Every Tuesday at WSUM, our Music Director, Izzi, chooses her favorite new releases to add to our music library. Here are this week's favorites, presented to you by WSUM's Music Journalism Club.

Ron Gallo, PEACEMEAL

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “CAN WE STILL BE FRIENDS?,” “HIDE (MYSELF BEHIND YOU)” 

GENRE: indie pop, garage punk 

RIYL: Peach Tree Rascals, TEMPOREX, Zack Villere 

Described as “weirdo pop” by the creator of the album himself, Ron Gallo's PEACEMEAL is a loveable mismatch of catchy melodies and overlapping genres. While a giddy, upbeat sound casts its light over the entirety of PEACEMEAL, the East Coast based artist hides darker narratives in the underbelly of his newest project. Ron Gallo glues these pop vocals to slower voice overs that host some of the most revealing verses on the album. On the complementary interludes “SATURDAY PT. 1” and “SATURDAY PT. 2,” the Philidelphian musician dives into rhythmic spoken-word verses that cover themes of loneliness, insecurity, and addiction. Though the details of Ron Gallo's PEACEMEAL may get you down, the intoxicating and playful melodies are guaranteed to pick you back up.  — Celia Cory 

Teno Afrika, Amapiano Selections

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “8 Ubers (Tribute to DJ Jaivane)” and “Lerato La Bass”

GENRE: deep house and jazz 

RIYL: Kabza De Small, Sha Sha and JazziDisciples

Developed in 2012, Amapiano spread like wildfire through sharing platforms like WhatsApp, becoming one of South Africa's most relevant and connected house music genres. For people outside of South Africa, Amapiano Selections will likely be their first exposure tothe bright atmospheres and relentless log drums that capture South Africa's energy. Teno Afrika, the 19-year-old producer, absorbed the varying elements and versatility of Amapiano in this album by crafting an eight-track record of primarily instrumental, five-to-eight-minute songs that make you long for those carefree, pre-pandemic nights on the dancefloor. Trust me, this is your soundtrack to staying at home and dancing alone. Whether it is the mid-tempo, sparse warmness of “8 Ubers (Tribute to DJ Jaivane)” or the glitchy, percussion rhythms of “Lerato La Bass,” this record is a refreshing, nostalgic mix of the good ole club days. Even though club culture has come to a halt almost worldwide, young Amapiano producers such as Teno Afrika are still crafting and sharing music, upholding their narrative and fostering a local sound with global impact.  — Rebecca Perla