New Music Friday - 3/22/2024

Happy New Music Friday! We’re chock full of great new music from a diverse range of artists. Let’s see what I’m digging today:

Travis - “Gaslight”

Travis announced that they’ll release their 10th album later this year and released the first single this week. A bouncy, piano-based single that lyrically tries to defeat the ugly form of mind manipulation. It’s ear candy from a band that I’ve long loved.

Zac Brown Band - “Tie Up”

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that ZBB will have a summer anthem waiting for you and that’s just what you’re getting from their latest song. It’s a carefree anthem that’ll encourage you to dip your toes into the water, tie up your boat and hang with your friends.

Tracy Bonham - “Damn the Sky (For Being Too Wide)”

Tracy Bonham put out one of my favorite albums of the 1990s, The Burdens of Being Upright, so I’m thrilled that she’s back with new music. Bonham has been through a lot lately, including divorce and a cancer diagnosis. The new song is a beautiful, orchestral piece about personal support that’s so far away, you want to shrink the sky to get them closer in your life.

The Story So Far - “Letterman”

The Bay Area pop-punk band are firing on all cylinders here with this emo-ish song that layers the guitars and vocals over tight drumming. The song is a slight departure from their previous work that is more straightforward while there’s more atmosphere to this latest song.

Angelica Garcia - “Color De Dolor”

The title translates to “Color of Pain” and sets the tone for Garcia’s new music. It’s about how we process pain/beauty, rage/peace and how they form the colors we process our existence. The song floats over a layer of keyboard and drums while Garcia’s voice soars throughout.

Mac Miller - “The Quest”

I’ve always wondered if we’d get more music from the late rapper and we’re lucky to hear this track that actually came out last year on the 10th anniversary vinyl release of an earlier album. The song reminds me how much was lost when Miller died. It’s a mellow, contemplative song and features a sample of “Phone Call” from Jon Brion’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind score.

Matt Nathanson - “Map at the Mall”

I loved Nathanson’s last album Boston Accent, so I’m really excited he’s got new music out. The singer-songwriter has been putting out solid music for years and his latest track is another introspective song. Nathanson’s lyrics are smart and the music has been stripped a bit from his early years. His work lately has me contemplating life through his lyrics.

Waxahatchee - Tiger’s Blood

Waxahatchee's highly anticipated new album delivers a raw and emotionally charged exploration of the human experience. With haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, the album takes listeners on a journey through themes of love, loss, and resilience. It solidifies Waxahatchee's position as a trailblazing force in indie music, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary music landscape. Highlights include “Right Back To It” and “Lone Star Lake”.

Tyla - Tyla

Tyla's latest gives us a fusion of genres, seamlessly blending elements of pop, R&B, and electronic music. With infectious beats and soulful vocals, each track on the album offers a unique sonic experience. She’s showcasing her versatility and artistry throughout the album with sweet beats and creamy vocals. Highlights include “Truth or Dare” and “Butterflies”.

Gary Clark Jr. - JPEG Raw

I got the chance to see Gary Clark Jr. last year at Jazz Fest and he was incredible. Such passion and fire in his guitar playing and in his songs. His latest album is the most diverse he’s ever produced. No genre is off limits, soul, jazz, hip-hop and everything in between. There’s great guests (Valerie June, Stevie Wonder) and it’s the best thing he’s done…maybe ever. Highlights include “Don’t Start” and “What About the Children”. 

Adrianne Lenker - Bright Future

Lenker’s band, Big Thief, has never been a favorite of mine, however I’m totally into her new solo album. It’s a stripped-down, almost lo-fi sound that was recorded all on analog equipment. There’s a strain in Lenker’s voice, but it’s still beautiful as her words flow through the mic like you’re walking through branches in a forest. Highlights include “No Machine” and “Already Lost”.