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Alternative Band PRETTY AWKWARD New “Get Weird” Album Is A Stand-Out Debut

The eleven songs on PRETTY AWKWARD’s Get Weird range from reflections on personal experiences to anthemic crowd-pleasers that will resonate with young and old alike. Veteran songwriters and musicians Nicholas Wiggins and Austin Held recruited a first-class cadre of collaborators to flesh out their musical vision and they play as a band rather than a glorified solo vehicle for either man. The stylistic dexterity evident throughout the album likewise coheres rather than sounding like a mishmash of conflicting aims. PRETTY AWKWARD’s songs sound like the results of an outfit that began the recording process knowing exactly what they hoped to achieve and clearing every hurdle with room to spare.

You can hear their confident self-assurance in the album’s opener. “Hang Out” presents listeners with a scenario that’s easily relatable to the band’s target audience but, likewise, cuts across age demographics. It’s youthful, without question, but even older listeners of a certain type can remember staying up into the wee hours intoxicated with friends and/or romantic partners. It’s a song portraying the tightly knit confederacies of friendship in a unique way and the lightly atmospheric arrangement helps bring it to unusual life.

PRETTY AWKWARD continues an impressive run to open the album with its next two tracks. “Misfits” is one of the release’s best numbers and a bonafide anthemic gem. It gains much of its power from the deliberate scaffolding that the band erects for the performance; its steady escalatory pace culminates in a soaring chorus. “Get Weird” is a memorable title song that relies much more on atmospherics than the other ten cuts. The band’s command of manipulating light and shadow excels here and Held delivers one of his best vocal performances.

The simmering and often effervescent pop of “Bad Habit” opens with a brief snippet of piano before segueing into the main body of the song. Alternative music fans will latch onto the slinky percussion driving the tune and it gives the track an irresistibly stylish veneer. “Castle Walls” is an especially inspired songwriting clinic that turns the band once again towards the anthemic. They’ve hit upon their idiosyncratic language, however, and write about self-realization and seizing the day with undeniable flair. It’s one of Get Weird’s most impassioned moments.

“Woozy” is one of the album’s marquee cuts. If you want to put forth one song out of the eleven that sounds and feels truly representative of PRETTY AWKWARD’s gifts, then this is it. Each of their cuts has a clear subject matter that relates to everyday life, and this is no different. This pop-influence romp about a dysfunctional yet addictive relationship crisscrosses multiple genres without ever disorienting listeners and has an entertaining melody you won’t soon forget.

They end the album on a melancholy yet ultimately victorious note. “Burn” definitely embraces a “better to burn out than fade away” spirit, but listeners will come away from this sure that PRETTY AWKWARD won’t be fading out anytime soon. It’s an invigorating and thoughtful tune illustrating their range better than other already outstanding songs on Get Weird. This album deserves your attention and more as they’ve written and recorded one of 2023’s best Alt.Pop collections.

Skyler Voss

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Mac Miller’s Long-Lost Album “Balloonerism” Gets Official Release Date in January 2025

Mac Miller’s creative spirit is still alive and well, intricately weaving beats with unfiltered emotions that resonate deeply, giving fans something special to look forward to. One of his most elusive projects, ‘Balloonerism,’ finally ascends from whispers in the ether to an official release. During Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival last weekend, he gifted Mac Miller’s devoted followers an exciting announcement of the release of the long-lost album; ‘Balloonerism’ which will finally be released on January 17, 2025.

The announcement comes with pre-orders available for vinyl, cassette, and CD versions on the late Pittsburgh icon’s official website. This news has electrified fans and will undoubtedly kick off the new year with an emotional bang equal to celebration and catharsis. While every posthumous release brings a twinge of sadness, Miller’s camp has consistently handled his legacy with care, delivering tributes that feel genuine to who he was.

