New Albums

“Ancestor veneration” has become a rising phrase in the public consciousness. What exactly does it mean? It's a concept that is not always simple to define. In layman's terms, it's about honor. However, honor's definition is whatever the person defining it chooses it to be.

In a time where Black art and accomplishments are under constant threat of being erased and challenged, it's always crucial to "give people their flowers," so to speak. And some contributions deserve an entire garden.

Now, Seattle-based artist Brittany Davis has emerged with a musical offering of her own. Described as a vessel of sound and channeler of music, Davis has released Black Thunder, an album that doesn’t just pay homage to Black lineage, but channels it with raw urgency and spiritual clarity. It's an album that's arrived at just the right moment.

A stripped-down evolution from her 2024 debut Image Issues, Black Thunder acts as a new sonic film, interlacing thought-provoking music with brief, yet haunting interludes titled “Ancestors” that root the listener in Davis’s inner world. Throughout the album, Davis channels her predecessors and also opens up about being a Black, blind, and non-binary artist navigating this complex world. As earlier described, Davis has the ability to paint with sound on a canvas that depicts her life. Image Issues was the first canvas. Now that Black Thunder is completed, it exists as a full tapestry of colorful storytelling and honesty.

The result is less a traditional album and more a manifestation which occurred at Studio Litho (located in Seattle) with Davis on keys and vocals, Evan Flory-Barnes on bass, and D'Vonne Lewis on drums. The trio's creative synergy, one that's rare to behold, is polished and showcases three musicians at their best. Flory-Barnes and Lewis are the key ingredients that created the album's jazz direction. For Black Thunder, Davis's sound is reminiscent of Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Additionally, Davis allows her skills on the piano to shine even brighter on her latest effort.

Black Thunder was produced by Josh Evans and released by Loosegroove Records.

With full creative support, Davis has emerged with a musical behemoth. With 17 tracks, Black Thunder is an odyssey of sound. "All That You Get" leads the adventure, with a song that discusses racial disparities and how in life you often "get what you get."

"Amid the Blackout of the Night" follows an "Ancestors" interlude and is a major centerpiece of Black Thunder as album's lead single. In "Amid the Blackout of the Night," Davis contemplates the existence of the cosmos and all of its various components such as the moon and the stars. The song is also a call to not get too distracted by beauty that you miss the substance beneath.

The title track fuses spoken word and is spiritually resonant. The heartbeat of the album, "Black Thunder," pours out ancestral pride and charts a path to brighter horizons. However, Black Thunder allows Davis to go back and forth between prideful and pensive as she transitions to "Change Me" and "Girl (Don't You Know)," two entries that vulnerably display some of Davis's challenges.

Tracks such as "Black Thunder" carry a more traditionally revolutionary tone, but what's also revolutionary is the ability to be honest. As Black artists, we are often expected to constantly be strong and inspirational, but we need to remind others that we are also... human. Davis's candor only strengthens her body of work. She continues to remain uplifting, but still allows listeners behind the curtain from time to time. Acknowleding the struggles is what leads to breaking generational curses.

Like the weather itself, Davis, Flory-Barnes, and Lewis change temperature. At times, they play low and slow like a steady trickle of rain ("Amid the Blackout of the Night"), then a tropical storm ("Black Thunder"), then they become a ferocious hurricane ("Sarah's Song"). Overall, Black Thunder is a unique and powerful listening experience.

"Sun and Moon" bookends Black Thunder with a celebration of life and the world that surrounds her. While earlier, Davis seemed more contemplative, at the end, Davis expresses gratitude. In a conversation I had with Davis, she mentioned that connecting with others through her music is what brings her light.

There's a light that's generated. When I'm able to hear stories and feel those stories happen right in front of my eyes or right in front of my senses, I should say, those lights, it's like a strike. It hits me directly in the heart. Where the light turns on, for once I can see. For once I know I'm doing my job. I'm not in the dark because I have the light of knowing that somebody, somewhere was impacted in a positive manner by something that God blessed me with to give. That's the light for me. It's not the sun...

Black Thunder is now available on all major streaming services as of June 13th. The vinyl LP is available to purchase via Bandcamp, through the official Loosegroove Records website, and through most local record stores.

