Willamette Week

Sávila’s Debut Album Uses a Diverse Backbone of Latin Rhythms to Serve a Greater Purpose

Based on just two recorded songs and the strength of their performances, Sávila have played opening spots for local legends like the Thermals as well as national names like Deerhoof and, earlier this year, placed at the top of WW’s Best New Band poll. Until now, their reputation has been built on their spell-inducing live shows. That makes the release of their album a high-stakes benchmark—it’s not easy to transfer something so delicate and experiential onstage into a recording.

Portland MC Karma Rivera’s Debut EP Is Meticulously Aggro

Ever since her first single, Karma Rivera has made it clear she’s a force to be reckoned with. It wasn’t until the end of July that Rivera released her debut EP, Don’t Sleep on This. The EP seems like a benchmark moment for a rising, ambitious artist, but Rivera skipped the customary release show. Instead, she opened for Snow Tha Product the day before Don’t Sleep on This dropped, and this week, she’ll perform a set at Cake, a queer and trans hip-hop dance night.

Three of Portland’s Most Distinct Talents Collaborate on an EP About Gentrification and Shroom-Spiked Naps

At a lean 15 minutes, Clout Atlas showcases three of Portland’s brightest talents—R&B singer Blossom, quick-tongued MC Ripley Snell and Eyrst’s resident genius producer, Neill Von Tally. It’s a brief but potent EP. The four tracks exemplify why Blossom and Snell are two of the city’s most compelling artists, and how Von Tally’s slow, simmering sound is shaping the landscape of Rip City rap. But the whole is larger than the sum of the parts. Clout Atlas feels like a rich daydream—it doesn’t last long but feels like a lifetime.

Ex-Rio Grands Singer Colin Jenkins Marries Modern Lyrics With Infectious Throwback Sounds on Solo Debut

Somewhat quietly, Rio Grands has pushed along the past few years as one of Portland’s greatest sun-kissed lounge acts. Its leader, Colin Jenkins, has since moved into solo work while keeping a tight grasp on his stagecraft and colorful delivery.

Ex-Rio Grands Singer Colin Jenkins Marries Modern Lyrics With Infectious Throwback Sounds on Solo Debut

Somewhat quietly, Rio Grands has pushed along the past few years as one of Portland’s greatest sun-kissed lounge acts. Its leader, Colin Jenkins, has since moved into solo work while keeping a tight grasp on his stagecraft and colorful delivery.

Ezza Rose Plugs In and Cranks the Volume on “No Means No”

Much like the world in which we live, the romance Rose sings about has the potential for great beauty. But you have to be able to wade through the darkness to find it.

Deathlist’s “Fun” Toggles Between Gloomy Goth Rock and Danceable Post-Punk

Given goth rock’s success over the past three decades, it’s easy to forget how post-punk, the genre it splintered from, was originally tailor-made for the club. Jenny Logan toggles seamlessly between both on “Fun,” her third solo record under the moniker Deathlist.

Deathlist’s “Fun” Toggles Between Gloomy Goth Rock and Danceable Post-Punk

Given goth rock’s success over the past three decades, it’s easy to forget how post-punk, the genre it splintered from, was originally tailor-made for the club. Jenny Logan toggles seamlessly between both on “Fun,” her third solo record under the moniker Deathlist.

Candace’s “New Ruins” Doesn’t Rely on the Typical Shoegaze Tricks

While the resurgence of shoegaze has birthed legions of young bands who lean on spatial effects to mask shoddy songwriting, the best tracks from “New Ruins” would sound just as good in their purest form.

Candace’s “New Ruins” Doesn’t Rely on the Typical Shoegaze Tricks

While the resurgence of shoegaze has birthed legions of young bands who lean on spatial effects to mask shoddy songwriting, the best tracks from “New Ruins” would sound just as good in their purest form.

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