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It’s New Music Friday and there’s hot tracks from The Collection, Carbon Leaf, Leon Bridges, Polo G, Oso Oso and so much more. It’s another jumbo-sized edition, so let’s get to it!
Singles:
Carbon Leaf - “Backmask 1983”
For those that don’t know - Carbon Leaf is one of our favorite bands. My daughter and I have seen them in concert for 10 years straight. It’s our annual tradition. The Virginia indie-rock band is back with one of the most rockin’ songs ever. With a driving rhythm section and fantastic guitar play, the single is a nostalgic look back to early 80s childhood. Can’t wait to see them again this December.
Leon Bridges - “Peaceful Place”
Bridges’ fourth album will be his most personal (according to him) and the first single combines the best of what he does. Just the right amount of funky, smooth soul and introspective lyrics. It reflects on the challenges he’s faced and the peace he’s found - don’t we all love songs about contentment and serenity.
The Killers - “Bright Lights”
We come to expect big, athematic songs from The Killers and that’s just what they give us with their latest song. Released just before they take up residence in their hometown of Las Vegas, the song gives you great vibes with big sounds, a killer chorus with some sweet gospel-style backing vocals.
Charly Bliss - “Waiting For You”
It’s been half a decade since we had a new album from the indie-pop band. It’s well worth the wait with this track. Described as a love letter to the rest of the band while they were apart, it’s a bright, shiny guitar driven song that is a total bop!
Tenth Avenue North - “Letting Go For Dear Life”
The Christian rock band is back with a new line-up and the latest single off their upcoming album is fantastic. It’s an anthemic about letting go of regret and past mistakes. The band hasn’t lost their fire and hope throughout the years of recording and it’s a welcome return to one of the top bands of this genre.
Rex Orange County - “The Table”
The British singer is back with a single off his upcoming album. It’s a bit of a departure from previous work as he dips into a more indie-folk sound. It feels like a song about connections from years ago, through random situations and thinking about how we’re all connected in this world.
Soccer Mommy - “Lost” and “M”
Returning to music that we first knew from Soccer Mommy, the latest singles off her upcoming release are raw and intimate, exploring grief and loss. I got the chance to see Soccer Mommy a couple of years ago at the 9:30 Club and was so impressed. With these two new tracks it reminds us how talented Sophie Allison is.
Albums:
The Collection - Little Deaths
I’ve written about this band plenty of times and their new album is finally here! The indie-rock band from North Carolina first caught my attention when I saw them live at Songbyrd here in DC. There’s a beautiful soul to the album. The songs are honest, raw yet hopeful. Despite troubling times throughout the past couple years, there is hope and a feeling of survival weaved throughout the songs. Favorites are “Medication”, “Rain It Down”, “Spark of Hope” and “Long Way Down”.
Polo G - Hood Poet
The highly anticipated new album from the rap/R&B star is out and it’s fantastic. It’s dark, it’s brooding and brings a bit more R&B vibe to Polo G’s music than previous releases. He works with some fantastic guests but it’s the solo songs where he shines the most. There’s solid hooks and as always, strong delivery of lyrics. Favorites are “Detox”, “Angels in the Sky” and “Distraction”.
Beabadoobee - This Is How Tomorrow Moves
Is the British indie star ready for her close-up? I hope so because her latest album should take the world by storm. It’s a natural progression for the singer who finds herself working with super producer Rick Rubin this time around. There’s shades of artists like Phoebe Bridgers and even Taylor Swift (who Beabadoobee supported on the Eras tour), but this album should be near the top of the Gen Z playlist. Favorites include “Take a Bite”, “Ever Seen” and “Beaches”.
Oso Oso - Life Till Bones
The emo indie rock band from Long Island plays music that remains indie but powers through with catchy, bigger sounds this time around. The song themes aren’t new (relationships, heartbreak) but the tight guitars and sweet melodies don’t make you feel so down. Favorites include “The Country Club”, “All Of My Love” and “Skippy”.
Khalid - Sincere
One of the smoothest voices around, Khalid has been putting out fantastic music for years. His new album feels like a late-night drive through windy roads where you slip into a flow both through the feel of the road and the tunes. Smooth grooves and lyrics throughout. Favorites include “It’s All Good”, “Breathe” with the fantastic Arlo Parks and “Owe To You”.
Orville Peck - Stampede
Peck’s collection of duets still allows the signature shoegazing honky-tonk sound to shine along with Peck’s strong vocals. It’s not just country - the songs blend so well into other genres because of the artists and Peck’s openness to discover new music. Favorites include “Chemical Sunset” with Allison Russell, “How Far Will We Take It?” with Noah Cyrus and “Papa Was A Rodeo” with Molly Tuttle.
Maren Morris - Intermission
Before the show continues, let Morris take a break - a break in the act. The act of being a country star? Not what she wants anymore. There’s a new chapter for Morris in life and in music. She’s focused more on writing and producing music that feels truer to her and that combines her love of country and pop music. Favorites are “Because, Of Course” and “I Hope I Never Fall in Love”.
Jack White - No Name
It’s loud, it’s bluesy and it’s got plenty of punk - the new Jack White is a joyful kick in the face. White has established himself as an incredible guitar player and it’s on full display here with fuzzy, fast and furious playing. White has always gone his own way, whether it was with The White Stripes, The Raconteurs or his solo work and it’s just what we all need. Favorites include “That’s How I’m Feeling”, “Archbishop Harold Holmes” and “Bombing Out”.
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