Sojourn

Sojourn reviewed Corporate Pudding - EP by Dogpark 7mo

9.3

I’m a sucker for their garage band nostalgic sound — So this was a wonderful lil ep (they need to drop an album 🫩). Standout tracks for me include September~for the sound alone, amazing guitar work, and mixing with lyrics of transitioning from childhood to adulthood wrapped up in a beautiful metaphor of the changing of the seasons. Standout feeling of relation for me would be the more vulnerable side with themes of isolation and a search for genuine connection in a quickly changing digital world. I don’t mind~ truly not shocking for me as this one is probably the most vulnerable track on the album stepping outside of the societal punk theme and sliding into a more soulful indie style which I always love coming from Dogpark with Eamons vocals front and center for each shift really giving a warmer feel in the cold corporate “pudding” of a world. The slow burn style of production also drives this home even more giving the emotional build and instrumental build. The lyrical aspects explore a ride or die mentality with lines like “I’ll pull you out of the fire but only if you’ll hold my hand” definitely stressing the need for mutual connection and effort from both parties in a world that feels increasingly fragmented or fake. Overall theme~ themes of capitalism and isolation play heavy here with everything being so accessible nowadays and so many fish in the pond so to speak it’s easy to fall into isolation to soullessly generate income and become stuck speaking more to the younger generation. I’m always a fan of these themes in general but the band’s nostalgic almost 90s sound just speaks to me personally sound wise. But we also expand past that with key tracks I don’t mind like I already explained and outside of that there’s an overall feeling of nihilism moving away from your past and personal growth and change. Production~ I’ve already spoken a lot on the production but it’s notable to mention Phil Joly is the producer on this bigger names he’s worked with include Daft Punk & Tame Impala. As I’ve mentioned his style tends to include a “slow burn” style buildup keeping the overall listen more consistent. Notable things instrumentation would be the use of angular guitars and restless rhythms keeping the overall feel high energy even while discussing heavier topics.

Sojourn reviewed The Fall-Off by J. Cole 7mo

9.4

The Fall Off – J. Cole. 21/24 songs liked 21/22 minus intros — J. Cole’s long-anticipated project, The Fall Off, arrives as a deeply personal double-disc meditation on fame, growth, and the cyclical nature of a rap career. Spanning over a decade of personal evolution, the album leans heavily into old-school hip-hop production and a nostalgia-drenched atmosphere that positions Cole as both a legendary MC and a student of the game. The Sound of Accountability and Growth The album’s sonic identity is defined by its thoughtful production and melodic detours. In “Drums and Bass,” the use of muted 808s and piano underscores a central theme of authenticity vs. fake love, summarized perfectly by the line: “My greatest of wins came when I annotated my gems.” Cole further embraces growth on “Poor Thang,”which features a nostalgic “Set It Off” sample. Here, he impressively balances aggressive hometown shots with a notable moment of accountability regarding past homophobic behavior. Standout Tracks and Highlights * “Lonely at the Top”: A strong contender for the album's best track, it offers a sobering perspective on reaching the peak of fame and feeling a disconnect from past heroes. Cole’s line, “Their greatest hits fill up my playlist, not so much their latest, and I f*ing hate it,”captures the bittersweet reality of living in a state of nostalgia. * “I Love Her Again”: A close second, this track uses a woman as a metaphor for the rap game—a brilliant nod to Common’s “I Used to Love H.E.R.”. Sampling Common’s “The Light,” Cole takes listeners through a journey of heartbreak and eventual reconciliation with the ever-evolving nature of hip-hop. * “Safety”: A classic display of Cole's peerless storytelling. The inclusion of phone calls from home gives the track a raw, grounded feel that modern rap often lacks. * “Brunce Road Blues”: Notable for its melancholic vocal style and a beautiful feature from Tems. A Contemplative Conclusion While some tracks like “Who TF IZ U” occasionally drag at the start, the album consistently delivers through its lyricism and precise verses. The project concludes with “Ocean Way,” where Cole offers a raw, pure vocal performance. At age 39, he ends the journey on a contemplative note, reflecting a man who is finally moving closer to finding his peace. The Fall Off is more than just a collection of songs; it is a storied career coming full circle, acknowledging that while a "fall off" may be inevitable, the legacy remains untouchable.