with “That thing you said, stay beautiful / Even though that I know that it’s second hand,” providing more evidence of the heartache being felt by the artist while also referencing the name of the E.P., “Stay Beautiful.” During the last run through of those lines, there are moments of unaccompanied vocals where the listener is left with nothing between them and the music. It’s a period of reflection, for both the listener and the musician.
In "Southside With You," an organic, budding relationship sprouts between Michelle Robinson (Tika Sumpter) and Barack Obama (Parker Sawyers), eventually developing into one of America's favorite couples.

Review: ‘Southside With You’ viewers follow a budding romance

By Colin Barrett, Staff Writer September 19, 2016
Viewers meet Michelle Robinson (Tika Sumpter) as she gets ready in her mother’s home for what she calls a “business meeting.” Her mother teases her, saying, “I thought this wasn’t a date?” To Robinson, it wasn’t — until she met the ever-so-charming Barack Obama (Parker Sawyers). Obama and Robinson visit countless places on their date, such as an Afro-Culture museum exhibit, a church meeting and a theater to see the film “Do the Right Thing.”
Review: A Day To Remember's 'Bad Vibrations' misses the mark

Review: A Day To Remember’s ‘Bad Vibrations’ misses the mark

By Hayley Tarleton, Staff Writer September 17, 2016
This album jumps right into its harsh sound with title track “Bad Vibrations.” While old fans will recognize the dark, emo sound and possible nostalgic themes of early 2000s punk, other listeners will skip over this song. Under lead singer Jeremy McKinnon’s screaming vocals, a loud guitar riff follows an overdone beat, producing nothing more than a blaring tune.
Review: Wilco's tenth album wins over new and old listeners

Review: Wilco’s tenth album wins over new and old listeners

By Colin Barrett, Contributing Writer September 17, 2016
This album exemplifies a complete return to the band’s traditional form as they it comes back to their its folk roots. “Star Wars” was more of an psych-indie rock album, while this album is shaped with softer midwestern tones. Tracks like “Common Sense” invoke a hypnotic beat and sense of confusion, while others, like “Nope,” have a more cool and collected rock tone.
Review: DeGraw samples all genres in 'Something Worth Saving'

Review: DeGraw samples all genres in ‘Something Worth Saving’

By Irina Noonan, Contributing Writer September 15, 2016
DeGraw presents a sound similar to his previous song, “I Don’t Want To Be,” in his new song, “You Make My Heart Sing Louder,” from his new album. The singer-songwriter captivates his fans by returning to his original sound for this steady, medium-tempo piece. Another new song from the album that takes fans back to his 2003 sound is “Kite Like Girl.” This upbeat, instrumental song encompasses DeGraw’s classic sound but has a pop twist.
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