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Breaking Down the US Income Tax System: What Every American Should Know

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By Mitch Rice

Millions of Americans submit their taxes every year without having the slightest idea of how the system is operating. Such terms as tax brackets, marginal rates, a nd deductions might sound complex, but not necessarily. After you understand the fundamentals of the way that the US income tax rates work, you will realize that doing your taxes is more of a tactical approach than a stressful one.

In this simple tutorial, we are going to describe the US tax system, the meaning of marginal tax USA, and how you can make intelligent decisions to ensure that you retain more of your income.

What is the US Income Tax Purpose?

The American economy is based on taxes. They finance schools, health care, roads, and national defense, things that ensure the smooth running of the country. The income tax rates of the US are developed in a way that the system should be fair,ir with people paying according to their income.

The federal income tax is progressive in the United States. This implies that the greater the income earned, the higher the percentage paid, but only on the incomes that come under each bracket. And that is where the premise of the marginal tax USA comes in.

What exactly is Marginal Tax?

It is believed by many that, in case they change tax bracket to a higher one, their entire income will be taxed under that bracket. Thankfully, that’s not true. The marginal tax USA program means that only the income that surpasses a certain limit is subject to the higher rate.

For example:

Assuming that you make 80,000 annually, a portion of your salary can be taxed 1at 0 percent and another portion at 12 percent, and the remaining portion at 22 percent. Your top tax rate is therefore 22 per cent, but your effective rate (the total percentage of your income you are paying in taxes) is significantly less.

This system encourages an increase in income without unduly punishing those with high earnings.

How the US Tax System works

The US income tax rates have a progressive structure, which is also beneficial to the country: it is fair. The higher earners contribute higher and those with lesser incomes make less contribution.

This system can balance economic equality and make everyone contribute to the support of the common resources, such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Nevertheless, being aware of your tax bracket allows you to plan your finances more effectively. When you are aware of your marginal tax rate, you can make prudent choices that would save you a lot of tax you would be required to pay to the authorities.

Why Understanding Taxes Gives You Power

Taxes are not exciting, but they influence almost all your financial choices, including your salary, investment, and even your pension. Once you know about the marginal tax USA, you will be able to plan better and not pay more than you need.

You will know when to invest and when to save, as well as make deductions to your benefit. Income tax rates in the US convert a nightmare into a business opportunity.

In Conclusion 

It is a fact of our lives that we all pay taxes, but they do not have to be complicated. The income tax rates in the US are constructed in a manner that is fair enough to make everyone contribute based on their income. The concept of marginal tax USA is really as simple as tax planning: with the right timing and strategy, rather than complicated calculations.To search for what the latest brackets are, the calculators, and the tips to know your personal tax situation, visit taxbrackets.io – the reliable source of clear and recent information about taxes.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Gift Ideas That Strike a Chord: Christmas Presents with a Personal Touch

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By Mitch Rice

With the holiday season approaching, finding the right gift can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to give something thoughtful, fun, and unique. One simple but creative option that works for almost anyone is stickers. From personalized designs to themed collections, stickers are a playful and versatile way to surprise friends, family, or coworkers during the festive season.

They’re not just for kids—stickers are a popular choice for teens, adults, artists, students, and even business owners. Whether used for decorating, organizing, or expressing personality, they offer a great combination of creativity and function. Here are some fresh Christmas gift ideas centered around stickers and other small, custom touches.

1. Custom sticker sets

Customized sticker sets are a great way to show someone you’ve thought about their individual tastes. You can create packs that feature their name, favorite colors, hobbies, pets, or personal slogans. These make fantastic stocking stuffers and work well for both kids and adults.

Many online shops offer affordable custom printing, so it’s easy to design a unique set tailored to the recipient. From illustrations to quotes to minimal designs, stickers can be made to reflect just about any interest or aesthetic.

2. Stickers for tech and accessories

Personalizing tech gadgets is a trend that’s not going away. Stickers for laptops, tablets, phone cases, and chargers are a fun way to make everyday items feel more personal. Choose designs that match their vibe—like vintage graphics, minimalist patterns, or even funny slogans.

