This week, we visited Milagro, a Hampden boutique that has been part of the community for 22 years. The shop is a global boutique, carrying goods inspired by pieces all around the world. Milagro focuses on supporting small artist collectives and women creators. 

The inspiration behind Milagro came from the owner’s travels, especially places like Mexico and Japan. That influence is reflected throughout the store today. From screen-printed clothing to jewelry, and even the furniture, nearly everything in the shop is made by hand. 

We spoke with Nikki, a Loyola alum and key member of the Milagro team, whose energy immediately stood out. She shared that working in Hampden feels especially meaningful to her, since her family has roots in the neighborhood. Being part of the shop allows her to stay connected to that history while also watching how the area has grown over time and become more diverse. 

Nikki loves all the unique products carried by Milagro and pointed out several of her favorites. The dresses are her absolute favorite for one simple reason, they all have pockets! Small details like that reflect the intentionality behind each piece and what makes Milagro so unique. 

The post Explore Baltimore: Milagro first appeared on WLOY Loyola Radio.

 AOTW: “Oblivion” by Alice Phoebe Lou

Reviewed by: Marley Lehmann ’28

Release Date: October 2025

Rating: 9/10

RIYL: Clairo, Phoebe Bridgers, Laufey, Faye Webster

Review:

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Sign up to perform or come and support our talented Loyola musicians!

When: April 9th, 2026

Time: 7-10 PM

Where: Mcguire Hall

Who will win it all?

The post Songwriter Skirmish! first appeared on WLOY Loyola Radio.

 SOTW: “Please Follow” by Del Water Gap

Reviewed by:  Sylvia J. Gredzinski ‘27

Released date: November 7th, 2025

RIYL: Mt. Joy, Hippo Campus, Adam Melchor

Review:

Del Water Gap is the solo music project of artist Samuel Holden Jaffe, who falls in the indie pop genre and is known for his emotional and introspective sound. Jaffe was born in 1993, growing up in rural Connecticut, then moving to New York City to study music production at NYU. This was where he started Del Water Gap, which initially began as a group band, but later evolved into a solo act with Jaffe in the center of it all. His music focuses on themes like love, relationships, and personal growth, saying his music is inspired by “romantic encounters and dimly lit rooms”. Del Water Gap gained attention back in 2020 with his song “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat” and has released multiple albums since like Del Water Gap (2021) and I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet (2023).

His song “Please Follow” explores the themes of love, loss, and letting go. Jaffe reflects on shared memories, deep connections, the pain of separating from a loved one, and asking them to follow him when it finally comes time to depart from each other. The lyrics depict the artist lying by someone they love deeply, and comforting them as they slowly let go. He thinks about the times they shared, and how he always tried his best to make them proud. It’s an emotional song that depicts grief which can be felt by and is relatable to anyone who has ever lost someone important in their lives. The song is like a peaceful goodbye, like the rolling credits at the end of a film you really enjoyed. “Please Follow” is truly a great listen, and is definitely worth checking out regardless of your music taste

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Review by: Marley Lehmann (’28)

The Brook and The Bluff is an indie-rock band that was originally based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are currently touring around the country for their newest album, Werewolf. Thankfully, they stopped close by at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. The venue itself can hold around 1,200 people, and when we entered, it was packed. The show sold out! 

We arrived at the venue around 7 pm, and crowds were already forming at the barricades. Everyone was very excited for the concert to begin. The setting was perfect; there was dark lighting with LED’s highlighting the stage, interesting decorations, and posters of bands that have visited or are coming soon. One thing we immediately noticed was a table in the back corner where we were offered a chance to win a vinyl if we could prove that we were registered to vote. This was a very new and intriguing way to combine one’s love for music and position as a member of society. 

Before The Brook and The Bluff got on stage, we had the amazing opportunity to listen to their opener, Cassandra Coleman. Her performance was a pleasant surprise for us as we had not heard her incredible voice before that moment. Her vocals were raw, and her lyrics were emotional (yes, Abby and Ellie both cried to her music). We witnessed other members in the crowd attempting to find out who she was and add her to their playlists after the first song. She was a perfect choice to get the audience ready for the main performance.

