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Can’t believe we’re two months into the year – time flies when you listen to great music! Here’s what I’m digging this week.
Check out new releases from the following artists:
- Julien Baker – Baker has already released two outstanding solo records and let’s not forget boygenius, the supergroup with Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers. The latest is much more full (first time recording with a full band) but still tackles many of the topics she’s touched on for years (mental health, religion and more). And while the big moments with a full band are great, it’s the quieter moments that still stand out on a Baker song. Check out the track “Faith Healer”
- Karima Walker – The cover of the new album from Walker has a photo of Walker that is blurred and dream-like. The music within the new album fits the photo. The arrangements of each song make them feel like separate chapters to a larger story, even when there are no lyrics. Check out the track “Window I”
- Chris Pierce – Pierce’s latest is a soundtrack to the struggles that are still haunting many in this nation. The songs cut deep with their vivid, realistic look at the current state of race in this country. A protest album that combines the best of folk and soul that fit right next to any Guthrie and Dylan to The Last Poets and Sam Cooke. Check out the track “American Silence”
- Sam Dew – The debut from the singer/rapper is a hypnotic balance of booming bass and synths backing Dew’s beautiful voice. It’s a great debut that must be heard. Check out the track “DJ”
- Adrian Younge – Accompanied by a four-part podcast and a film, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Younge has released a deeply personal and at times difficult project. The album takes an unapologetic view of the systemic racism that has impact people of color in the United States. Check out the track “Margaret Garner”
- Cloud Nothings – Hello Cleveland! The indie-punk band continues to shine with their eight album of tight, head bopping songs produced by the legendary Steve Albini. Check out the track “Sound of Alarm”
- Lucy Spraggan – The U.K. singer-songwriter is back, after a couple challenging years, with an album full of personal tracks that she recorded completely in a remote part of Scotland and that allow her voice to shine. Check out the track “Run”
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – The exuberant Aussie rockers have released their 17th album! Think crunchy guitars, crashing cymbals, and high-octane energy that will set the stage on fire when played live. Check out the track “Ataraxia”
- The Muckers – The debut from the Brooklyn-based rock band is an interesting mix of 70s prog-rock with 80s radio rock. Led by Iranian émigré Emir Mohseni, the songs soar and fill your headphones. Check out the track “Golden Summer”
Today’s featured artist: Nervous Dater
Like one of my favorites, Bully, Nervous Dater rocks! Lead singer Rachel Lightner is like a bat out of hell with an intensity in her voice as it wails and squeaks and soars and packs a walloping punch. The Brooklyn trio checks all the boxes on their sophomore release – crunching guitars and pop-punk hooks. There’s great energy with the band and their songs cover the mundane visions that they tackle head-on with great force. Don’t miss the quirky track “Tin Foil Hat” where drummer Andrew Goetz takes over for a track on lead vocals. I dig them and I think you will too!
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