February in Review | 2022

FEBRUARY IN REVIEW 2022

    February, always a short but sweet month. Filled with love (also chaos) but if ur anything like me there’s odd reasons you enjoy February. January after some reflection actually feels like a prelude to this year in music where as February almost feels like a blueprint. Where certain singles from artists begin to feel like an actual beginning. This month in particular released very ambient and relaxed albums which is necessary in a state of such chaos, the singles however also win this month over once more as we are entering new eras for artists that we haven’t seen since 2018. What a time. We tend to have reflected on our current global climate as the year 2019 but can’t forget what a year prior we had. Which if we’re being honest 2018 does not feel like a long time ago but if you do decide to look back at your photo albums and see what was going on you will feel the difference. 

SINGLES

    

    Now that years batch of artists did take there deserved time and never spoke on much during their absence and they didn’t quickly drop and rush to have a quarantine album either which fuels energy and ignites actual excitement for the releases pending.  Some artists did come back quickly with something but still made an impact! Let’s start off with the singles of this month because we do have many. Charli XCX came out with her new collaboration “Beg for you.” A powerhouse fast paced track alongside with rising pop star Rina Sawayama. This track did come out late January but I wanted to save it simply because it felt like a February track. We got the music video in February alongside a remix. Singles really only live their full momentum with a good music video. The video itself was random but I’m all for some electricity, dance moves and pools of blood. The choreography was resemblant of her previous lead good ones. But if this single defines anything it’s that Charli is about to lead and prove that she could have dominated pop this entire time and simply chose not to. Which is what a real artist is meant to do. I have had my history with her and my options remain her true art is not for everyone either but this is a given for every person and their talents what you bring is not for everyone. And hyper pop is just not for my music field house. However I can appreciate a good production and Charli is an unstoppable, nearly self made, powerful ass artist, and beg for you proves that Crash is something that’s been worth waiting for. 

   

    Next up we have Two Feet who released a double single with "Caviar & Amy" my personal favorite of the two is Amy simply because of its ending bridge/outro. It's a bittersweet feeling with each new song that gets released by him considering this his last full bodied record on its way. However, we are more than getting spoiled this album is due not long after his last and its a 20 track album with new music throughout the year. I have nothing but respect for two feet as he is living his honest truth and allowing only what he can personally handle. To admit a realm of burnout but more of this is his last spark that he has at this time is truly powerful. So many artists over extend themselves and don't further put out music thats enjoyable to them and you can tell. So Two Feet I hope you know how much yu are going to be missed in the world of music but i hope you enjoy everything else that comes next. It was also truly a pleasure to see his live show recently theres nothing like a live electric guitar and that in itself is its own experience. As far as these singles cause i can go on and on Caviar and Amy define what this next record is going to entail and it is surely an album that i personally am highly anticipating. Album title and details currently unknown. 

   

Another confirmed album that is coming out is Sofi Tukkers second album Wet Tennis, which the last record came out in 2018 super long ago. Definitely overdue for a complete record their lead single "Original Sin" brings a complete vibe that is perfectly danceable and leaving us ready for more.

Omar Apollo released his collaboration which completes a trilogy of singles that executes exactly what his debut album Ivory will involve. This collaboration was nothing short of beautiful and Daniel Caesar was the perfect pairing for it. I can go on as well about Omar but each of these records will have their own spotlight during their respective release months. Either way Ivory Is another highly anticipated and personal record that might just be one of this years best releases.

We also have a personal mention, independent Chicago based duo, STRLING released a new single titled "Things Are Not Alright", an extremely honest and brutally relatable track that highlight's personal struggles. Theres something so special about Alex's voice the cracking, breaking , and subtle screaming truly adds an emotion that no one can deny. This is a truly special track that makes me anticipate a full record of this material. Patience though.

    But the absolutely wonderful surprise single release this month has been the return of Florence + the Machine with their single, "KING" as the lead in their upcoming album with an anticipated 15 tracks. Florence years ago announced a major hiatus and admitted it would be some time before she returned as the last record and tour took a toll on her. I anticipate with this record a minimal tour with not so many legs. But lets not get ahead of ourselves, Florence achieves a level of artistry that so few can reach in its excellency. Her Beats are so well rounded in this single perfectly blending every area of each record and fully owning it! The video paired with this single is such a story with a darkness and powerfulness. I cried, honestly this video and song collectively brought me to tears and the absence allowed such a room for growth Whatever she and her brilliant brand are up to I simply cant wait. Not to mention that theres visuals photoshoots and a genuine concept behind this era to go with it. 

ALBUMS 

Raveena proves her voice in this place. She created a truly unique album as its extremely playful and poetic. she makes some bold moves and shows off her vocal skills. The album has such a clean sense of variety that it shows just how much it was worth the wait. 

8/10

Broods who also have met had an album in a few years returns with Space Island. One of my new favorites of theirs since there very first record. Cohesiveness has always been a strength for broods and with a concept such as this I am wondering if a deluxe is in the works as it was a super short album but each track truly has something special. Was very content more than anything to have a record like this from them. 

7/10

 Joywave proves that they are Joywave. That regardless of time from an album taking king or short they are full of surprises and constantly have something special up their sleeve. Personally I am still listening and enjoying their last album Possession but am happy to add the tracks I enjoy from this album. 

6.5/10

Beach House shockingly makes a return to the scene after quite some time and theirs nothing more special than beach house music. They still show how much ambience is in their nature. It’s honestly an album worth getting lost into. I still haven’t fully digested it but I am not disappointed at all in the process. It is a lengthy album but for the length of time of not having beach house music this was worth the wait. 

7.5/10

What a great month for music. Truly created one of my most recent favorite, enjoyable and cohesive playlists. Here is where i can most comfortably enjoy myself and so to all the artists this month. Thank you. And thank you to my readers, I truly appreciate the time you spend here. 

~Rockwell. 

February 2022