For fans, ‘Balloonerism’ is a collection of songs; it’s a bridge between two iconic albums, ‘Watching Movies with the Sound Off’ and ‘Faces.’ Initially crafted during this period, parts of the album were repurposed for ‘Faces,’ leaving fans speculating for years about the rest. We’ll finally explore these unreleased gems and the artistic overlaps that defined Miller’s creative peak during those transformative years.

2024 has been significant for celebrating Mac’s legacy, especially with the 10th anniversary of ‘Faces’ reigniting admiration for his fearless style. And let’s not forget the echoes of 2023, when ‘Watching Movies’ turned ten, gifting fans unreleased tracks like “The Quest.” Through it all, Mac’s spirit endures, lifted higher by the voices of peers like ‘Vince Staples,’ acknowledging his impact on their lives.

“He changed my life… He was teaching me how to rap on the beat, how to project,” Staples reflected in 2023, encapsulating the selfless, nurturing energy Mac exuded. This human touch elevates his work beyond music, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encounters. As we eagerly count down to the long-overdue debut, ‘Balloonerism,’ fans are ready to celebrate Mac’s heartfelt gift, which he brought to the world through his art. January 17 will be a day to remember an artist who gave so much through his music. Mac’s may have ended too soon, but his story continues to soar wonderfully, reminding audiences of the special magic Mac Miller represented.

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Fiery And Unapologetic: Pamela Hopkins “Burn It Down”

Pamela Hopkins’ new single “Burn It Down” is a fiery and unapologetic anthem of empowerment that takes the listener through an emotional journey of betrayal and reclamation. With co-writers Dave Lenahan and Scott Barrier, Hopkins crafts a narrative that diverges from the typical revenge tale by focusing on the protagonist’s decision to seek liberation rather than retribution.

The song starts with a somber acknowledgment of trust broken by both a partner and a friend, setting the emotional tone for the track. Hopkins’ lyrics are direct and vivid, painting a picture of the protagonist’s internal struggle before she chooses to rise above the ashes of her past. The phrase “throwing a match on kerosene” is a striking metaphor that encapsulates the explosive nature of betrayal and the drastic emotional consequences it entails. However, instead of wallowing in revenge, the protagonist claims her power back by letting go of what once was, symbolized by the metaphorical burning of the life she built with her partner.

Musically, “Burn It Down” features Hopkins’ signature blend of country grit and emotional depth. Her vocal delivery is compelling, capturing the rawness of the song’s theme with a blend of anger, sadness, and eventual resolve. The instrumentation complements the narrative, with a driving rhythm that mirrors the protagonist’s journey from shock and anger to empowerment. The chorus is particularly impactful, with its catchy and defiant lines that echo the protagonist’s determination to take control of her fate: “Bet your ass I’m goin’ out in a blaze.”

Hopkins’ performance in “Burn It Down” is a testament to her skill as both a vocalist and a storyteller. She navigates the song’s emotional complexity with grace, allowing listeners to feel the protagonist’s pain and her subsequent empowerment. The song’s bridge is a highlight, as it portrays a sense of closure and finality, culminating in the protagonist watching her past go up in flames, not with regret but with a sense of pride and self-worth.

What sets “Burn It Down” apart from other songs in the revenge genre is its emphasis on personal strength and the idea of starting anew. The protagonist isn’t looking for revenge in the traditional sense; she’s seeking a clean slate, a chance to rebuild without the shadows of her past holding her back. This theme is universal and resonates with anyone who has faced betrayal and found the strength to move forward.

Pamela Hopkins continues to establish herself as a significant force in the country music scene with this release. Her ability to infuse personal experience and emotional storytelling into her music allows her to connect deeply with her audience. “Burn It Down” is a powerful addition to her discography, showcasing her vocal prowess and her knack for crafting songs that are both relatable and cathartic.

In summary, “Burn It Down” is more than just a song about betrayal; it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever had to pick up the pieces and find strength in the aftermath of a broken relationship. Through her storytelling and commanding vocals, Pamela Hopkins delivers a song that is both a personal catharsis and a rallying cry for empowerment.

-Frank Fantina