Barely Trev

Dan. Freaking. Reeder. This self-produced, self-written artist has been a recent favorite of mine due to his steadfast commitment to the honesty and rawness that lives at the core of all of his work. While the 69-year-young artist began a career releasing music with his 2004 self-titled album, he’s found a resurgence as of late through a few viral TikTok moments – and I have a feeling his latest, ‘It was a party,’ will keep the momentum going.

When I write these reviews, I usually like to start by speaking about the artist’s genre and style of music, but I drew a blank when trying to fit Gaff and Alex Gough into just one sonic group. Having followed Gaff for a little while now, and being recently put on to the lustrous sound of Alex Gough, I’m convinced these two are paving their own lane of nostalgic, season-neutral, shout-worthy songs that’s unlike anything I’ve heard this year.

As summer approaches its end, there’s a lingering acknowledgment of shortened daylight, fading flower blossoms, and cherished moments that will inevitably turn into cherished memories. And while there’s a reluctance one feels with every new season, the layer of hope that exists in the midst of it all is the exact inspiration for Maya Manuela’s latest, “nothing gold.” I first heard this song a couple weeks ago and couldn’t get enough of it.