What I've Been Listening To (April)

Once again, I have listened to enough music—thanks Spotify—to justify another What I’ve Been Listening To. This time, I’m here to discuss some of the music that kept me entertained in April. And with that, welcome back to the music minded corner of Our Thoughts Precisely!

Somehow, last year, I missed Spiral Tape by Zowie Kengocha. But you know how the saying goes, better late than never, because I adored this album. Spiral Tape had impeccable vibes. It wasn’t the most upbeat of the music on my list today, but I appreciated how mellow it could be, while, if you take a look at the lyrics, you’ll see, like I did, how contemplative the album actually is. It was like a character study or a critical analysis, and it was mixed with themes of self-acceptance. And it was all wrapped up in a stylish package that left me wanting more.

One of the EPs I listened to last month was Club Shyroom 2 by Shygirl. This one had club friendly electropop music, but rather than a Brat approach, it had a grungier feel to it that was more in line with albums like FKA Twigs’ Eusexua with rap verses and an overall upbeat feel that I’ve encountered in Megan Thee Stallion’s recent releases.

Then I checked out A$h’s new album, Low Key. She’s a new-to-me artist, and I found her through (once again) a recommendation with the song I’m So Nice. And I liked the rest of Low Key just as much too. There was some really good music here, like the titular Low Key, I’m So Nice, and Leave Me Alone just to name a few.

Another one of the older EPs I liked was: Die 4 UR Love by Tei Shi. It had an almost retro and early 2000s pop vibe to it, which I enjoyed. Five songs was entirely too short, and I came away wishing there were more tracks on Die 4 UR Love.

Like so much of what I’ve been listening to lately, VOL.1 Learning in Public by DEVAURA, an EP, showed up on my radar thanks to a recommendation, and I’m so glad that it did. Learning in Public blended a number of genres together to get its sound—leading to an impression of experimentation—with everything from pop, R&B, electronic, and even a little amapiano mixed in (and to good effect). There were a couple of features too: Hylander (that tone switch at the end of Tundra was excellent), Law OS (Venice), and Blessed (Eden). Essentially, DEVAURA’s EP was the kind of music I find extremely fun to engage with.

Speaking of mellow music, I also listened to Jubilee by Japanese Breakfast. My co-blogger, Adri, knew about this band before I did, and when I mentioned their name in a conversation, she said I should give their music a try. And, I really enjoyed Jubilee. It kind of had that slow rock, indie singer songwriter vibe going on. Some of my favorite songs included: Paprika, Slide Tackle, and Tactics just to name a few. So, I’m looking forward to checking out their 2025 album.

Then, one of my most anticipated April albums released on the twenty-fifth: Face Down in the Garden by Tennis. I love-love-loved this album! The band delivered an enjoyable listening experience with a body of work that was in line with the hits offered by the singles (Weight of Desire, 12 Blown Tires, etc). It was indie pop with a mellow almost nostalgic and retro style of sound. And that’s why I was pretty sad when I saw the announcement of Tennis’ indefinite hiatus, but at least there was this last album, and it was a good note to go out on.

And then, last month I also checked out the Coachella livestream (April 11-13, and 18-20), and I saw some performances from a handful of new-to-me artist, which enjoyed. Those included Clario, The Marias, Keshi, Ginger Root, and Basement Jaxx.

And, finally, some of the singles that made it onto my playlist include: I Got It by Rinni, It’s Alright by Courtnie, Tell me I never knew that by Caroline and Caroline Polachek, Falling In Love by R.A.E., Negotiate by Kilo Kish featuring Miguel, West by BUKKY, New Girl by Jai’Len Josey, and N-QUIL by Jay Kent.