Additionally, Davis will celebrate the release of Black Thunder with two events:

• June 14th at Easy Street Records, 7:00 p.m. (FREE)
• June 17th at The Rabbit Box, doors open at 5:00 p.m. Reception begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by live music at 7:30 p.m. ($18 - Tickets HERE)

Read the review for Brittany Davis's Image Issues.

While dealing with my own set of losses, something I learned is that grief is not what defines us, but what defines us is what we choose to do with that grief. My relocation to Seattle has been an excercise in turning my losses into something more, something good, something joyous.

The phrase "in bloom" is one that has carried a huge significance in my life. In recent weeks, I have thought of that very thing that culminates my work, and I came to the conclusion that I am always in bloom, constantly a work in progress.

Naturally, when I saw the title of Fotoform's new album, I was immediately intrigued. And when I listened to it, I was even more hooked. Birthed from the band's own experiences, Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom) is a lullaby for the broken. Meloncholy, but not morose, Fotoform's latest release is one that gives way for those uncomfortable emotions, but allows them a space to grow into something beautiful.

Fotoform is made up of Kim House (vocals, bass, synth, guitars) and Geoff Cox (guitars). For Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom), the band is also joined by drummer Michael Schorr (Death Cab for Cutie). The third effort from the group, Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom) takes on a heavier mood, yet more layered sound following their 2021 album Horizons. Skillfully blending post-punk, darkwave, shoegaze, and dream pop, Fotoform creates haunting, yet cinematic and textured fare that has earned much critical praise over the span of their career from the likes of NPR, KEXP, and more.

Although it was proclaimed a difficult album to make, House declares the process of creating the release saved her life. Speaking from personal experience, sometimes channeling our grief into our art is what can keep us going. And creating that art can be the very thing that saves someone else's life.

The album opens with "This City is Over," a poignant call to reconnect with ourselves, our values, and our priorities," according to House. It's a fitting introduction to the listening experience, which asks the audience to cast unimportant things aside and look within. Deeply personal, "This City is Over" resonated with me as someone who relocated for a new life and to leave a toxic career behind. From the first note, House's vocals lure listeners in and take root in your brain.

Later on, the title track is a beautifully existential song from start to finish. Marrying hypnotic synths and a steady bassline, "Grief is a Garden" is the best of the trio's talents. It runs home the theme of the album, "Waves keep crashing unforseen, losing someone is not what it seems,"..."Grief is a garden forever in bloom deep inside."

The rest of the album is equally as pensive, with songs such as "If You Knew/Don't You Worry, Baby" which ponders, what would happen if you knew your fate? Would your approach to life be any different?

Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom) ends with "Settle Down," another call to action that neatly ties the album's premise. While it is OK to mourn, Fotoform crafts a feeling of peace with where life is headed. Things may fall apart, but it's OK to rest and settle down. "When things come undone, you shine on... like a beacon before the tide..."

Following a tour in Europe, Fotoform held their homecoming show at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle. A special event hosted by KEXP, the show also included a space for attendees to write the names of lost loved on pieces of seed paper, which will be planted shortly after. I wrote down the name of my grandfather, who passed away in November. I also wrote, in a vague way, about letting go of my life before Seattle and the need to still chase the "Why?"

Now that I am trying to put a stop to asking why certain things happened, I realized it's important to continue asking, "How?"

How can I use my grief and make the world I live in just a bit better?

Fotoform's Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom) is available on all major streaming services as of April 18th. The vinyl LP is available via Bandcamp.

Why not loosen your tie for the park?
Shoulder some of the weight later on?
Outside people are screaming for something
Don’t stare into the corner for far too long

Sit, relax, and take a deep breath. Natalie Lew, the voice behind Sea Lemon, not only commands your attention, but has the ability to soothe your soul. Sea Lemon's debut, Diving for a Prize, is an audio dreamscape that infuses the personal experiences of Lew to create what perhaps may be the next soundtrack for your life.

With a superior production quality, Diving for a Prize is the ideal summer listen. The sound is that of a beachside adventure, where you can feel the sand between your toes, and the washing of waves across your body. Diving for a Prize is a culmination of a life lived by the ocean, and one raised in the Pacific Northwest. Crafted from eight months of songwriting and studio sessions with collaborator Andy Park (Death Cab for Cutie), Diving for a Prize is a stunning introduction. The dream pop album was released by Luminelle Recordings.

Sea Lemon describes Diving for a Prize as a "series of vignettes" from her life. The first vignette, "Thought for You," references unsolicited feedback and trying to figure out what to do with it. The artist pairs pensive lyrics with playful riffs, which continues throughout the album. Overall, Diving for a Prize is cohesive from start to finish.

One of my favorite songs of the release, "Stay," is a call to rest amid the chaos. A perfectly meditative song, "Stay" is a welcome urge to stand still (coming from an anxious person, this song was a Godsend).

On Instagram, Lew has kept things personal. Online, she is posting track by track, what all the songs on Diving for a Prize mean to her. Each entry has its own backstory, similar to an audio diary. About "Change Your Face," she explained, "you ever change your mind from absolutely hellishly depressed to totally cool? me too. That's what this song is all about! It's about that being ok! Being like 'I'll never move to LA' and then moving there months later, and that being normal! Change your mind! But also, I get your plight 😶Have you ever changed your mind and done a 180 on something completely??? Tell me."

There are no skips on this album. Other notable tracks are "Give In," "Sweet Anecdote," and "Cynical," which was recently featured in an episode of Grey's Anatomy. "Cynical," although with a fun and bubbly beat, cleverly masks... well, cynical lyrics.

"Crystals" and "In the Flowers" round out Diving for a Prize. "Crystals" features vocalist and guitarist Benjamin Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service) on a melancholy duet that showcases the power of letting go. Lew and Gibbard fit together sonically, creating a hauntingly beautiful song. "In the Flowers" is a bit more upbeat, but still leaves the listener longing.

Diving for a Prize as far as music goes, is a winner. Deeply introspective, Sea Lemon shows she is committed to diving deeper into the depths of her artistry. Here's to hoping that she continues to rise to the surface. Sea Lemon, I've got a thought for you, "You're doing great."

Sea Lemon's Diving for a Prize is available on all major streaming services as of May 30th. The vinyl LP will be available on June 13th via Bandcamp.

According to Oxford Languages, stigmata is the plural form of stigma, a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. It's an all-too-familiar term for those of us who've dealt with shame, especially from Abrahamic religions. However, up-and-coming French and Congolese artist FEM du lit turns stigmata on its head and transmutes it into a body of work that challenges the stigma of queerness in the African diaspora through their emotionally striking storytelling.

I've always been fascinated by the intersection between religion, sexuality, and shame, so the album title Stigmata called out to me before I even had a full chance to listen. The description alone sold me.

According to FEM du lit's website, Stigmata "juxtaposes religious and occult motifs interwoven throughout the 13-song full-length album."

Described as "deep witchy electro-soul," and music "pour la fin du temps," FEM du lit's music is trippy, thought-provoking, and at times, sexy. The artist behind FEM du li, Francesca Eluhu (who was also the primary writer and producer on the tracks), has channeled their innermost thoughts and experiences into an album that will resonate with listeners. Additionally, I can best describe that Stigmata is a whole vibe, and the ideal nighttime listen.

Stigmata is a bilingual lyrical journey through familial joy, generational trauma, romance, and heartache. The album starts with the wordless "GUITARRARRARRA," which includes some tinkering in the studio over the sound of flowing water. It's the calm before the storm. The music then transtions to "SUCRE,"which translates to "sugar" in English. In the song, FEM du lit laments a long-distance relationship and the longing for connection.

The title track croons over a tune that's reminiscient of old school R&B. "Stigmata" is an ode to queer sex, yet at the same time questions the feelings behind it. Certainly, in the moment, intimacy in its purest form is the closest path to God, yet why is there so much shame in it?

"Stigmata" propels the rest of the album forward, hinting at the unintended consequences of queer romance and identity. However, the sometimes heavy lyrics are intertwined with smooth, jazzy beats interspersed with guitars, saxophones, piano, and sultry percussion. Going back and forth, FEM du lit ponders sex, family relations, domestic violence, and the pressure of capitalism while trying to create. The artist is joined by Da Qween on the sensual slow jam "LILYJAM," and then again on the tense "WITCHCUNT." On "BANKRUPT," FEM du li is accompanied by Obsvdian.

Throughout Stigmata, FEM du lit weaves together the French and English language within their lyrics. Songs such as "EUCHARISTIE/CREEPY CRITTERS," "COLD COLD WORLD," and "SORTILÈGES/SPELLS OF DOUBT" showcase the artist's mastery of bilingual storytelling. It not only heightens the impact of the musician's words, but sounds pleasing as well.

