Alex G, The Real Thing
by Bugs On Friday, July 18, 2025 we the people earned a reprise in the form of Alex G's new record release, Headlights. As I'm sure his other longtime fans can agree, this album perfectly balances his iconic sound that…
2025 Alternative Music Releases: What’s Stood Out So Far
By Peyton K. 2025 Alternative Music Releases 5 months into 2025, I want to reflect on all the exceptional music released this year. From the first day of this year, new and old bands have dropped singles, EPs, splits, albums,…
Songs That Itch My Brain: “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” by Wilco
By Roktima Godhuli I Am Trying to Break Your Heart by Wilco is the perfect opener to their 10/10 rock album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot(2001). Don’t play this at the function, though; it might be a bit of a party pooper…
Ian George Band @ Blue House Stage Review
This past Saturday, Ian George performed at Blue House Stage, a local venue in Scotts Valley. My friend Emma and I drove just 15 minutes on the 17 and arrived at a winding road that led into mountains. We passed beautiful…
Childish Gambino New Album Review: An Open Letter to Donald Glover
Dear Mr. Glover, Your new album, Bando Stone and The New World, is very good. My favorite tracks are "Steps Beach" (4), "No Excuses" (11), and "Dadvocate" (15). I have been made aware that this album will also be the soundtrack of…
Adrianne Lenker: “Bright Future” Review
KZSC Librarian Bright Future (March 2024) was recorded directly to tape by Adrianne and producer Philip Weinrobe (who also produced "Songs and Instrumentals"). The barebones recording technique is reminiscent of the likes of Jessica Pratt and Sibylle Baier, and…
Give this album a listen: SCRAPYARD
Last week my brother sent me a text telling me to give this new album SCRAPYARD a listen. Although I was originally intrigued upon receiving the message, I was immediately captivated upon playing the opening of this track "DUSTCLUSTER" featuring…
Faye Is God
KZSC Librarian Dare I say this album is genius? This was my exact response after listening to Faye Webster’s new album, “Underdressed at the Symphony,” for the third time. The first couple singles to come out–”But Not Kiss,” “Lifetime,” and…
Sufjan’s Steven’s “Javelin” Hits You In The Heart
By Charissa Zeigler The first time I listened to a Sufjan Stevens song I didn’t take note of it. It took the release of Luco Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name to make me realize I’d heard Steven’s voice…
The Hunger of I Am The Dog
by Zane Bird Refreshing, hard-hitting and intoxicating. And most of all hungry. This sapphic, demonic, indie rock album will have you wanting another plate. Sir Chloe’s debut album is extremely balanced yet backed by a restrained ferocity. The Vermont…
People Have to Know Ray Bull By Now
By Natalie Gerber Ray Bull's New EP Know By Now Review Ray Bull, an alternative duo based in Bushwick Brooklyn, just released a four song EP that has invaded my mind. I discovered their music last summer through a friend…
Charissa Zeigler: Jason Bajada New Music Review
Jason Bajada Makes Me Want to Escape to Canada By Charissa Zeigler Jason Bajada is a Canadian folk musician who channels Sufjan Stevens' quiet lyricism in “Carrie and Lowell” and Elliot Smith’s despair. His new album, “Crushed Grapes” released in…
New Album Review: ‘flounder’ by quinnie
by Ryan McLean Davis Emerging bedroom pop artist quinnie released her first album at the end of last month. Every song on 'flounder' encapsulates what it means to fall in love in this generation, with underlying themes of the intricacies (and simplicities)…
Mac DeMarco New Album Review
by Ryan McLean Davis “DON’T GO,” I howled after I heard the rumor this morning that our darling Mac was hanging up the towel. But not to worry, my roommate is simply gullible, unlike me. Mac is still very much…
KZSC’s Top Albums of 2022
By KZSC Rock Director At the end of 2022 KZSC's Music Department and various DJs collaborated to make a year-end list of our favorite albums. Here are some of our favorite releases of 2022 in alphabetical order <33 The 1975…
New Album Review: ‘SAP’ by Okay Kaya
By Ryan Davis Alternative pop artist Okay Kaya released her newest and third album ‘SAP’ on November 4th of this year. Kaya Wilkins wrote, performed, engineered, and produced the album, which features many other artists, including Adam Green, Zannie, Deem Spencer,…
Album Review: It Is Lighter Than You Think by Sliver Liz
By Lindsay Rule Photo Courtesy of @silver__liz on Instagram Silver Liz, a Brooklyn based duo band released their 2nd album, It Is Lighter Than You Think, produced by their own record label, Extremely Pure. This new album is the perfect mix…
Album Review: Looks Like a Map by Melby
By Lindsay Rule Looks Like a Map album cover, art by Matilda Wiezell. Looks Like a Map does not let anyone feel misplaced in a world of uncertainty. Stockholm based band, Melby makes a new presence in the indie-pop world…
“Dinner Party” – New Single by “Sitting on Stacy”
By Jennifer Satow Band History From the California based rock/alternative band “Sitting on Stacy”, comes their new single, “Dinner Party”. “Sitting on Stacy” is a Southern California based punk/alternative/rock band formed in 2013 by members Hoyt Yeatman, Kyle Hart, and…
AFRICAN ROOTS OF THE BLUES: Vieux Farka Touré Releases “Les Racines”
Interview with Vieux Farka Touré - May 11, 2022 - "Transformation Highway" with John Malkin - KZSC 88.1 FM / kzsc.org AFRICAN ROOTS OF THE BLUES: Vieux Farka Touré Releases “Les Racines” and Plays Felton Music Hall By…
KZSC Interviews Folk Punk Musician Shannon Lay
"KZSC’s DJs DJ Shove It and Goose interview musical artist Shannon Lay about her Santa Cruz current tours and musical inspiration"