Music

Auto Chlor Releases “Kid Gloves and Crystal Math” Albums

If you had told me that the next time I’d hear an ABBA cover, it would be through the lens of a distorted, sound-rock, electro-dark ambient sound collective from Athens, Georgia, well, I probably would have believed you. Crazier things have happened, with one such example being that the cover was actually outstanding! Auto Chlor, a group I’m not too familiar with, has come back with not one but two full-length LPs. Kid Gloves and Crystal Math — it’s on the latter that you’ll hear the dissonant, moody take on Sweden’s sweethearts, and if you’re anything like me it’ll pique your interest enough to give the rest of the records a look!

Kid Gloves, the first of the duo, is a fantastic introduction to the Georgia-based art-rock group. According to the group’s ringleader, xx periscope, Kid Gloves is a portrait of xx periscope’s work life. They say similarly that Crystal Math is a portrait of xx periscope’s decaying home life, and the dynamic between the two records is noticeable. Kid Gloves features such enigmatic song titles as “yaw joggle,” “chivvy,” and “beefy truce,” and xx periscope has said they got the titles based on a random word generator — the songs would only then be written after the title was acquired.

BANDCAMP: https://autochlor.bandcamp.com/album/kid-gloves

This type of free-flowing artistic ingenuity is carried across the entire record, as compositions such as “downiest tine” feel like rediscovered old favorites, home movies projected up on the wall of the basement; there’s something so earnest about every track, and even the more abrasive and electronic-centric tracks work because they’re anchored in the same earnest nature. “melancholy trucking” is off-putting, especially following up “downiest tine,” but the duality is the album. There are glimpses of both sides of humanity to be had, and where you choose to focus is what makes your final decision. “boohoo acquiring” gives the record another go at some beautiful electronic strings, and the growth to the finale feels straight out of a science-fiction picture.

Crystal Math, tackling the subject of decaying home life, feels like a perfect encapsulation of the subject. Album opener “narcotic gawk” is a straightforward, simple orchestral piece playing over distorted vocals and a pulsing heartbeat. Its optimism is quickly removed by the cold, echoing void of the next track, “luxuriant coo.” This is a far colder entry, similarly experimenting with vocal sampling, as cold synths combat a pulsing echo — it sets the album up as a new thing away from Kid Gloves, and the following tracks, all ranging from one minute to two until the aforementioned “Fernando” cover work more as sound collages and brief interludes into an inner psyche than they do as typical songs. It’s an impressive collection of textures and sounds, with “help suggestion” even working as Auto Chlor’s stab at a typical indie rock track — there are still flourishes of distortion, but the song comes across as the most traditional on the album. Putting Kid Gloves and Crystal Math together, listeners will have an excellent double LP from Auto Chlor to wax poetic on. There’s plenty to love from both records, an ABBA cover included!

Artist Spotlight

Catlea unveils soulful rhythmic melodies with boldly introspective triumph in new EP “Bones”

Music lovers are prepared to experience a striking new soundscape as Catlea, the eclectic singer-songwriter known for her thoughtful lyrical style, drops her latest EP, “Bones,” a four-track sonic adventure through euphoria, introspection, and reinvention. This release marks Catlea’s stirring ability to effortlessly blend elements of indie-pop and even hints of R&B disco sound with soul sensibilities that defy boundaries and invite listeners to dance, reflect, and lose themselves in the music.

The EP, led by the upbeat title track, “Bones,” is a hypnotic indie-pop anthem lush with soulful vibes, polished with a light brush of disco, and primed to get heads bobbing and feet moving. It’s a joyous opening that gives fans a taste of Catlea’s undeniable knack for weaving diverse influences into something fresh and captivatingly energetic.

Next, the second track, “Crumbling,” takes a soulful turn, enveloping listeners in a world of raw vulnerability and reflection. Here, Catlea opens up about the unsettling reality of ‘crumbling‘ after a period of illusion and the resolve to rebuild oneself. This song’s heartfelt lyrics exude the poignant experience of the emotional range of facing one’s insecurities with a sense of abandonment that flows seamlessly, demonstrating her artistic versatility.

Following is the heart-wrenching third track, “Lying,” a mesmerizing lyrical powerhouse that dives into the bittersweet honesty of wishing to have lied about infidelity in pursuit of happiness. With a reflective anthemic chorus, Catlea confronts her emotions head-on, wrestling with the complexities of vulnerability in relationships. It is a bold narrative showcasing a daring edge to make the personal universal.

Closing the EP is “Like Me,” a beautifully emotional ballad that marries timeless rhythmic piano chords, a soulful acoustic guitar strum, and trance-like synth pads. It perfectly encapsulates her complex duality of yearning for closure while exhausted by the lingering memories of being overdramatic due to love loss.

With the release of “Bones,” Catlea presents a profound exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the path to healing, enhanced by her signature engaging storytelling and melodic sophistication. This EP is a vulnerable masterclass likely to establish her as a distinctive voice within the music industry. It is poised to be a significant addition to her expanding discography, appealing to long-time admirers and new listeners discovering her artistry. “Bones” is expected to make a lasting impact on the playlists of music enthusiasts.

For more information about Catlea, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Catlea’s EP “Bones“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Catlea | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Shyfrin Alliance ignites rock’s core with grit anthemic sparks in his recent single “Lockdown”

Shyfrin Alliance smashes the blues-rock door wide open with “Lockdown,” a blazing track that promises a spot on every rock lover’s playlist. Kicking off with a blistering guitar solo, the single, an instant ignition, sets the stage for a thrilling musical adventure, carrying listeners on an adrenaline-fueled trip into tricky rock terrain. Frontman Eduard Shyfrin’s gravelly vocals growl with fiercely modern intensity, churning through gritty riffs and face-melting solos reminiscent of classic rock’s most iconic anthems.

The dynamic drum beats and catchy guitar rhythms, combined with the stunning accompanying lyric video, are intensely immersive. Flashes of abstract landscapes, glimpses of community moments, and party scenes alternate with close-ups of Shyfrin at work in the recording studio, drawing audiences into the heart of the song’s passion. This combination of visuals and heartfelt lyrics transforms “Lockdown” into a whole sensory experience that hits on every emotional level.

Shyfrin’s narrative adds another layer to this powerhouse track. Classically trained in piano during his childhood in Ukraine, Eduard’s career took a detour into metallurgy and business before a personal crisis led him back to music with a renewed mindset. With “Lockdown” and his debut album ‘Upside Down Blues,’ Shyfrin Alliance marks the bold comeback of a man who channels life experience into every note. The song “Lockdown” is a true anthem for those who crave rock’s purist energy. It showcases Shyfrin Alliance as a band ready to make a lasting impact, unrestrained and roaring with purpose.

For more information about Shyfrin Alliance, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Shyfrin Alliance’s “Lockdown“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Shyfrin Alliance | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |