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The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

Lil Uzi Vert’s long-awaited album disappoints

Lil Uzi Vert’s long-awaited album disappoints
Regurgitated lyrical content and lack of variety makes this a disappointing follow-up.
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer March 12, 2020

Since the release of his 2017 album “Luv is Rage 2,” famed trap artist Lil Uzi Vert has accumulated many fans because of his unique voice, melodies and pioneering efforts toward “emo-rap,” a genre that fuses the technical abilities of rap with the lyrical content of emo music. In 2018, Uzi...

Listen to Blossoms’ latest album for a little pick-me-up

The release presents nonstop hits.
Madasyn Korhonen February 6, 2020

English indie band Blossoms provides a fun listening experience in latest album “Foolish Loving Spaces,” where they dive into deep topics including relationships, love and heartbreak, while keeping it lighthearted through upbeat instrumentals and positive lyrics. Frontman Tom Ogden impressively delivers...

Andy Shauf delivers impressive storytelling in “The Neon Skyline”

The songwriter blends intriguing lyrics and satisfying instrumentals in his newest project.
Sammy Newcomer January 30, 2020

Four friends and an ex-girlfriend walk into a bar. Singer-songwriter Andy Shauf details the simple yet entertaining story of lovers who reconnect not by love, but by circumstance in his latest LP “The Neon Skyline.” The unnamed protagonist tells of a night drinking with friends that takes a turn...

Mac Miller’s posthumous album is an upbeat heartbreaker

The new release is a window into Miller’s thoughts before his 2018 death.
Emily Coffey, Managing Editor January 23, 2020

An eerie and somewhat unexpected release, Mac Miller’s new album, “Circles,” is a driven and distantly melancholic work of musical genius. The project is a window into his mind during the moments before his death—his last thoughts and ideas about the world, himself and the meaning of life. If...

Circa Waves teases an underwhelming album with “Happy”

The first half of Circa Waves’ upcoming album brings familiar indie-rock tropes in an uninspired project.
Sammy Newcomer January 17, 2020

After a brief pause in new releases, British indie-rock outfit Circa Waves has returned with half of their upcoming album. With “Sad Happy” releasing in March, the group has fittingly titled this half “Happy.”   UNSOLVED PROBLEM  The intention behind the new album, according to frontman...

Allen Stone blends soul, funk and pop in “Building Balance”

Fun soul grooves and funk rhythms make up for lack of amazing lyrics in Stone’s new album
Sammy Newcomer November 16, 2019

After three years since his last record, Allen Stone delivered his fourth studio album, where his unique sound of soul and pop return for a fun group of tracks that, while never phenomenal, deliver quite a bit of fun. LYRICAL LETDOWN “Building Balance” packs 14 songs into 48 minutes, ranging from...

“Jesus is King” is powerful, yet unsatisfying

Kanye West releases his first gospel album "Jesus Is King."
Kanye’s anticipated gospel album entertains, but does not live up to his previous releases.
Sammy Newcomer October 31, 2019

After multiple delays, Kanye finally delivered “Jesus is King” on Oct. 25. The release, in typical Kanye fashion, was surrounded by controversy. This time, the calamity surrounds Kanye’s “rebirth” and conversion to Christianity. While some Christians fear Kanye is using the name of Jesus as...

From Yeezus to Jesus: Kanye fans should not fear his gospel attempt

Kanye West shifts his music to gospel instead of secular music.
Kanye’s attempts at gospel during his live shows have proven that fans should not fear a spiritual Kanye.
Sammy Newcomer October 5, 2019

With his new album “Jesus is King” releasing this fall, Kanye West once again turned to his pre-album release routine of making bold claims to keep himself in the spotlight. Although the album has been pushed multiple times from its original release date, select fans had the opportunity to hear the...

Fitz and the Tantrums’ “All The Feels” fails to show variety

The indie-pop band presents an entertaining album, but does not branch out from their norm.
Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor September 21, 2019

After a handful of successful hits in their past two albums, Fitz and the Tantrums return with their latest release, “All The Feels.”  The alternative rock-pop band’s new music is catchy and contains a quality message but is overly repetitive. POTENTIAL COMEBACK Known for “HandClap” and...

“Glory Sound Prep” Review: Jon Bellion knows no limit of genre

Bellion stuns with authentic, kaleidoscopic messages in his sophomore album.
Kayla Santos, Arts & Entertainment Editor November 17, 2018

Although he released his mixtape “Translation Through Speakers” in 2013, Jon Bellion did not become a familiar name until his 2016 single “All Time Low” flourished across radio stations. Since then, fans have been patiently waiting for his much-anticipated sophomore album “Glory Sound Prep,”...

George Ezra shows his audience the fun of blues rock

George Ezra shows his audience the fun of blues rock
Ezra inspires dynamic verve within the hearts of his fans with new album.
Vic Silva, Staff Writer March 28, 2018

Songwriter, poet, musician and all-around Brit extraordinaire George Ezrahas made quite the name for himself. Bringing folk blues and rock Americana together, he beautifully melts into his own authentic genre. Although he has been compared to acts like Vance Joy and Tom Odell, his sound remains...

Behind The Scenes: Chris Rasmussen longs to connect with his audience

Victoria Silva/THE CHIMES
An inside look into the real journey of what it takes to evolve as an artist.
Vic Silva, Writer October 24, 2017
An inside look into the real journey of what it takes to evolve as an artist.