The Brook and The Bluff finally entered the stage around 9:16 PM, and we were immediately captivated. They began their set with an energetic performance of their single “Werewolf”, an upbeat, yet emotional piece, covering themes of love and heartbreak after a long relationship. Inspired by the frontman, Joseph Settine’s, personal life, the performance was deep and passion-driven. The band performed other songs from their new album like “Can’t Figure It Out,” “Superbowl Sunday,” and “Get By.” Throughout the performance, each member was interacting with the audience, and everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves. Looking around, all we saw were smiling and peaceful faces as each audience member was captivated by the music and the energy of the band members themselves.

While the venue is on the smaller side, it almost made the performances feel more personal and as if the crowd was all together and were familiar with one another. The Brook and The Bluff sent an electrifying wave of energy through the crowd with their unique sound and indie-rock feel. The lyricism combined with the instrumentals AND vocals made the perfect sound that made it impossible not to dance and sing along.

Overall, the experience was incredible, and we all can’t wait to see what The Brook and the Bluff, and their amazing opener, Cassandra Coleman, do next.

Photo by: Ellie Walsh (’28)

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Explore Baltimore is back! Our first stop: The Modest Florist, located on Chestnut Avenue in Hampden. 

The store is beautiful and feels different right when you walk in. There is an assortment of unique and seasonal flowers. Libby, the owner, opened the shop in 2013 and it’s coming up on it’s 13th anniversary!

Libby previously worked in the florist industry, and when she realized how destructive it had become, she knew a better alternative was needed. Sustainability is at the core of The Modest Florist’s mission, and everything in the shop is sourced locally from nearby farms and greenhouses. That focus is seen across all aspects of her business, from a vase exchange program to solar panels and even deliveries in her electric car. The Modest florist is the only florist recognized on the Maryland Department of Energy “Green Registry,” and it is all because of Libby’s dedication. While her practices do come with some limitations, like not being able to source roses for Valentine’s Day, sustainability is at the root of The Modest Florist and isn’t changing anytime soon.

Libby loves working in Hampden because of the intentionally curated selection and strong sense of community. She spoke highly of different stores in Hampden, such as the boutique, In Watermelon Sugar, and the individual creators behind the magic of it all. She said local businesses are so different because, “You know that the owner has curated the selection exactly for you…it’s completely different than any chain or department store.” 

Fun Fact: Libby’s favorite flower is a snapdragon!

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SOTW: “Somehow” by Hudson Freeman, The Bedroomer

Reviewed by: Ciara McKeon ’28

Released date: March 27th, 2026

RIYL: Racing Mount Pleasant, Truman Sinclair, Men I trust

Review:

“Somehow” by Hudson Freeman is one of those softer indie tracks that leans more into atmosphere than big, standout moments. It fits into that wave of bedroom pop/lo-fi indie, where the focus is more on feeling than polish. Freeman really embraces that stripped-back, personal sound, and it gives the song a kind of quiet honesty that’s easy to connect with.

“Somehow” stood out to me pretty quickly because of how understated it is. The production is minimal, but in a way that feels intentional, nothing really overpowers anything else. The vocals feel a little fragile and distant, which works well with the tone of the song, especially since it seems to center around uncertainty and trying to make sense of things. There’s not a huge shift between sections, but the consistency helps build this hazy, reflective mood that carries through the whole track.

I’d definitely recommend giving “Somehow” a listen, especially if you’re into more low-key, introspective indie music that’s better suited for late-night listening.

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On March 12, I had the pleasure of attending Little Lungs‘ album release tour at the Ottobar, here in Baltimore. The show began at 8pm so my friend Eileen and I made sure to get there a little bit earlier so we didn’t miss anything. The first thing I noticed was how cool the venue was. I had never been to Ottobar, so walking in I was already excited. As soon as you walk in there is the main stage to your right, when you continue walking forward, to your right there is also a staircase that leads to the balcony where seating is offered to watch the bands play from above. Proceeding forward there is a big open space which people use to congregate since there is more seating, and a bar area, along with a photo booth which I was thrilled with. Obviously we made use of it since two photo strips were only $4, a pretty fantastic price in this day and age.

Morgan Gorgon, the first act started a little bit after 8pm. There were two members on stage, the lead singer who also played the electric guitar during the set and the second musician played a pedal steel guitar, which intrigued me from the start. If you do not know what a pedal steel guitar is, I highly recommend searching it up. The closest thing I could compare it to was a keyboard, but instead of keys, the table has two guitar necks and headstocks which the musician then glides their fingers on to produce a sound. The instrument sounds almost as if the guitar had an ability to sing. I do not know how well my description explains the instrument, so your best bet is searching up a video of how it is played to understand. Anyways, the band also has a third member, but unfortunately they fell ill and could not play the show. The band played six different songs, all had a similar vibe to them. They were softer, more emotional songs, which Eileen said kind of reminded her of Julia Jacklin. I enjoyed this group, they were on the softer side and definitely enjoyable if you enjoy music that is more mellow.

