Localized Maria Isa, Inwood Radio

Maria Isa, Street Politics
(SotaRico)

Unquestionably, Maria Isa is multi-talented: She raps, sings, and spits out lyrics in English and Spanish with deftness. Her sophomore disc, Street Politics, ranges from funky, brassy Latin rhythms to steadier beats more typical of rap. (Though the transitions between are just okay.) But she’s trying to prove she has all these disparate tools in her belt, rather than actually using them to their fullest potential. While there are standout tracks on Street Politics—the whispery, seductive “Caramelo” is fairly irresistible—there’s no real synthesis of styles, which makes the album a bit uneven. This isn’t to denounce her talents—Isa is a powerful vocalist and a clever lyricist. Likewise, her rapid-fire English verses are impressive, and there’s something alluring and even sexy when she transitions into Spanish. Still, Isa sometimes seems overwhelmed by her influences, and her songs remain a little incoherent no matter what language they’re in.

Grade: B-
Upcoming shows: June 5 at First Avenue.

Inwood Radio, Sickle Cell Bohemia
(Magnolia Recording Co.)

Despite the over-thought artiness implied by the title of its new album, Sickle Cell Bohemia, local quartet Inwood Radio plays straightforward pop-rock. This is a record you can play in pickup trucks; there are no quirky trappings, no experimental noodling, no provocative lyrics, and no posturing. “Love Over Sarcasm,” the title of the fourth song, could even be the motto for this album. Sickle Cell Bohemia’s sound is genuine family fare (and a family affair—singer Ben Rajkowski is backed by two more members of his clan, drummer Bill and bassist Amy). With no trendy influences to fall back on, everything relies on the songs, which are as good as a Midwestern breakfast, and Sickle Cell Bohemia uses basic, proven ingredients. The chord progressions are familiar—the boy/girl harmonizing and guitar arpeggios (especially if you were listening to alternative rock radio in the '90s)—but it's all wrapped tighter then a pork sausage. Maybe too tight; the record clocks in at a mere 25 minutes.

Grade: B-
Upcoming show: June 12 at Turf Club