Here are some new releases and music news from the past week.
Nothing’s About to Happen to Me – Mitski
Genres: Singer-Songwriter, Chamber Pop, Americana
RIYL: Lana Del Rey, Phoebe Bridgers, boygenius
On her new record, Mitski brings a stripped-back mixture of singer-songwriter, chamber pop, noise pop, and even alt-country that manages to sound solemn and dejected while still being emotionally powerful at times. A lot of her lyrics center around emotional attachment and isolation, and she communicates it in a pretty impactful way. Though admittedly I am not very familiar with Mitski, and a lot of the record did not fully click with me, I think there are some beautiful moments on here, and a lot of the lyrical themes stuck with me after I listened. The album is worth checking out for yourself even if it’s not a personal favorite of mine.
-Brian
The Romantic – Bruno Mars
Genre: Pop Soul, Latin Pop, Funk
RIYL: Silk Sonic, Anderson .Paak, Robin Thicke
Instead of returning to his genre-bending and pop-with-an-asterisk sound from Doo-Wops and Hooligans and Unorthodox Jukebox, Bruno leans even harder into the groovy soul/funk/R&B inspired sound found in projects like 24K Magic and An Evening with Silk Sonic with his newest album, The Romantic. Yearning ballades like “Risk It All,” “God Was Showing Off,” “Why You Wanna Fight,” and “Dance With Me,” show off Bruno’s peerless vocals, while upbeat grooves like “Cha Cha Cha,” “I Just Might,” and “Something Serious,” become the engine on which the dance floor runs. Although this album is perhaps not as boundary-pushing as his previous projects have been, The Romantic is possibly Bruno Mars’ most romantic venture yet, as the name suggests. I highly recommend this for fans of Bruno Mars, or hearts who need a little love this March.
-Patrick
The Mountain – Gorillaz
Genres: Art Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
RIYL: Caroline Polachek (I got nothing else. It’s Gorillaz. You’re probably familiar)
With their new release, cartoon band Gorillaz collaborated with a wide variety of artists to take inspiration from synthpop, hip-hop, and even Indian music. The end result is a colorful blend that feels like laying atop the Himalayas and contemplating the past few years of your life. I had a lot of fun listening to this record. I love the vulnerable and introspective writing on here as well as the playful, dynamic, and meditative instrumentals the band comes up with. This album is a must-hear for this year and possibly Gorillaz’s strongest effort this decade.
-Brian
A Short History of Decay – Nothing
Genre: Shoegaze, Indie Rock
RIYL: Whirr, trauma ray
I wouldn’t call myself much of a connoisseur, not even much of a tourist, of the shoegaze scene, but Nothing has been a band on my radar for quite some time now. Despite a slightly (very overtly) AI-tainted rollout, the band’s latest album proves why they’re considered so innovative in what they do. From the clamoring chaos of the titular “A Short History of Decay” to the dreamy strings found in “Purple Strings,” each track creates its own unique space in the record. Whether you’re into shoegaze with a little bit of bite, or the more subdued, melodious side of the genre, A Short History of Decay certainly has something waiting for you.
-Madz
Highway to Heavenly – Heavenly
Genre: Jangle Pop, Power Pop
RIYL: Gaze, Plumtree
When I see a band that had decent success in the past release new music after a long hiatus I expect it to be pretty bad, but somehow, after 30 years, they are still pretty solid. But, and there’s a big but, it’s just nothing new, it’s almost like they just released one of their old albums but 30 years later. The main, and only real change is the subject matter, talking about Elon Musk, contemporary protest movements, and living as a transgender individual. This is not a bad album by any means, but it’s nothing crazy either. If you like some of their older work and were waiting for something new I definitely recommend checking this out, but I’d start with some of their older works like Heavenly vs Satan or Operation Heavenly first.
-Z
Manhunt – Boldy James & Rome Streetz
Genres: Gangsta Rap
RIYL: Westside Gunn, Freddie Gibbs, Clipse
With a very short collaborative effort, Detroit rapper Boldy James and Queens rapper Rome Streetz team up to bring some of the harsh and detailed drug and gangster raps they’ve been known for over beats that are both smooth and menacing. Though this sound is really nothing new from either rapper and can feel somewhat redundant, both rappers still remain strong lyrically, and the record serves as a reminder of the skill they have. This is also my PSA telling you to please listen to Kiss the Ring by Rome Streetz if you’re a rap fan and haven’t heard it.
-Brian
Geese win a BRIT Award!
After the release of their 2025 album Getting Killed, indie art-rock band Geese have continued riding their wave of success at this year’s BRIT awards, where they took the title of International Artist of the Year, beating out bands like Tame Impala and Turnstile. Drummer Max Bassin accepted the award on behalf of the band and gave a short speech that was censored after he made political statements showing his support for Palestine and calling out the actions of Ice. The night has solidified Geese on an international level as a substantial and outspoken band to watch.
-Ainsley
My name is Z Marik, and I am the Digital Media Director at WVUA-FM. I am a Junior, majoring in Operations Management with a minor in Supply Chain Management.
My favorite album is 69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields.
Thanks for reading my articles!
Hi! My name is Ainsley Hopkins and I'm a freshman majoring in English and International Studies at UA. I love most types of music, but listen mostly post-punk and indie rock. My favorite album is either Doolittle by Pixies or Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division.
Hello! My name is Brian Mignogna and I'm a freshman majoring in Accounting and Business Cyber Security. I listen to mostly rap and rock but I'm trying to listen to more. My favorite album is Revolver by The Beatles.
Haiii! My name is Mads & I’m a computer engineering major here at UA. I'm a lover of all things hardcore and electronic. My all-time favorite band is The Callous Daoboys and my favorite album is Feel Something by Movements.