"SORTILÈGES/SPELLS OF DOUBT" is the album's closer, following the solemn "DEAD MAMA" and "SOLDIER." Before exiting, FEM du lit pleas for listeners to appreciate the time we have on this earth and repels "spells that plant seeds of doubt"... translated from the French lyrics. Based on the album's entirety, there's nothing left to doubt, as FEM du lit is the real deal.

So far, Francesca Eluhu has garnered comparisons to the likes of Anita Baker, Kadhja Bonet, and even Erykah Badu. However, Eluhu's point-of-view makes them a standout to continue to watch, because Stigmata is certainly a remedy for the soul.

Stigmata is now available to stream on Bandcamp as of February 28th.

Five years after Impossible Weight, Deep Sea Diver has achieved the seemingly impossible by cementing their status as a musical heavyweight. Their latest album, Billboard Heart, is a breath of fresh air in a time of tension. It’s the perfect accompaniment for a Washington ferry ride (where most of this piece was written). It’s the soundtrack for a spontaneous night out—when life imitates an indie movie. Billboard Heart is a body of work that was created with heart and soul.

Deep Sea Diver has matured since their debut album History Speaks, yet the band's fourth effort (and first release from renowned label Sub Pop) exudes a youthful joy that cuts deep. The record's 11 songs are a mix of radio-friendly pop, pensive synth tunes, and riff-heavy fare that's fit for stadiums. Rocking between the haunting and electrifying, Billboard Heart is a creative manifestation that showcases the band at their best.

Following a stint opening for Pearl Jam on their Dark Matter tour, Deep Sea Diver is ready to embark on their own headlining tour in the United States. With their Seattle date already completely sold out, and following a week-long celebration of album release events, the band is basking in their well-deserved success. The band's ascent has been over a decade in the making.

Born of a strained recording process between Los Angeles and Seattle, Dobson and Deep Sea Diver have emerged triumphant with a fresh voice. Billboard Heart was written by lead singer and instrumentalist Jessica Dobson. Dobson is joined by Peter Mansen on drums, Elliot Jackson on guitar and synthesizer, and Garrett Gue on bass. Composers for the album include Dobson, Mansen, Jackson, Yuuki Matthews, Adam Schatz, and California folk artist Madison Cunningham. Additionally, the album was produced by Dobson and Andy D. Park.

The title track leads the record, the audio opening like a sunrise. "Billboard Heart" sets the tone for the rest of the album, as a wistful song about a lost love. "What Do I Know," "Emergency," and "Shovel" are more urgent, although catchy songs. The album slows down with its fourth track, "Tiny Threads," which continues the element of unraveling in a toxic relationship. Later on, "Let Me Go" includes the talents of Madison Cunningham in another heartbreaker of a song. Billboard Heart is an extremely cohesive album, an homage to the relationships strewn about the past.

Dobson's colorful lyricism is the key ingredient that anchors Deep Sea Diver's artistry and distinguishes their music. Dobson has penned lines such as "Don't fan these sympathy flames... I'll give you anything..." (Emergency), "And I think I love you the most when you're unraveling... Always held together by tiny little threads..." (Tiny Threads), "Your confetti of thoughts are lying on the rug..." (Always Waving Goodbye), just to name a few examples of clever wordsmithing.

Mansen's frenzied percussion, Jackson and Dobson's guitars and synth work round out Gue's steady bass riffs. Not unlike its previous work, Deep Sea Diver plays with polish.

Not surprisingly, Billboard Heart contains no skips. A musical journey from start to finish, the record culminates in a melancholy, yet inviting "Happiness Is Not a Given." Dobson's lyrics leave a space for more with "I'll be the door you can open up into the arms of an ocean."

It's evident that Deep Sea Diver prioritizes quality over quantity, but hopefully the wait between albums won't feel too long, if the band plans to move forward. Overall, Billboard Heart in its entirety feels like some sort of long goodbye, but hopefully, it's not an actual goodbye.

Billboard Heart is now available on all major streaming platforms.

The record was released on February 28th and is now available on vinyl.

Deep Sea Diver is set to tour in the United States beginning March 30th. For tour dates, visit the band's website.