Easy lyrics, great sounds

Pocket Music
Sun Rai
7-out-of-10

You can rarely go wrong with a great voice surrounded by smooth and soulful R&B music. LA's Sun Rai and his four track record, Pocket Music, are a short and sweet glimpse into a sound some might consider forgotten.

Based heavily off of the pop, soul, jazz and funk of the 60's and 70's, Sun Rai spins a hook filled web of warm keys and slick lyrics. With a comfortable modern feel, he meshes old with new in a superb fashion. The album is simply composed of synths and organs, bass, and snappy drums but complex in its melodies and hooks. In true pop fashion the songs are memorable and fun, easy to digest and easier to move to.

Pocket Music should have been longer in my opinion, but short and sweet works too.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

The Weight of the Globe
Lily & Madeleine
8-out-of-10

The Weight of the Globe is a beautifully put together effort by Indianapolis sister Lily & Madeleine. Distinct harmonies set against a full band with some unique players. The Weight of the Globe stands out for its original song writing and, of course, some unreal vocal performances.

It's obvious that the main selling feature of this record is the breathtaking harmonies and voices of these two sisters. Clear and precise, pitch perfect and full of great tone, their voices carry their own weight. That's not to say that the rest of the elements aren't any good, though. Along with the ethereal, folk revival influences lay some indie-pop goodies. Catchy beats and rhythms bring energy to a few tracks and saxophones and trumpets bring some variety.

Aside from the superb tracks, the lyrics are also very strong. Well defined, relatable, and obscenely poetic, the lyrics surely complete the whole package here.

The Weight of the Globe expects a little concentration and engagement from the listener, but it's easy to fall into an album this lovely.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU