By Olivia Troiano

Let’s be honest, it’s definitely a weird time to be alive right now. As we’re all stuck at home, trying to find some form of entertainment, turning to music might be the perfect form of medicine. As artists are staying in, many have found themselves to be interacting with fans online, performing on livestreams, or inspired to make new songs. Music is definitely one of the things we can all find comfort in during this crazy time (as I think I’ve been on my Spotify at least ten times today already). For both the artists and fans though, there couldn’t be a better time to find new music and explore different sounds. Tracking new releases over the last couple weeks, I’ve found myself a couple “quaran-tunes” (it had to be said) to get myself through. Hopefully you can too. 

THE ANXIETY- THE ANXIETY, WILLOW, Tyler Cole

Earlier in March, Willow Smith and Tyler Cole released a project as a duo group, their self-titled album THE ANXIETY. For both artists, exploring new sounds and integrating old ones was the goal, definitely shining through in their debut record. “Hey You!,” the first single from the duo gives off a garage-band sound, surprising to hear when compared to both artists’ previous styles. With the in-your-face and upbeat track to start off the album, it certainly convinces you to keep on listening. It’s just as difficult to pinpoint a favorite song as it is to find a dull one, each one giving a unique sound of their own. But if we’re picking favorites, “Believe That,” “Poolside,” and “The System” are a few standouts. 

“Believe That” doesn’t disappoint, following the same rocky vibe as the first track. As you’ll want to listen to this one on full blast, you’ll want to turn up the bass for “Poolside” coming in right after. Each transition to both Willow and Tyler’s verse in this song, and the drop coming after every chorus will keep your attention through its entirety. Having a combo of rock, electric, and a bit of funk from one beat to the next, this song is nothing but a standout. Last but not least, “The System” resides as one of the more mellow tunes on the album. With an acoustic sound to start and a slow synthesizing of electronic sound, it’s the perfect calming track to close off the album right before “After You Cry”. Not to mention, Willow Smith’s powerful and demanding vocals hit every mark while going well beyond. Although forced to pick favorites, I’d definitely give this album a listen front to back. As it amps up from rockier tunes and mellows out from others, THE ANXIETY gives a distinct experience that we’ve definitely all been missing. 

Listen to THE ANXIETY here.

Gigaton- Pearl Jam

Seven years since their last full album, popular rock-band Pearl Jam, consisting of Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Matt Cameron, and Jeff Ament have given fans new music in 2020. Gigaton gives off the signature Pearl Jam sound that their devoted fans love while also providing a different experience yet again. With “Dance of the Clairvoyants” as the first released single, it gave a promising sound for what was to come. Both an upbeat and story-driven track, Vedder’s aggressive vocals and the band’s rocky atmosphere in the song demand a listen. It’s hard to choose a favorite from this album, but “Quick Escape,” “Never Destination,” “Comes Then Goes,” and “River Cross” stand out. With twelve tracks in total and picking only these, the seven minute track “Seven O’ Clock” deserves a mention, which takes you through a musical journey from start to finish.

“Quick Escape” begins with a loud intro, filled with electric guitar and then slowly transitions into Vedder’s enticing vocals. It’s a consistently rocky song that is good for your next commute. “Never Destination” starts mid-album to bring you back up following “Seven O’ Clock,” while “Comes Then Goes” introduces a bluesy and steady acoustic vibe to mellow things out. The album ends on “River Cross,” a Pearl Jam ballad and perfect end of the night track to calm you down again after the previous rocky tracks. Having both ballads and hard rock songs throughout, Gigaton gives fans something new to listen to. Quarantined with a devoted Pearl Jam fan myself, my brother’s favorite songs and mine differ, which go to show the range of fans the power hitting rock band can reach. 

Listen to Gigaton here.

With the extra time you have on your hands or in your time spent procrastinating online assignments, I’d recommend giving each album a listen. THE ANXIETY’s stellar first release gives just a taste of what’s to come, while Pearl Jam’s 11th studio album Gigaton gives us even more to add to our music library. With more music like Brian Fallon’s latest record “Local Honey” and constantly released singles week after week like The Gorillaz track “Aries,” I think we all can find something new to try out. 

Also, although shows are either canceled or rescheduled, try giving an artist’s live stream a watch. Not to mention it’s the perfect time to explore the depths of your Apple Music or Spotify recommendations, finding more music you never knew you needed until this crazy moment that we’re in. As artists need fans to support them during this time, we need their music to support us and move us now more than ever. Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep on streaming.