The second band up was Planette Automatic. They were absolutely fantastic. I had never heard of this band before but they ended up being one of the best sets of the night in my opinion. Just from the sound set up, when each member was checking to make sure their instrument sounded right, I knew it was going to be a good show. The band consists of four members Katie who is lead singer, as well as a guitarist, Adam on drums, Sam on bass, and Dan on guitar. All members are from Philly except for Dan who is local to Baltimore. They play music that is heavier indie rock, which really works with their performing style. Just from the way they perform and interact with each other you know that this band loves doing what they do, they definitely enjoy themselves on stage. Adam constantly had a smile on his face and was rocking it on the drums. Dan is a really amazing guitarist, he has unbelievable skill on the instrument. I feel like bass can often be overlooked but Sam did a great job and his sound really came through. Katie is a performer, she is meant to be up on center stage. She is also a poet, and at every show she reads out one of her poems. After hearing what she read to the crowd, I turned to Eileen to tell her that I do know how someone could arrange words in such a way for them to come out sounding like art. As for the music, it was really loud and it felt like my heart was vibrating in my chest. It was hard to not move during their set, I found myself jumping to the music almost instinctively. The musical transitions between each song were well thought out and one song blended into another seamlessly. I enjoyed every minute of this set and cheered as loud as I could after every song. Eileen and I had the chance to speak to some of the members after they played. Eileen started to fangirl a little bit, but ended up getting a CD from one of the band members. They were really pleasant to speak to and Katie even complimented my freshly dyed purple hair. If I had the chance I would absolutely go see Planette Automatic again. I can’t wait for them to play in the area again, because I will be there.

Next up was Caleb Holt. Caleb was the lead singer who also played the acoustic guitar. He was accompanied by three others, who were on percussion, the keyboard, and bass. This band seemed to have a little bit of a rough start as Caleb seemed to be having issues with the sound of his guitar, and slowly you could see he was getting frustrated. Regardless, the band played on. Initially, I thought the music was similar to that of Jack Johnsons, and then the vibe kind of shifted more towards a farmhouse vibe. I felt like his kind of music would be played on a farm, and Eileen agreed with me. Listening back on digital, it does not sound very similar as it did live. The music is still soft and mellow, but sounds like a soft indie rock. This group was not my favorite simply because the genre was not what I normally enjoy listening to, and the shift from Planette Automatic was quite drastic.

Finally, we have the main act – Little Lungs. Prior to the entirety of the show, right when we arrived at the venue, I introduced myself to Leena, the lead singer and guitarist, who had invited WLOY to the show. She was setting up the merch table so I didn’t want to distract her for too long but I got to wish her luck with the set. They are currently on their album release tour for “The Heat” and traveling with a few different other artists. With Leena, plays Brendan on bass, and Eli on drums. Little Lungs came on shortly after Caleb Holt, and if I am being honest, I was so entranced by this act that I did not get to take that many notes, but I guess that’s just a clue in and of itself on how their set played out. Leena’s voice is calming with a low, smoky tone, creating both a calming and emotional atmosphere. Her voice, paired with the reverbed guitar and subtle drumming gives their songs a dreamy feel. Their stage presence had no dramatic, flashy movements which I think was intentional in order to have the crowd pay more attention to the lyrics and the sound than anything else. I specifically noted their performance of their song “Dragonfruit”. I really liked the electronic components, mixed with the beachy sounding tune, and powerful vocals; it created a perfect mix that really stood out. For the last song of the show, the entire band left the stage to Leena, who was accompanied by Catherine Savage, and together they sang “Baby Blue”. I looked at Eileen after the performance and she had tears in her eyes. She said she loved it and was really glad I had invited her. After the show,we stayed back to talk to Leena once more, and congratulate her on the show and the album release; we even took a picture together. Being able to attend these shows is one of my favorite things about working at WLOY. I got to hear some great music and all of the performers I met were so kind and insightful. I got to experience seeing many small artists, in a really cool venue. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have gone to this show.

