Gordon’s work has always been a mix of off-kilter shenanigans and bright charm with a dash of pop/rock hooks. On OGOGO, he seems to really nail down his niche with a strong emphasis on the catchy twists and turns. There are times during OGOGO when you would never have guessed Gordon was at the helm. “Let’s Go” contains elements of a massive radio hit, while “Up and Down” is another tightly constructed number with an enjoyable chorus.

Don’t start to think Gordon is selling out for popularity points, though. “Crazy Sometimes” is classic Gordon weirdness and absurdity. And absurdity isn’t bad, so long as you do it right, and he does. Gordon’s “Quazimodo snaps a photo” line in the funk number “Victim” is pure gold.

And just as you think it’s a party with only a couple songs left, Gordon catches you with your guard down and hits you right in the feels with the touching lullaby of “So Far Gone.”It’s clear that Gordon is making good use of his time in between tours with Phish. OGOGO is not an album just for Phish fans; it would be doing it a major disservice to dismiss it as such. Instead, it’s a highly accessible and fully realized collection of songs crafted by someone who refuses to rest on his laurels.
For more information, visit mike-gordon.com.Story by Jason Savio

Asking Alexandria / Asking Alexandria

I will admit that when the opportunity to review this album came up, I was a little more than excited. Asking Alexandria, which has long been one of my favorite bands, has released a self-titled album which, in my opinion, has put to rest any accusations of musical “typecasting.” Rock/metal has become rather stale over the last few years, and what we get here is a sound that is beautifully mixed with an introduction into a blended genre that incorporates not only metal moments, but pop and other experimental ventures.

In this album, we see the return of Danny Worsnop on vocals, and his signature style is forward throughout each song. The vocals are clean, unlike what we have seen from him before, and in every track, we hear a little more of his story and the pain and breakthroughs he has made as a result.

“Alone in a Room” enters with some soft guitar, picking up immediately and launching into a self-reflection that we’ve all experienced at one point or another. The song is highlighted by Worsnop’s higher range and is the perfect beginning. “Into the Fire” has a little more of the heaviness we are used to hearing from AA, but again, we get a heart-wrenching dialogue. “Eve” is the most metal song on the album, with some screaming and solid drumwork that pair perfectly. “Where Did It Go” is my favorite song on the album with its trance-like, borderline hip-hop melody and high-energy chorus, which I felt truly showcased the versatility of Worsnop’s voice.

The first time I heard it through, I immediately realized several things: 1) there are no flaws, 2) I am going to be listening to this on repeat for a very long time, and 3) my word count allowance for this review isn’t nearly big enough for all the accolades I want to share.

What I truly believe is that this album is going to pave the way, inspiring a movement that is going to change the approach of the entire scene in the next few years. The recommendation is to get the album, and while you are at it, go see them at The Palladium on Feb. 2.

For more information, visit askingalexandra.com.

Story by Jennifer Russo

Tove Lo / Blue Lips (Lady Wood Phase II)

Tove Lo has never been the type of pop artist you’d necessarily take home to meet the parents. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t awesome. She’s just uncensored, and she’s unapologetic about what she has to say and how she chooses to say it. Some of you may want to take a shower after listening to Blue Lips, but I’m guessing more of you might want to applaud this outspoken musician for telling it — and singing it — like it is.

The album’s title is a sequel, of sorts, to her last studio album, Lady Wood, and both recount the roller coaster of an ultimately toxic relationship — from beginning to its heartbreaking end. Yes, there’s graphic descriptions of sex acts and profanity, but it’s more about female power and empowerment than it is about sex. Some might call it shock-pop, but when the lyrics are this sure and are sung with such conviction, we know it’s not just for sound or show. Tove Lo puts it all out there and in your face, exploring topics of race, sexuality, bisexuality and one-night stands — all in good measure.

There’s no guesswork with her song titles or her lyrics. Take the dancefloor-ready standout “Disco Tits,” where she’s hopelessly and simultaneously in love and lust — and you just want to dance with her in her joy. With “Struggle,” we get just that, as she dissects the dissolution of her once-strong relationship. You’ll find that each track works off the others to tell her story in full. And, while it’s unabashedly raw, Blue Lips is actually revealing more of Tove Lo’s soul than it is her body.

For more information, visit tove-lo.com.

Story by Mike Wood