This is a great gift option for students, remote workers, and content creators who like to add character to their devices.

3. Stickers for journals and planners

If someone on your list enjoys journaling, planning, or goal-setting, stickers made for notebooks and planners can be a thoughtful gift. These often include things like date markers, motivational quotes, icons, and decorative elements that help bring pages to life.

Pair a sticker pack with a nice journal or pen set, and you have an easy but meaningful gift bundle that supports creativity and organization.

4. Personalised guitar picks with matching stickers

For a music lover, consider giving personalised guitar picks, but take it a step further by pairing them with matching stickers. You could include designs related to guitars, music notes, or even their favorite bands. While the guitar picks serve a functional purpose, the stickers add a fun and creative layer to the gift.

It’s a small but thoughtful combo, perfect for someone who loves to play, collect music gear, or express their musical identity in different ways.

5. Monthly sticker subscription boxes

If you’re looking for a gift that lasts beyond Christmas, sticker subscription boxes are a fantastic option. These services deliver new stickers every month, featuring different themes, styles, or artist collaborations.

It’s a great way to support independent creators while also giving a gift that brings surprise and excitement all year round. Perfect for crafters, bullet journal enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys collecting unique designs.

6. Stickers for entrepreneurs and creatives

For someone who runs a small business or creative side hustle, custom-branded stickers can be both practical and appreciated. They’re great for packaging, labeling, or sending out as thank-you gifts with customer orders.

You could design a few sample logos, motivational quotes, or branding elements and turn them into a sticker set that helps boost their professional presentation.

7. Holiday-themed sticker packs

Stickers that capture the magic of the holiday season make charming gifts. These might include festive patterns, Christmas characters, winter scenery, or sticker versions of gift tags and ornaments. They’re great for kids, teachers, or anyone who enjoys holiday crafting or decorating.

Holiday sticker packs can even be used to enhance your own gift-wrapping efforts, replacing bows or tags with fun designs that feel more personal.

Final thoughts

Giving stickers as a gift might seem simple, but the impact can be surprisingly meaningful. They’re affordable, easy to personalize, and adaptable to so many personalities and lifestyles. When paired with items like personalised guitar picks or journals, they become part of a thoughtful, creative gift bundle that shows attention to detail and care.

This holiday season, consider ditching the generic presents and opting for something that reflects personality, creativity, and a bit of fun—one sticker at a time.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

15 Great Albums by the Same Band—With Different Lead Singers

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Sometimes a band changes its singer—and the whole world tilts a little. One voice leaves, another arrives, and suddenly the same band sounds brand new. Here are 15 pairs of albums that prove lightning can strike twice.

