Through a short string of EPs, Ottawa's Saint Clare have been expanding their statement from simple rockers to artists with a voice, and EP III definitely has something to say. Closing on "The Fear" Watson throws a little David Byrne style into his wondrous synth sounds to make a track that feels immersive and heavy. He brings Pink Floyd sounds into the future on "Serotonin" as he blends a deep and heady sound with something inspired by the world of experimental electronic music. Watson dives deeper into his unusual sound-scapes on "S.I.A." as he brings in a mysterious mix of electronics and ambitious effect work to go truly out there. Title-track "The Underdog" is a barrage of great melodies flying atypically at listeners that's just as fun as it is familiar. Though his album isn't always the most original record, it brings a lot more detail than any elaborate love letter to rock would. Though Tame Impala's Kevin Parker has been spear-heading the psych-rock revival, band-mate Jay Watson has a few ideas of his own to stand as a contemporary rather than support. Despite the wash of lively notes that opens up "Shelter Song" the track quickly opens into a hearty blues groove to become an echo-heavy anchor of the album. It's beautiful to hear the band's slow-burning feelings explored in a new context on "Family Song" as they take their loving tones into a brisk and glowing mix of synths. Though there's a deep sorrow as "The Dream and The Light" starts, it opens into a pressing and heavy second half to try and make sense of its mostly negative emotions. Despite the sad and somewhat grizzly tales of "Famous Tracheotomies" there's a bright energy behind its country guitars that feels hopeful and new. Through lush synths and a dynamic mix, the band craft something warm but inspiring on their latest record. Will Sheff has redefined folk and country throughout Okkervil River's career but now he seeks to redefine the band's sound as a whole. Okkervil River - In The Rainbow Rain (New Hampshire) The track that will stand out to anyone however is "After The Storm" as Uchis' ode to independent strength is elevated through a great set of riffs and some fun appearance from Tyler, The Creator and even Bootsy Collins. "Tyrant" mixes Uchis' English and Spanish in clever ways and brings one of the album's strongest vocal hooks well before Jorja Smith's creamy vocals take it over the top. The grooves take over "Your Teeth In My Neck" as it recalls early 2000s pop with a much more personal and addictive mix of melodies. Uchis' sultry Latin delivery on "Miami" makes the dark and mysterious track feel as dangerous as its titular city and the atmosphere brought by her and BIA is powerful. On an album filled with soul, rap, R&B, Latin-grooves and a pop package with enough guest stars to catch anyone's attention, this is by far one of the year's best pop albums. Pop singers can often feel manufactured at times if not far too bland, but Colombian-New York transplant Kali Uchis has proven she's far more than that. The song's beautiful simplicity is so captivating that it almost distracts us from the truly messed-up relationship dynamic Apollo describes.Kali Uchis - Isolation (New York/Colombia) On "Bad Life," Uchis is given the space to really shine vocally and show off her vocal versatility. In the track's swelling bridge, the string section reaches its height and Kali Uchis takes control of the singing with a stunning vocal layering that's so pretty it almost makes you dizzy. This dreamy track feels like something out of a Disney princess film - the single, plucking electric guitar riff on the verses gives way to the chorus' resounding string section, and Uchis' beautiful harmonies stack up dreamily against Apollo's silky leading vocals. "That's a bad life / a bad life that you're living," sings Omar Apollo in the chorus of this new collaboration with Kali Uchis.
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