Writing about things that do and don't exist
Illustration by Lily Ekimian Ragheb & Ahmed T. Ragheb Originally published with The Pittsburgher in October 2021. “Before I answer your question, excuse the shit, but I just love it.” Avant-pop artist Andrew Muse chuckled as we sat down on a stone bench near the pond in Allegheny Cemetery—one of the artist’s favorite hangout spots—the ground around … Continue reading The Confounding and Eclectic Andrew Muse
A few words about a few more local tracks that hit the spot this week ### SEF - HOTBOY A piano tiptoes, cymbals whisper, bass rumbles, and SEF's coolly confident flow meanders between hard-edged proclamations and dry, squeaking whispers. More from SEF Follow on Instagram ### Chris Miskis and Kelly Miskis - The Minutes (How … Continue reading Weekly Wrap-Up 08.09.24
A three-part track from a psychedelic instrumental trio. Over the course of its ten-plus minutes, the psychonaut soundtrack "Chronicles of the Mind's Odyssey" travels deep into the groove. Ariana Bigler controls chaos on the drums, Trevor Ring scatters bass notes like rainbow visual scotomas, and Lenni Green plays the trippiest clarinet I've heard since the … Continue reading Daily Yinz – Fermented Beats – Chronicles of the Mind’s Odyssey
The prolific experimentalist released a glitchy EP in late July. "tilted jilt"--a play on EP title Jilted Tilt--made my eyes spiral like a cartoon head wound victim's. The track imitates a herd of frenzied cattle stampeding over a minefield of novelty silver fulminate bang snaps. Sharp pops fire haphazardly while hoofbeats thud and guttural moos … Continue reading Daily Yinz – The Universe Online – tilted jilt
The noise punk trio's latest release is the searing Coagula. Summer has gotten complicated. I would rather throw my computer into a river than follow along with the season's many subtypes, which include hot girl, rot girl, white boy, and brat. Luckily, Flash Thunder keep things brutally simple with "My Worst Summer (So Far)," Coagula's … Continue reading Daily Yinz – Flash Thunder – My Worst Summer (So Far)
The emcee's latest single is a sumptuous saunter. There's a point midway through "Sleep" where Aysie takes a break from her rapping to compose her thoughts. She rolls out a sardonic "ha-ha-ha," then continues, "I'm laughing, but it's not funny, because I'm really that girl. It took me a second to realize, because I was … Continue reading Daily Yinz – Aysie – Sleep
A few words about a few more local tracks that hit the spot this week ### Hemlock for Socrates - You're Not Here Jittery, lugubrious disco featuring arcade hall synths, gothic vocals, and power drill guitars. A Skinamarink-y video accompanies. More from Hemlock for Socrates Follow on Instagram and Facebook Film by Heather Shore and … Continue reading Weekly Wrap-Up 08.02.24
A new single from two Pittsburgh hip-hop veterans. "Where I'm From" is not a victory lap for Mars Jackson--"victory" implies an ending-- but more of a proud stroll through the streets of Pittsburgh, one that takes stock of hard-won accomplishments while keeping an eye trained on the future. The faded melodic loop that C.Scott weaves … Continue reading Daily Yinz – Mars Jackson – Where I’m From (prod. C.Scott)
Bored In Pittsburgh 