Album: “Changes” Artist: Justin Bieber Released: Feb. 14, 2020 Genre: R&B(ieber) Label: Def Jam Rating: 9/10
When “Jesus Christ Superstar” debuted in the ‘70s, it shocked audiences with its loud rock music, modern themes and non-traditional biblical interpretations. While rock is no longer the radical genre it once was, the latest U.S. tour has updated the revolutionary musical with aspects such as hip-hop choreography to help keep the show relatable for new generations.
Album: “Have We Met” Artist: Destroyer Label: Merge Release Date: Jan. 31 Rating: 6/10
There was a shadow over the Grammy Awards this year. Whether this was due to the very recent passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant or the various controversies surrounding the show, is not certain. Still, it is indisputable that the performances are one of the most anticipated parts of the Grammys, and that remained the case this year. The actual awards are never indicative of future success, but a particularly memorable performance –– good or bad –– can live on forever.
With the pressure of a new semester on the horizon, sometimes the only way to relieve that added stress is to go to a concert. From metal to underground hip hop and even legends from the ‘80s, here is a list of some of the most anticipated upcoming shows in the Buffalo area.
As 2019 comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the year’s finest musical releases. The past 12 months have provided listeners with quality music. Pop and hip-hop continued their chart domination with notable releases from Lizzo, Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator, while rock and metal contributed with strong efforts from Blood Incantation, The Twilight Sad and Opeth.
It’s the end of the semester, final papers and projects are piling up and you’re ready to pull your hair out. Mental health is just as important as physical health, stress is never good and sometimes the best thing to do is just relax. Finding a way to relax is easier said than done, but music can easily help students destress before finals and is one of the most accessible stress-relieving tools. Thanks to the advent of streaming, music for stress relief is affordable, you can listen to it while you study and it won’t force you to break a sweat like a run would.
There has never been a decade as hard to pin down musically as the 2010s. Genres like trap and EDM took the mainstream world by storm as underground outsider genres like vaporwave (a genre consisting of already-existing ‘80s songs slowed down with reverb) challenged conventions of what music could be in the modern day.
In 1993, WRUB had over 100 students on staff. It had a radio signal that played everything from grunge to early hip-hop on airwaves throughout campus.
When UB built the Center for the Arts in 1994, Jonathan Kirk was three years old. He was just a baby.
Album: “Jesus is King” Artist: Kanye West Label: Def Jam Release Date: Oct. 25 Rating: 5/10
Guerilla Toss has come a long way stylistically since its formation at the beginning of the decade. The band’s breakout record on NNA Tapes, “Gay Disco,” saw the group playing a furious combination of danceable rhythms, shrill screams and heavy but textured guitars in 2013.
The Halloween season consists of cutesy costumes, silly jack-o-lanterns and enough candy to induce a sugar coma, but what makes this time of year so interesting and unique is its underlying theme of terror. People get their kicks out of being scared s--tless and especially during Halloween. Why else would so many people come together every year to watch possession-infested films and visit haunted houses? Music around this time of year shouldn’t be any different, it should scare the hell out of you, too.
The Fall Fest Concert Series continues Saturday with its “Indie-Rock Showcase,” the second show of the three-part series. Rockers Young the Giant –– who headlined Spring Fest 2015 –– will headline the show as relaxed crooner Verzache opens the show. To get hyped up for fest, here’s a list of seven songs (three by Verzache and four by Young the Giant) to familiarize yourself with before heading to the Center for the Arts Saturday night.
In a time when lyrical rappers rarely make the XXL Freshman list, DaBaby was a breath of fresh air. He made a name for himself spitting catchy and smart bars over trendy instrumentals on his 2019 debut record “Baby on Baby,” and through features on some of the biggest records of the year so far.
John Hannibal remembers when he was 12 years old and the other kids would be playing video games, while he was home learning how to produce music. He wanted to do something "cool" and "different." Music was his avenue to do that.
Faculty from around the country discussed music, technology, history and politics in Baird Hall on Monday during a symposium.
While the cold weather may not want to let up, spring is on the horizon. With warmer weather comes a change of pace in every facet, from clothing to daily routines. Music is no different. For the transition into spring, the editors at The Spectrum picked their favorite tracks for the change of climate.
The world knew Casey Abrams was different when he stepped onto the “American Idol” Hollywood stage with an upright bass. Through his journey on “American Idol” in 2011, Abrams came off as different and his journey through jazz and soul continues to separate him from his peers.
After 18 studio albums, Marillion shows no signs of slowing down. The band’s latest full-length offering “F.E.A.R.” is hailed by fans and critics as its best work in years, while also reaching number four on the UK album charts. The Spectrum sat down with lead guitarist Steve Rothery to discuss the new album, its influences and the next steps for Marillion.
Solutions by The State News
