By: Music Journalism Club

Every week our Music Director, Allison, chooses new releases to add to our music library. Here are some of the recent highlights, presented to you by WSUM’s Music Journalism Club.

Bedelia, Never change, love you always

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Deeper than the skin”, “I Tried”

GENRE: Alternative, Singer-Songwriter

RIYL: My Bloody Valentine

Bedalia’s Never change, love you always makes you feel like you’re in the passenger seat of a droptop coupe riding around close to some water on a hot summer day.  The vibe of the music is lighthearted, bright, and fun. The instrumentation is fun, with all of the songs involving wonderful guitar work, but that’s just the surface. On a song like “Deeper than the skin” we see these bright production elements being paired with hard hitting lyrics that show them longing for a deep emotional connection with a partner. Track 4, “I Tried”, being the pinnacle of both, we see their beautiful production, paired with emotional lyrics of trying your best with someone to no avail.  The band tells a story of deep emotional trauma, while still longing for love lyrically, while being paired with a very fun and lively production style. The dichotomy of the EP makes it stand out, and the beautiful music keeps it in rotation.

— Nadiri Morgan-Thompson

Lou Oma, Enfold

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Want Me There”, “Bright Light Holiness”, “Daze”

GENRE: Alternative Indie, Ethereal Wave

RIYL: Operelly, Natalia Catalan

Lou Oma has mastered the art of distinction without repetition. Her newest album, Enfold, had a very specific sound to it (think Angelic meets Cyberpunk), yet this does not take away from the uniqueness of each piece. If you can name an instrument, it’s in her work. Who knew you could make a Banjo sound so electronic? It felt as if Oma was telling a story through the album, weaving in instrumentals and interludes to give it such a unique sound. Not only was the music ethereal, listening to the album in full was an experience of its own that is worth having. 

— Maddie Pecak

Dagmar Zuniga, in filth your mystery is kingdom / far smile peasant in yellow music

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Even God Gets Stuck In Devotion”, “Photography The Hard Way”, “A Car With No Lights On”

GENRE: Experimental Folk

RIYL: Jessica Pratt, Cindy Lee

Dagmar Zuniga’s in filth your mystery is kingdom / far smile peasant in yellow music has quickly garnered a lot of attention for it’s experimental, lo-fi, and ethereal sound. This album was an adventure out of the usual pop and rock sphere that I reside in. But even so, I was pleasantly surprised by the sound here. Zuniga recorded this album over a period of five years on a cassette recorder and mixer from the 90s (the Tascam 424 if you’re curious), hence the very nostalgic and lo-fi sound here. The production and mixing is great, as is the instrumentation. Zuniga’s voice really does highlight the lyrics which are just as abstract and reflect the feeling and sound of the album well. If you’re craving something experimental, Dagmar Zuniga’s in filth your mystery is kingdom / far smile peasant in yellow music has you covered.

— Gabriel Salgado

Mute Swan, Skin Slip 

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Like a Chump”, “Another Simple Pleasure” 

GENRE: Shoegaze, Psychedelic-Pop

RIYL: Slowdive, Beach House

Mute Swan masters the definition of shoegaze in their recent album, Skin Slip. The Arizona-based band employs interesting dynamic changes in their guitar and percussion, making it perfect for any instrumental enthusiast. The song “Shadow Of” particularly highlights the impressive strength of the band’s late guitarist, Thomas Sloane. Additionally, Mute Swan includes songs that could potentially fit any situation. The first track, “Hypnosis Tapes”, is perfect for fading into an abyss, while their seventh track, “Cocteau Swan”, is fitting for a walk in the spring weather. The band’s unique take on the interaction between human emotion and psychedelic music is especially exemplified through this album. 

— Lillian Hescheles

EXEK, Prove The Mountains Move

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Sidestepping”, “Visiting Dust Bunnies”, “Spotless”

GENRE: Psychedelic Pop, Post-Punk

RIYL: Total Control, The Serfs

EXEK’s seventh and most recent album, Prove The Mountains Move, released on February 27, 2026, has been described as EXEKs most “pop”- leaning work. This Melbourne-based band blends melody with experimental rock songs, creating songs with an unconventional feel. The brass instrumentation within the songs add to the vibrant, electric feel that the album illustrates. There is a strong sense of nostalgia playing throughout the album, shaped by open arrangements that give room for each instrument to play and move freely. Simultaneously, EXEK uses humor, most notably in the song “Don’t Answer (When They Call)”, where they deliver the lyrics, “In a past life/I believe you were a bathmat.” Prove The Mountains Move is a testament to EXEK’s creative momentum and musical inclination. The harmonies of the instruments in this album allow for musical eccentricity in their language choice, exhibiting the distinct voice of this Australian band. 

— Claudia Rothberg