[See image gallery at wloy.org]
photos courtesy of Sylvia Gredzinski

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Reviewed by: Marley Lehmann ’28

Released Date: November 21st, 2025

Rating: 9.5/10

RIYL: Brent Faiyaz, Sonder, SZA

Review:

Tems is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, record producer, and Grammy winner who blends genres like alternative R&B, hip-hop, and afrobeats to create soulful and meaningful songs. Her most recent album, Love Is A Kingdom, includes the single “What You Need”. This track highlights a soft percussion backing her calming vocals that adds more emotion to the already passionate lyrics. “What You Need” talks about topics such as longing and wanting to be chosen. The more you listen to it, the deeper the lyrics can hit. 

Despite its emotional lyrics, the beat and tempo of the song itself is very swaying and tranquil due to its low-tempo. To me, it creates a warm and vulnerable mood that is a little different than the other tracks on the album. Overall, I would highly recommend “What You Need” by artist Tems to people who love deep lyricism, low R&B songs, and artists like SZA, Brent Faiyaz, and Sonder.

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In her spare time (!) she and her sister also serve on the Communications & Media Advisory Board at Loyola.

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Reviewed by: Sylvia J. Gredzinski ’27

Released: March 13th, 2026

Rating: 8.5/10

RIYL: Fontaines D.C., Urban Heat, The Smiths

Review:

Brigitte Calls Me Baby is an alt-rock band from Chicago, Illinois. This band formed fairly recently, starting off in 2022, and consists of five members: lead singer Wes Leavins, guitarists Jack Fluegel and Trevor Lynch, Devin Wessels on bass, and drummer Jeremy Benshish. The band name is in reference to the lead singer’s pen-pal friendship with French actress Brigitte Bardot. The band gained attention after opening for bands like Inhaler and Muse, which eventually landed them a record deal with ATO records. Their sound is a blend of new wave, indie rock, and post-punk, with vocals being compared to artists like Elvis Presley, adding to the band’s nostalgic and romantic aesthetic.

Their newest album, Irreversible is the bands second ever released album. Irreversible is an emotional and introspective theme, exploring themes of love, loss, and mortality. The sound of the tracks have a retro feel to them, like something released in the 80s. There is a notable use of reverbed guitars and synth sounds which adds to the vintage sound. Standout songs that I particularly enjoyed are “I Can Take the Sun Out of the Sky”, “Send Those Memories”, and “These Acts of Which We’re Designed”. Irreversible by Brigitte Calls Me Baby is a great album that I am really glad to have discovered, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is looking for something new and upbeat to listen to.

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Reviewed By: Ciara McKeon ’28

Release Date: March 10th, 2026

Rating: 8/10

RIYL: Wunderhorse, Been Stellar, Quarters

Review:

CQ Wrestling is one of those newer indie rock bands that fit into the current wave of gritty, guitar-heavy music that’s been popping up lately.  Their sound leans into that slightly chaotic indie/post-punk energy while still keeping the songs melodic enough to stick with you. They’re the kind of band that sounds like they’d be even better live, leaning into that raw, unpolished style that fans of bands like Wunderhorse and Been Stellar have been loving.

“Pacifico” stood out to me right away because it has this explosive energy that pulls you in pretty quickly. I like how the verses feel a little moody and tense and then the chorus opens up in this lively way that makes the song stick after the first listen. The guitars have that rough, fuzzy tone that gives it a lot of personality without sounding messy, which I think works really well for this style of indie rock. Overall, it feels very punchy and natural, like the band isn’t trying too hard to sound perfect, which honestly makes the song more enjoyable to listen to. It’s a really solid indie rock track that captures that emotional, energetic vibe that’s been making a comeback lately.

I’d definitely recommend giving “Pacifico” a listen and keeping an eye on CQ Wrestling as they get closer to their upcoming album release, “Resistance”.

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AOTW: Wuthering Heights by Charli XCX

Reviewed by: Mia Ciccarelle ’29

Released: February 13th, 2026

Rating: 7/10

RIYL: Lorde, Lana Del Ray

Review:

Charli XCX (Born Charlotte Aitchison) is an experimental hyperpop artist from Cambridge, England. This February, she released her ninth album titled “Wuthering Heights”. Charli was asked to write a song for the soundtrack of the movie with the same name, and she went above and beyond by creating a whole album. The album shares similarities with her other works, but shows a new side of her artistry. Most of her music is made for dancing and clubbing, while the songs on this album are much darker and dramatic. 

