I know, I know, the title isn’t as strong as it could be, but this is the last New Music Friday of February and I’m battling burnout as best I can. Hopefully with all these dope new records, I can power through and fly into this weekend. Spring is coming.
Enjoy!
Elephant9 – Greatest Show on Earth
It’s a quick one at only 35 minutes and 6 tracks, but it’s an incredible ride. The album almost sounds like it could have been the backdrop to a Doors album before the vocals were put in and while listening, you can feel yourself go down the rabbit hole. Tons of spectral, funky, rock vibes flow out of this one.
Favorite tracks: “Actionpack1” & “Dancing With Mr. E”
Dedekind Cut – Tahoe
Welcome to the minimalistic landscape that is Dedekind Cut. One word to describe this one is deliberate. The synths are painstakingly placed throughout and at points, it almost feels like it’s haunting the room. There’s a mysterious vibe to it all, but if you’re looking for something to meditate to or relax to this is your jam.
Favorite tracks: “MMXIX” & “Hollow Earth”
Insecure Men – Insecure Men
This one is like if glam rock met eccentric indie rock and threw a nice DIY spin on it all. At points, it’s rock, others it’s island jams, and even a bit of a ’70s vibe. While, it’s super diverse, it all works together and at the end of the album, you feel like you went on a fun little journey.
Favorite tracks: “I Don’t Wanna Dance (with My Baby)” & “Mekong Glitter”
Screaming Females – All at Once
This is the poppy punk rock album you’re looking for. The guitar and vocals take the show on this one. She’s got the voice of an angel with her fingers crossed. And that six string’s got some bite to it. Most of the tracks hover around that punk golden spot between 2-3 minutes, and at 15 tracks, you’ve got good tunes for 50 minutes.
Favorite tracks: “Black Moon” & “Agnes Martin”
Olden Yolk – Olden Yolk
If you’re looking for a nice fluffy ’60s/’70s vibe, Olden Yolk is your favorite album of the week. It’s got that fun psychedelic folk factor that feels like taking a dip in a warm stream flowing over you. Vocal harmonies, synths, and some fuzzy guitar that’ll give you a hug. Feel good all day with this one.
Favorite tracks: “Takes One to Know One” & “Cut to the Quick”
Holly Miranda – Mutual Horse
Crushingly talented singer/songwriter who may not always focus on the happy-go-lucky pieces of life, but she does it in a way you want to make the trip. There’s pain in this album, there’s joy, and just great songwriting. She’s also exploring an electronic sound in a few tracks, that took me aback for a second, but embraced.
Favorite tracks: “Golden Spiral” & “Exquisite”
Computer Magic – Danz
Sparkling and shimmering ’80s synth with vocals that almost come off as shy, but work perfectly. It’s a personal album with an obvious sci-fi vibe and a lot of self-reflection. And while she’s signed to a label in Japan, hopefully she’ll be releasing a lot more albums here in the U.S. on her own label, Channel 9.
Favorite tracks: “Ordinary Life (Message from an A.I. Girlfriend)” & “Clouds”
Vance Joy – Nation of Two
Just beautiful. These are the love songs that you crave. Vance Joy’s already got a massive following, but this one is going to solidify it even more. The album’s got an almost contemporary Cat Stevens vibe to it. And the acoustic guitar on this one is going to make a lot of people perk up.
Favorite tracks: “Take Your Time” & “Lay It On Me”
Alterbeast – Feast
Technical. Death. Metal. From the first track, “Welcome to Your Doom” you know exactly what to expect for the rest of the album. It’s nonstop shredding after the very opening and the guitar opener on “Where Dead Angels Lie.” This whole album goes for the jugular and you’re happy that they picked you.
Favorite tracks: “Vile Skin Possession” & “Upon the Face of the Deep”
BONUS EPS:
Martin Roth – Hypno Seq
Three songs, three extended mixes, and thirty minutes of good, deep, retro-tinged house. This is his contribution to the upcoming Anjunadeep 09 collection and a hint at what to look forward to on his upcoming 707 EP.
Favorite tracks: “Hypno Seq”
Destroyer 666 – Call Of The Wild
Look, if you read their name and think that you’re going to get into something sweet and chipper, you need to re-evaluate your life. This is some of the fastest, heaviest, insane metal out. And, they’re a European band, who’s starting their European tour TONIGHT in Montreal. Find them, see them, repeat.
Favorite track: “Stone by Stone”
See you in March!
