New Music Friday has everything this week! Solo projects, psychedelic jam bands, uplifting groups, down-trodden, and everything in between. That’s the beauty about New Music Friday, you really never know what you’re going to get.
The Love Language – Baby Grand
Stuart McLamb is my hero. Not only did he write, record, and perform almost the entire album by himself, but he traversed so many sounds while doing it. This thing’s got electro, disco, indie rock, and ballads that’ll get you teary-eyed. He also has an incredible balance of classic and contemporary songwriting. Looking forward to anything he puts out.
Favorite tracks: “Southern Doldrums” & “Castle in the Sky”
Garcia Peoples – Cosmic Cash
Before you ask, the answer is yes, the Garcia in their name must be a reference to Jerry. There’s no doubt about the influences hitting on this 37 minute psychedelic exploration, but that doesn’t mean you can’t listen to it and love every minute like I did even if you’re not familiar with Jerry Garcia. It transports you back to the ’60s and ’70s with songs you might believe you missed the first time through.
Favorite tracks: “Hangin’ On” & “Suite”
Lucero – Among the Ghosts
If you’re looking for an uplifting album to put on, this may not be the one you choose. It’s just a little on the darker side of things, focusing on death, lost love, war, and loneliness. It’s a heavy, emotional, southern rock album with gritty vocals that might just give you some road rash.
Favorite tracks: “Cover Me” & “Loving”
Helena Hauff – Qualm
Do not adjust the volume. The heavy distortion on the opening tracks sounds like blown speakers, but it is purposeful and slowly transforms into energetic techno that doesn’t let up for almost an hour. This is the perfect soundtrack for your next trip to another star system.
Favorite tracks: “Primordial Sludge” & “btdr-revisited”
Houndmouth – Golden Age
When I heard the first track, I wasn’t sure if this was the same group who put out “Sedona.” The further into the album you go, the more you see that they’re stepping away from their old sound and adding an updated electro vibe. Is it still good? No question about it, it’s just not the Houndmouth of years past. Give ’em a chance.
Favorite tracks: “Modern Love” & “Golden Age”
Free Cake For Every Creature – The Bluest Star
Calm, quiet, and beautiful. Most of the songs throughout the 14 tracks hold tight, right around two minutes, but it’s just enough to satiate your emotional needs. The whole album reminds me of a sad song from a rom-com in the ’90s, and I love every second of it.
Favorite tracks: “Whole World Girl” & “Christina’s World”
lovelytheband – finding it hard to smile
Talk about a debut album! With 16 tracks and almost an hour of music, you’re in for a treat. These guys have been gaining national attention since their first single “Broken” (now with over 21 million streams on Spotify). The music is self-deprecating, it’s jam-packed with love, and, most importantly, it’s ultra-danceable.
Favorite tracks: “broken” & “these are my friends”
Rezz – Certain Kind of Magic
If you liked her last album Mass Manipulation, prepare for the next chapter! She’s got an incredibly recognizable sound that’s both haunting and energizing. And while it’s only 27 minutes, it feels like you’ve been sucked into a dream world and the clock slows to a crawl. I’m down to hear anything she does.
Favorite tracks: “Life & Death” & “Witching Hour”
Trophy Eyes – The American Dream
I don’t know how they did it, but I’m happy they did. Trophy Eyes somehow mixed together pop, indie rock, singer/songwriter, and pure punk. The album will tip its hat to those who want to rock a stadium anthem and those who want a personal experience with lyrics that are sharp enough to split a hair. Bravo.
Favorite tracks: “More Like You” & “I Can Feel It Calling”
What’s your favorite? Tell us on Twitter!
See you next week!