AC/DC – Highway to Hell (Bon Scott) / Back in Black (Brian Johnson)
Tragedy didn’t stop the thunder. Scott’s swagger met Johnson’s grit—and rock got a resurrection.
Alice in Chains – Dirt (Layne Staley) / Black Gives Way to Blue (William DuVall)
Staley’s haunting pain defined grunge’s soul, but DuVall carried that flame with reverence and renewal. The harmonies still ache, beautifully.
Black Sabbath – Paranoid (Ozzy Osbourne) / Heaven and Hell (Ronnie James Dio)
From doom-laden riffs to soaring metal opera — Ozzy’s menace met Dio’s majesty. Two singers, one unstoppable Sabbath.
Deep Purple – Fireball (Ian Gillan) / Burn (David Coverdale & Glenn Hughes)
Gillan’s screams were pure power; Coverdale and Hughes brought blues and soul. Every era burned hot in its own way.
Faith No More – Introduce Yourself (Chuck Mosley) / The Real Thing (Mike Patton)
Mosley gave it punk-funk grit; Patton gave it operatic chaos. Together they wrote the rules for weird, loud brilliance.
Fleetwood Mac – Then Play On (Peter Green) / Rumours (Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham)
From British blues heartbreak to California pop perfection—two bands, same name, both legends.
Genesis – Selling England by the Pound (Peter Gabriel) / A Trick of the Tail (Phil Collins)
Gabriel’s theatrical art-rock gave Genesis its mythic edge, while Collins brought pop precision without losing the prog heart. Two eras, both glorious.
Iron Maiden – Iron Maiden (Paul Di’Anno) / The Number of the Beast (Bruce Dickinson)
Di’Anno’s raw punk bite versus Dickinson’s operatic wail — the torch was passed, and heavy metal never looked back.
Joy Division / New Order – Unknown Pleasures (Ian Curtis) / Low-Life (Bernard Sumner)
Different names, same DNA. Curtis’ darkness gave way to Sumner’s synth light—melancholy evolved into dancefloor catharsis.
King Crimson – Red (John Wetton) / Discipline (Adrian Belew)
Wetton’s bass thunder defined the ‘70s; Belew’s avant-garde wizardry rebooted the band for the ‘80s. King Crimson never repeats itself—only reinvents.
Marillion – Misplaced Childhood (Fish) / Season’s End (Steve Hogarth)
Fish painted poetic despair; Hogarth offered cinematic emotion. Two eras of prog storytelling, both beautifully British.
Pink Floyd – The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (Syd Barrett) / The Dark Side of the Moon (David Gilmour)
Barrett’s psychedelia birthed a dream, Gilmour’s precision turned it into an empire. Two Pink Floyds, one universe of sound.
The Doobie Brothers – Toulouse Street (Tom Johnston) / Minute by Minute (Michael McDonald)
From boogie rock to smooth soul, they proved one band could own both the barroom and the yacht.
Van Halen – 1984 (David Lee Roth) / 5150 (Sammy Hagar)
Roth gave the band swagger and spandex; Hagar brought melody and maturity. Either way, Eddie’s guitar never missed a beat.
Yes – Close to the Edge (Jon Anderson) / Drama (Trevor Horn)
Anderson’s cosmic vocals gave way to Horn’s sharp pop sensibilities. Proof that prog could still groove in the ‘80s.



Yungblud Plots Explosive 2026 North American Tour, Hits Radio City and Red Rocks

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Following his sold-out North American tour, which wrapped last week, and a rousing performance of “Zombie” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the internationally beloved and acclaimed rock star Yungblud has announced that he will be returning to North American shores in 2026 for a 24-date headline run. Starting on May 1st in Michigan, Yungblud and his band will be making stops across all major cities, including New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater, and many more on the Live Nation-promoted tour.

To participate in the Yungblud Artist Presale on Tuesday, October 7th, at 10 am local time, you must sign up at http://livemu.sc/yungblud by Sunday, October 5th, at 11:59 pm EST. Artist Presales for this tour are hosted by multiple ticketing sites, but anyone who signs up can join the sale. For Artist Presales on Ticketmaster, no code is needed – access is tied to your account. Artist Presales hosted on other sites may require a code for access. General on-sale begins Wednesday, October 8th, at 10 am local time. For more information, go to: http://www.yungbludofficial.com.

This announcement follows an incredible year for the award-winning artist, who recently performed a powerful tribute to his idol and friend Ozzy Osbourne at the MTV Video Music Awards. Earlier this month, he also announced a new collaborative EP, One More Time, with rock legends Aerosmith, set for release on November 21st. The first single from the EP is “My Only Angel,” has debuted on Billboard’s “Hot Hard Rock Songs Charts” and is out now across all platforms.

Earlier this year, Yungblud released his fourth studio album IDOLS on Locomotion/Capitol Records, which featured fan favourite tracks including the epic nine-minute opener “Hello Heaven, Hello” and the heart-wrenching rock ballad “Zombie,” written for his late grandmother who died from alcoholism. The official music video, described as a “love letter to nurses around the world,” stars Academy Award-nominated Florence Pugh.

This summer saw the U.K. and European theatrical release of his critically acclaimed feature-length documentary film, directed by acclaimed EMMY and BAFTA Award-winning Paul Dugdale. North American plans for the film to be revealed soon.

