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One thing that I’ve enjoyed most about doing New Music Friday posts on this blog, is my discovering of new music. This could simply be posting one of my favorites each week. I choose to highlight many acts because it not only introduces you to new music, but it becomes a checklist for me of all things I love each week. So let’s get to it.
Check out new releases from the following artists:
- SG Lewis – Let’s hit the disco floor! The U.K. singer and producer worked with Nile Rogers and many others to create this modern day disco classic. It’s fun, funky and perfect for a quarantine dance party in your living room. Check out the track “One More”
- Lava La Rue – The non-binary London-based musician creates a funky, dreamy sound that they call “queer experimental R&B” music. It’s a solid debut EP from an artist I look forward to hearing more from in the future. Check out the track “Angel”
- 4 Mars – Nope, we’re not focused on music that celebrates yesterday’s mission to Mars. 4 Mars is a 40-person ensemble tasked with providing the soundtrack to an independent Republic of Djiboutiink. It draws on the group's studio recordings and live performances between 1977 and 1994. Check out the track “Tamarta”
- The Hold Steady – The boys are back in town! One of America’s best rock bands out there return with another release of songs about struggles, losers and every day life. Themes that have run through their previous material, their subjects are just growing up, just like the band. There’s always the Springsteen comparison, but I also, lyrically, hear Tom Waits. I want this to be the first in-person concert for me when it’s safe again. Check out the track “The Prior Procedure”
- Another Michael – The Philly trio’s debut album (after a string of EPs) is a nice mix of indie rock and what the band calls “freak folk” with lead singer Michael Doherty’s sweet vocals floating over each song. Check out the track “Big Pop”
- David Gray – I’ve always admired Gray’s songwriting and arranging. His new batch of songs doesn’t stray far from his previous work. It’s minimal in music and powerful through his vocals. Check out the track “Laughing Gas”
- Indigo Sparke – A dreamy folk-pop album finds Sparke working with Adrianne Lenker (frontwoman for The Big Thief). It’s a mysterious sounding album full of beautiful music and lyrics. Check out the track “Undone”
- Katy Kirby – There has been a ton of great music the past few years from indie folk/rock female singers (Chelsea Williams, Bedouine and Julia Jacklin) and I’ll add it Kirby’s debut album. Its fresh folk/country sound combined with rock beats is sweet and solid. Check out the track “Peppermint”
- Edie Brickell & New Bohemians – They’re baaaack. Best known for the breakout Top 10 hit "What I Am" released in 1988, the band's second record in just over two years (following a 12-year recording hiatus) is a solid effort. A more produced sound than back in the 80s, the grab still is Brickell’s voice. Check out the track “Stubborn Love”
Today’s featured artist: XIXA
The second release, Genesis, from the Tucson-based six-piece band is so complex and compelling - combines psychedelic desert rock with shifty Peruvian rhythms. Music for a modern-day spaghetti western. Mystical and fascinating. Their musicianship is so good, each instrument playing off of each other so well. They became more comfortable as a band in between their debut release and this one. They’ve incorporated more electronic instruments this time around and their harmonizing soars through the dessert sky. Take the time to find your way into Genesis and be glad that it’ll be tough to leave.
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