Skip to Main Content
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

A yellow trophy with multi-colored confetti on a purple background.

Staff Recs: la fin.

Join WSN’s Arts Desk in celebrating some of this year’s artistic triumphs.

The final stretch of the year is both cherished and chaotic with its never-ending festivities. Before you gorge yourself on Christmas cookies or get tipsy on spiked eggnog, though,...

A man in a red short sleeve shirt with a graphic of a car and silver basketball shorts stands next to a white creature with pink horns. To the left of the man a purple figure lays on the ground next to a gray chair in a dark navy and beige wood room.

Review: ‘Blanket’ is a lukewarm embrace of Kevin Abstract’s new style

The former Brockhampton rapper attempts to find his voice and reinvent himself in his first solo album after Brockhampton disbanded.
Alan Zhang, Contributing Writer November 15, 2023

After glimpses and teases during his live shows, Kevin Abstract released his first solo album since the disbanding of Brockhampton, an American hip hop boy band founded by...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen To This: 100 gecs teams up with Skrillex on ‘Torture Me’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by David Byrne, Caroline Polachek and more.
Yas Akdag, Ethan Beck, Paree Chopra and Holden Lay December 8, 2022

“Torture Me” by 100 gecs featuring Skrillex Ethan Beck, Contributing Writer Over the last 10 years, Skrillex has been able to transform his status from being an Internet...

Review: Drowse’s ‘Wane into It’ is a beautifully textured meditation on loss

Review: Drowse’s ‘Wane into It’ is a beautifully textured meditation on loss

The Portland artist and producer experiments with indie rock and ambient electronic on his excellent fourth album.
Jack Solomon, Contributing Writer November 22, 2022

Drowse’s fourth album, “Wane into It,” ends a decade before it starts. On the closing track “Ten Year Hangover / Deconstructed Mystery,” Kyle Bates describes himself...

An illustration of the album cover of “Changes.” The members dress in loose streetwear and kneel in front of the camera against a wall filled with colorful graffiti. The clothing items include a green bucket cap, black cargo pants and varingly solid-colored T-shirts.

Review: ‘Changes’ elevates King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s discography

King Gizzard’s newest album takes on an existential perspective, and showcases the band’s robust musical ability.
Sandy Battulga, Staff Writer November 7, 2022

Though usually classified as a psychedelic rock band, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard has produced an incredibly diverse discography that proves that it is much more than...

“Girl of My Dreams,” the debut album from pop singer FLETCHER, reflects on heartbreak and healing.

FLETCHER’s “Girl of my Dreams” takes listeners on a journey of self-love

Singer-songwriter FLETCHER’s debut album “Girl of my Dreams” is a collection of pop anthems that detail the artist’s journey from heartbreak to healing.
Lilia Gerstmyer, Contributing Writer October 4, 2022

If there is one thing to be said about FLETCHER, it’s that she doesn’t hold back.  Clive Davis alum and New Jersey native Cari Elise Fletcher, or — as you’re more likely...

An illustration of a CD cover with Rina Sawayama in a white top and black dress against a magenta background.

Review: ‘Hold The Girl’ conveys vulnerability through an exhilarating electropop soundscape

Singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama’s sophomore studio album explores new emotional territory through upbeat dance tracks and compelling power ballads.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer September 26, 2022

Japanese British singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama wastes no time before jumping into the depths of her emotional burdens — themes of love, acceptance, anger, growth and more —...

A woman lays in front of a large vinyl record in a shimmering top and bottom, wearing long earrings and sparkling heels.

Review: Ari Lennox navigates relationships and self-love in ‘age/sex/location’

The singer’s sophomore album combines R&B and neo-soul influences to explore the complexity of love in today’s age.
Paree Chopra, Staff Writer September 21, 2022

On her sophomore album “age/sex/location,” Ari Lennox returns with a beautiful blend of R&B, soul and hip-hop elements that merge with her smooth and raspy vocals. This...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to This: After countless breakup songs, Lauv is finally back in love

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Maggie Rogers, Noah Cyrus and more.
Yas Akdag, Paree Chopra and Candace Patrick April 14, 2022

It’s a pop week — that’s for sure — but the songs are all excellent, offering glimpses into artists’ forthcoming projects. We also feature two NYU artists this week:...

A portrait of Claud against a black background. They are wearing khaki pants with a matching button-up shirt. Layered beneath is a neon yellow top. They have split-dyed green and blue hair and are wearing round glasses.

Q&A: Claud takes bedroom pop out of the bedroom and on a national tour

Calling in from the road, the artist spoke about getting signed, their debut album “Super Monster” and their favorite deli order.
Yas Akdag, Music Editor March 28, 2022

If you were around for the bedroom pop wave circa 2018, then chances are you know who Claud is. Since dropping out of Syracuse University, the formerly half-green-half-blue-haired...

As lovers celebrate their romantic holiday, Valentine’s Day can be the perfect time to enjoy a heartbreaking breakup album. (Staff Illustration by Aaliya Luthra)

This Valentine’s Day, listen to a breakup album

If you’re bitter about being alone on Valentine’s Day, check out the breakup albums we rounded up so you didn’t have to.

We’ve all been there — as Feb. 14 approaches, it seems impossible to escape anything red, pink or heart-shaped. If you’re single, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something...

Snail Mail’s sophomore album “Valentine” was released on Nov. 5. The album is a step forward that shows promise for Snail Mail’s future. (Staff Photo by Ryan Walker)

Review: ‘Valentine’ is a dynamic move forward for Snail Mail

On her sophomore album, the indie-rock artist explores love and heartbreak with a more expansive palette.
Jack Solomon, Contributing Writer November 15, 2021

When Lindsay Jordan, who performs as Snail Mail, released “Lush” in 2018, she was met with rapturous critical acclaim. Jordan was only 18 at the time, but already felt industry...