Tour Dates:

05/01 – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre – Sterling Heights, MI
05/02 – Coca-Cola Coliseum – Toronto, ON
05/04 – KEMBA Live! – Outdoor Amphitheater – Columbus, OH*
05/06 – The Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
05/07 – Everwise Amp at White River – Indianapolis, IN
05/09 – The Armory – Minneapolis, MN
05/11 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
05/13 – UCCU Center – Orem, UT
05/15 – WAMU Theater – Seattle, WA
05/16 – Theater Of The Clouds – Portland, OR
05/19 – PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, NV
05/20 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA
05/22 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
05/25 – Arizona Financial Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
05/28 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX
05/29 – Moody Amphitheater – Austin, TX
06/01 – Addition Financial Arena – Orlando, FL
06/02 – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood – Hollywood, FL
06/04 – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre – Charlotte, NC
06/06 – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena – Atlantic City, NJ
06/07 – The Anthem – Washington, DC
06/09 – Leader Bank Pavilion – Boston, MA
06/10 – Radio City Music Hall – New York, NY
06/13 – Synovus Bank Amphitheater – Atlanta, GA
*Not A Live Nation Date

Tim McGraw Saddles Up for ‘Live in Vegas’ Shows at The Colosseum

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Tim McGraw is set to headline a limited engagement at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this December during the National Finals Rodeo. Tim McGraw: Live in Vegas will take place on December 4, 6, 12, and 13.

These special, only-in-Las Vegas shows will offer fans a rare chance to experience McGraw perform in an intimate setting, featuring his chart-topping hits and fan favorites spanning more than 30 years of his celebrated career.

A longtime Rodeo supporter, McGraw recently brought the first-ever rodeo to Nashville with the inaugural Music City Rodeo. He released a heartfelt single performed live at the event “King Rodeo (Live from the Inaugural Music City Rodeo).”

McGraw recently made history as he played the first-ever concert at the site where the iconic movie Field of Dreams was filmed in Dyersville, Iowa. With over 35,000 tickets sold, fans flocked to Dyersville, Iowa, for an unforgettable celebration of music, baseball, cinematic nostalgia, and American culture.

JOHNNYSWIM Unveil Deluxe ‘When The War Is Over’ With Anthony Ramos Collab “Stranger”

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Husband-and-wife duo JOHNNYSWIM (Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano Ramirez) release the deluxe edition of their acclaimed fifth studio album When The War Is Over, featuring five new tracks including the powerful “Stranger,” a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning actor and recording artist Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, In the Heights). The release arrives just ahead of the couple’s October headline tour, which will take them across the Midwest, East Coast, and Southeast.

“Stranger” is the second of two new songs co-written with Ramos for the deluxe release – following the intimate ballad “Losing You” – and the only track on which he also joins Abner and Amanda on vocals. Written by Abner Ramirez, Amanda Sudano Ramirez, and Ramos, and produced, mixed, and mastered by Jonathan Grant Berlin, “Stranger” captures the intimacy and intensity of love’s hardest moments.

“‘Stranger’ is a song we wrote and had the joy of performing with Anthony Ramos,” JOHNNYSWIM shared. “It captures a moment every couple faces – when, after being together long enough or intensely enough, there can be times when you suddenly feel like you’re looking at a stranger. In those moments of conflict or hard conversations, it’s a reminder to say: I’m still the person who loves you, and we’re still on the same team. Even when it feels like we’re strangers, ‘I’m on your side, baby.'”

The release carries a deeply personal resonance. The duo first experienced Ramos on stage during the original Broadway run of Hamilton, an encounter that left them profoundly moved – and led to a chance meeting with Ramos’ family outside the theater that felt like fate. A year later, Ramos posted a cover of one of JOHNNYSWIM’s songs on Instagram, sparking a friendship that’s since grown into a lasting personal and creative bond. Ramos even joined JOHNNYSWIM on stage last week at The Fonda in Los Angeles to debut “Stranger” live.

The deluxe edition also features “Sweet Tangerine,” “Break My Heart (A Song For The Lodge),” and “Who’s Gonna Love Me” – the latter a fan-favorite from the archives, originally written in 2010 with Britten Newbill, revisited for its timeless tone and poignant simplicity. Together, the expanded project deepens JOHNNYSWIM’s mix of Americana, folk rock, blues, and soul while offering an intimate window into love, loss, resilience, and renewal.