The tone of the album is very ethereal and immersive. String instruments are used heavily throughout the album to create a gothic feel and the use of crescendo makes the music feel closer and therefore more immersive. For example, “Eyes of the World” off of the album, is introduced with a beautiful instrumental which builds and draws the listener in. The song, along with others on the album, are very vulnerable and emotional, although being a soundtrack. Additionally, Charli included songs like “Open Up” which acts as an interlude, and does a great job setting the ominous tone for the rest of the album. Although the album has a darker tone than her previous works, her personal style definitely still shines through, with her hyperpop side coming out slightly in songs like “Dying for You”. The album is perfect to listen to during thunderstorms and is overall a great listen.

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Reviewed by: Sylvia J. Gredzinski ‘27

Release Date: February 6, 2026

Rating: 9/10

RIYL: Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski, Florence + The Machine

Review:

Ellur is a singer-songwriter from Halifax, England. Before pursuing a full-time music career, she worked multiple jobs while playing cover sets in local pubs on weekends. Her first single was released in early January and is called “Reflection”. Since then, she has released multiple songs like “God Help Me Now” and “Satellites” with her first released album being “At Home In My Mind”. She has played two headlining acts and performed in festivals like Latitude and Leeds Festival. Her music style is described as indie pop, while she takes inspiration from artists like Adele, Coldplay, and Radiohead, among others.

Ellur’s album “At Home In My Mind”, is a raw and emotional album that feels like reading off pages from a diary. The songs circle themes about growing up, relationships, overthinking, and how to deal with your own thoughts. The lyrics are personal and relatable, the music mimics this vibe, and her soft voice ties the whole piece together. The songs that stood out most to me were “The World Is Not An Oyster” and “Dream Of Mine”. I do not normally listen to this genre of music but I am glad I discovered Ellur, because her sound is refreshing and genuine. “At Home In My Mind” is a comforting album, and I highly suggest giving it a listen.

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Reviewed by: Mia Ciccarelle ’29

Released: February 19th, 2026

Rating: 7/10

RIYL: Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Green Day

Review:

The Foo Fighters are a rock and roll band and project created by Dave Grohl after Nirvana disbanded in 1994. At the release of their first self-titled album, Grohl was the only member and played every instrument himself on the recording. Foo Fighters are known for their authentic energy and intense music that draws the listener in. Additionally, the band has a large personality, and passion for their work. They have gone outside the box and released not only a documentary about the forming of the band, but also a comedic-horror film about themselves. 

The single “Your Favorite Toy” was released as promotion for their upcoming album with the same title, releasing on April 24th, 2026. The song has a very nostalgic feeling to it, and really has the same vibes as their older music such as “All My Life”.  With guitar and bass leading the track, and slight vocal distortion, the song is a great homage to classic rock and grunge. It is a great song to listen to in the mornings, to get you pumped up and ready for the day. The beat is very high impact, with the strong tone and energy in Grohl’s singing setting a lively tone. 

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Reviewed by: Marley Lehmann ’28

Release Date: October 17th, 2025

Rating: 9/10

RIYL: Death Cab for Cutie, Slowdive, Jimmy Eat World

Review:

Underlined Passages is a small indie rock band that originated right here in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2014. Since then, they have worked with Mint 400 Records to create songs rooted in amazing guitar work and the same vibe as many popular 90s indie rock bands. Their music reflects, to me, the kind of music an older brother would listen to growing up; much like Deftones and Slowdive.

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Reviewed by: Sylvia Gredzinski ’27

Release Date: February 13, 2026

Rating: 9/10

RIYL: Dua Lipa, Teddy Swims

Review:
“Frequency of You” by Tone Rich includes soft and relaxing vocals over an upbeat tune, creating a groovy track that makes you feel like dancing. The romantic lyrics symbolize how a deep and special connection with another can leave you feeling so in tune with them that the feeling can be described using the metaphor of being on the same frequency. These relatable lyrics, along with the rhythmic sound, create a flowing song that is easy to listen to.

Tone Rich has a background of taking different musical aspects from cultures around the world, creating music that he describes as spiritual, transportive, and cathartic. These themes can be seen throughout his discography, in songs like “Tide Within” and “Maré Do Ilê”. Tone rich does not stick to one genre, but blends a multitude of sounds to create something beautiful

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