ALBUM REVIEWS

nothing new within the work that Spiral XP is producing. The EP’s closer, “My Personal Hell,” sounds more like a pop song with shoegaze tendencies. That is all to say, if you are a fan of slowcore, shoegaze, melancholy, and gray skies, give “a band from Western Washington” a try.

Hello Mary By

HELLO MARY ROSE FIELD

Hello Mary’s first full length record reeks of teenage angst. The Brooklyn-based trio is a meld of ‘90s-grunge elements, a dash of alternative indie rock, and a touch of shoegaze. Released in early March on Frenchkiss Records, Hello Mary’s crunchy guitars, dreamy harmonies, and melodic bass lines pay tribute to the timeless sounds of ‘90s alternative rock. New York City’s very own Helena Straight and Mikaela Oppenheimer met in high school, adding Stella Wave to the mix shortly after. Taking inspiration from their favorite ‘90s rockstars, The Breeders, L7, and Swirlies, to name a few, Hello Mary have already impressed many with their dark and fuzzy anthems. The haunting harmonies and taunting vocals in their latest single, “Special Treat,” applaud the momentary desire for pleasure and satisfaction. Their sense of relatability almost appears absurd, as they pick apart the universal struggles of adolescence. The trio’s latest LP delves into the unappealing aspects of being a teenager, mixing sounds of unconventional harmonies, ear-shattering distortion, and rock star-esque guitar solos. Hello Mary’s teen spirit is undeniable, paving the way for angry teens. I highly recommend you give this album a listen!

CUTS & BRUISES BY INHALER

SOPHIA KRESSE

Cuts & Bruises is the sophomore album of Irish indie rock band Inhaler. Inhaler released their first album It Won’t Always Be Like This during the pandemic, and it reached popularity for its optimism during a time of uncertainty. Their first album was the UK’s fastest-selling debut album on vinyl, so the pressure was on for their follow-up album, but they delivered, debuting at #1 in Ireland and #2 in the UK. Unlike the sheer optimism of their first album, Cuts & Bruises shines an honest light on friendships, relationships, and teenage years. The lead single, “These Are The Days,” highlights young people living the “days that follow you home.” While talking about these carefree years, the song also includes a bridge that chants the lyrics, “I think we’re gonna be okay.” This earnest hope is sung as if he is trying to convince himself it’s true, like the optimism that many young people try to take to heart. The next track on the album, “If You’re Gonna Break My Heart,” addresses these carefree years in relation to a failing relationship. The lyrics admit that they were “caught in the tide of being young and alive.” That mentality does have a downside. This album has many other hits, such as “The Things I Do,” “Love Will Get Me There,” and an old fan favorite, “Dublin in Ecstasy,” which has finally been officially released. Cuts & Bruises ranges with sounds of country, folk, and electric rock and it is definitely worth a listen.