Looking ahead, JOHNNYSWIM will hit the road for a fall headline tour, return with special December holiday shows, and join the inaugural Moon River At Sea Sixthman cruise in 2026.

JOHNNYSWIM 2025 Headline Tour
Sep 25 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda
Oct 2 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
Oct 3 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
Oct 4 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman
Oct 6 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman
Oct 7 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Ballroom
Oct 8 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe
Oct 10 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Oct 11 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
Oct 13 – Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall
Oct 14 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall
Oct 16 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
Oct 17 – Richmond, VA – The National
Oct 18 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
Oct 20 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues
Oct 21 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
Oct 23 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
Oct 24 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City
Oct 25 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle

JOHNNYSWIM December Dates
Dec 6 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
Dec 8 – Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest Cafe
Dec 9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
Dec 11 – Wilmington, NC – Kenan Auditorium
Dec 12 – Chattanooga, TN – The Walker Theatre
Dec 13 – Charleston, SC – The Riviera Theater

XG Named Global Ambassador for Casio’s G-SHOCK Brand

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Today, Casio America, Inc. announced the appointment of the internationally acclaimed hip hop / R&B girl group, XG, as the global ambassador for the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches.

Known for its bold music and powerful performances, XG consists of seven members; JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA. The name XG stands for “Xtraordinary Girls,” reflecting their commitment to empowering people from all walks of life around the world through a genre-defying style that breaks conventions. With a strong global following, especially among younger people, XG is rising as a new force in international music and culture.

Having pioneered a new music genre called “X-Pop,” XG is breaking away from the conventions of J-Pop and K-Pop to create a style of their own. This spirit of originality and strength closely aligns with G-SHOCK, a unique brand known for its toughness, shock resistance, and distinctive design — making XG a natural choice as the brand’s global ambassador.

To celebrate the partnership, a special website will showcase key visuals and a promotional video featuring XG. Centered around the slogan “No Destination,” the video portrays XG boldly stepping into a new world with G-SHOCK, expressing the strength to shape one’s future without fear or hesitation. Art direction came from YAR, the creative team led by YOSHIROTTEN — one of Japan’s most promising rising artists — and delivered a bold and energetic visual experience.

 “G-SHOCK watches always remind us of how we never gave up on chasing our dreams, even when things got tough.” Said XG. “It gives us the courage to keep going and keep challenging ourselves. XG-SHOCK, let’s go!”

Additional key visuals and content will be released over time as G-SHOCK continues to share its world in collaboration with XG.


Flogging Molly Announce Salty Dog Cruise 2026 with Bad Religion, Frank Turner, and More

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Flogging Molly and Sixthman, the leader in festivals and music cruises for more than two decades, are very happy to announce Flogging Molly’s Salty Dog Cruise 2026, sailing October 25-30, 2026, from Miami, FL to Cozumel, Mexico and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas aboard Norwegian Jewel.

First Round Presale Sign-Ups are available now through October 9 at 11:59 pm (ET). Final Round Presale Sign-Ups will conclude October 14 at 11:59 pm (ET). Public On-Sales begin October 16 at 2:00 pm (ET), exclusively at here.

Bookings are available for just $100 down per person when they make reservations before February 25, 2026, or while cabins last. Also, an Early Bird Perk program is available for all guests who book during the presale period. Guests who book during this period can save $100 per cabin.

Flogging Molly’s Salty Dog Cruise 2026 marks the first announced date for Flogging Molly following founding frontman Dave King’s illness earlier this year. Though Flogging Molly were forced to cancel all 2025 tour dates, the cruise sailed on as planned despite Dave and Bridget’s absence. Highlights of the sold-out voyage included Flogging Molly members performing a number of traditional Irish music sets as well as a very special Pool Deck “mega-medley” that saw members of other bands on the Salty Dog Cruise play once-in-a-lifetime covers of Flogging Molly songs and other punk rock favorites. The community of fans, cruisers, and artists came together and made the event unforgettable, and Dave and the band are excited to give back.

