Urban alum April Harper Grey ’18, known as underscores, released a new album, “U,” on March 20. The nine-track album places her established genre-bending style into the world of pop music. Shifting her focus away from the fictional narratives that defined her previous album, “Wallsocket,” “U” emphasizes sound design. This pivot is highlighted in the textured, choppy rhythms that define the songs “Music” and “The Peace,” as well as in the punchy drums on “Bodyfeeling.” In interviews, underscores has cited artists such as pop icon Madonna and electronic musician Skrillex as some of her early musical inspirations. Songs such as “Hollywood Forever” and “Innuendo (I Get U)” include hooks and beat drops that recall these early inspirations. In this album, underscores demonstrates both her pop music prowess and her confidence to operate in the same musical landscape as her heroes. At just 34 minutes, everyone can make time to listen to this album — especially an Urban Blue.

Favorite tracks: “Tell Me (U Want It),” “The Peace,” “Do It,” “Bodyfeeling”