Thankfully, 2026 will once again see King and Flogging Molly hosting and headlining five days of non-stop music, mayhem, and unforgettable adventure as their beloved Flogging Molly’s Salty Dog Cruise charts a new course to Cozumel, Mexico, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s own paradise, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Flogging Molly will be joined onboard by a hand-picked selection of all-star special guests, including Bad Religion, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, The Adicts, Lucero, Spiritual Cramp, Death of Guitar Pop, The Kilograms, Beans on Toast, Pi-ata Protest, The Rumjacks, The Crombies, Catbite, Hoist The Colors, The Inciters, and more to be announced. As always, Flogging Molly’s Salty Dog Cruise 2026 will offer a fully immersive vacation experience stacked with intimate live performances, unforgettable collaborations, curated activities, and so much more.

“Hey, Salty Dog 2026 shipmates – Bridget and I are really looking forward to seeing you all,” said Dave King. “It’s just what the doctor ordered!”

The Norwegian Jewel will feature all the amenities needed to make Flogging Molly’s Salty Dog Cruise 2026 the most energized and exciting adventure at sea imaginable, with fully stocked bars on (almost) every corner, tasty dining experiences, the Pool Deck (with multiple hot tubs), the Jewel Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, Sports Court, and so much more.

Beyond the onboard experience, Salty Dog Cruisers will have the chance to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime shore excursion in Cozumel, Mexico (renowned for fantastic fishing, snorkeling, and diving opportunities, and exploring historic Mayan ruins) and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (offering gorgeous white sand beaches, ideal for snorkeling and swimming with pigs). Please note: Shore excursions will not be available until 4-6 weeks prior to sailing. Cruisers will be able to book an excursion upon receipt of their official booking number.

Phish’s Page McConnell Releases Ambient New Solo Album ‘Something Will Land’

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Phish keyboardist Page McConnell has shared his fourth solo album, Something Will Land, available now digitally and on audiophile-grade black vinyl via his own Keyed Records. The album arrives alongside a revealing profile of McConnell by writer Grayson Haver Currin in GQ.

An exquisite space of ambient afterglow, Something Will Land feels as if Page McConnell simply slipped behind his instruments and waited to get lost, arriving at a place for settling in amid all the world’s ever-increasing entropy. The album – which features a striking cover image by renowned conceptual artist John Baldessari – arrives just four years after the poignant pandemic meditations of 2021’s Maybe We’re The Visitors, marking the shortest gap between McConnell’s solo LPs thus far. McConnell set to work on Something Will Land almost immediately after finishing Maybe We’re The Visitors, beginning the sessions with two seemingly elementary but absolutely essential breakthroughs. First, he reconfigured his Burlington, VT studio so that, for the first time, he was able to play, record, and engineer his piano pieces entirely by himself, with no one else in the room. McConnell then decided to blend the piano with a panoply of synthesizers after having portioned them in the past. Thus, he let himself be surrounded by electronic and acoustic sounds all at once, fully immersed in the instruments.

Each of the eight gorgeous instrumentals McConnell created for Something Will Land feels like a sculptural sanctuary, a hideaway from the hustle of life and the bustle of a band that is constantly busy reinventing itself. McConnell embedded beautiful little melodies amid these long-distance hums, anchors that give these drifts local gravity. “The Trees Were Blue” begins with a series of long, luminescent tones and scrambled signals, but, in the final third of this six-minute wonder, the piano marches triumphantly through the fog, as undaunted by the journey as a stranger’s smile. Elsewhere, “Mystery Meat” feels like an earthbound echo of Brian Eno’s Another Green World, while “Borrowed Scenery” is a piece of perpetual ascendance, McConnell’s rising piano line tugging at the wobbly drones that float beneath it.

Perhaps the most cohesive solo work of McConnell’s career, Something Will Land is a deep exhalation as the sun slips past the horizon at last, a welcome comedown to where the world slows just enough to notice how beautiful your surroundings have become.

PAGE MCCONNELL

SOMETHING WILL LAND

(Keyed Records)

Tracklist:

Side A

Amaranth

Borrowed Scenery

Something Will Land

Weightless

Side B

Mystery Meat

The Trees Were Blue

Octopi

Dropping In