New Music Friday (on Sunday)

It’s been a while (again) so it’s time to discover your new, favorite music of the past few weeks. Let’s get to it!

Singles:

The Darkness - “The Longest Kiss”

The Darkness take us back to the 70’s with the first single off their upcoming album. It’s a love letter to Queen, ELO and more with lead singer Justin Hawkins gorgeous vocal range layered over a piano driven rock song that will sure to catch your ear.

Liquid Mike - “Crop Circles”

Back in February, Liquid Mike released what will easily be one of my favorite albums of 2024. Their latest single is another power pop/punk piece of gold. With loud guitars and hooks all around, fans are sure to be stoked to hear this one on their upcoming tour (sorry - no stops in the DMV).

Father John Misty - “Screamland”

You never know what you’re going to get from FJM and this latest song takes you on a journey through all sorts of words, music and tempo. I’ve always loved his lyrics and voice and he uses it so well on this song from quiet to soaring. 

Bon Iver - “Speyside”

It’s been five years since we’ve had new music from Bon Iver. The tender and gorgeous track isn’t without some darkness as the lyrics touch on darkness and a very trying period in Justin Vernon’s life. It’s a track to throw some headphones on and just be.

Ofir - “Intertwined”

Thanks to my friend Lindsay for introducing me to Ofir and her music. Her voice is sweet and tender and the music drifts between bedroom pop and jazz. It’s the first song off of her first album and I’m already excited to hear the rest of it. Keep an eye out for this super talented singer/songwriter.

Haley Hendrickx - “Foxglove”

The latest from Hendrickx has all that I love from her music - with hints of jazz tied to modern day folk blend with her fantastic fingerpicking, deep lyrics and that voice - reminds me of the great folks singers from the 60s and 70s. If you’re in the DC area, she’ll be at the 9:30 Club in November.

Japandroids - “All Bets Are Off”

It’s sad when bands you like call it quits. That’s just what’s up with the duo from Vancouver. The first single is a slow and steady build that leads to a frantic powerful wall of sound. The song is about a spark of romance from across the bar. Get your fill of their music now, as they won’t tour in support of the final album.

The Aces - “The Magic”

One of my favorite bands is back with a fun, sexy track that brings a more pop-oriented sound. Incorporating some funky bass lines with lyrics celebrating queerness, the band captures that feeling of being a part of a really hot couple. Peaked your interest?

Albums:

Divine Sweater - A Time For Everything

The indie-pop band’s new album is a collection of vibrant tracks while dealing with heavy subject matters. There’s a warmness about the music behind the beautiful voice of lead singer Meghan Kelleher. I hope their fourth album is the one that breaks them out to a wider audience who will appreciate their smart, catchy songs. Favorites include “Deep Side” and “Breadwinner”. 

Hippo Campus - Flood

Another hot indie-rock band put out one of their best albums recently. The midwestern band came into this album sober, homeowners and in therapy. That’s a lot to deal with when you’re writing some of your best songs. With catchy hooks and introspective lyrics, the cult band with a huge following may have made the album that breaks them. I’ll catch them in concert for the first time in 2025. Favorites include “Fences” and “Brand New”. 

Nubya Garcia - Odyssey

The British sax player’s latest is full of rich, orchestral pieces with hat tips to Colemen and Coltrane. Her playing is part of the amazing future of jazz music while still dipping into the roots of be-bop and free jazz. She’s got a great backing band and the guests are incredible too with Esperanza Spalding leading the way. Favorites include “The Seer” and the title track. 

Blossoms - Gary

Marc Scibilia - Halfway There

If you’re not familiar with Scibilia, head to TikTok and see the amazing mash-ups he creates. An uber-talented singer/songwriter/producer, he caught my ear years ago with the ear candy “Summer Clothes”. His new EP mixes his love of the 70s singer-songwriters like Paul Simon and modern bands like Bleachers or Vampire Weekend. Favorites are “More To This” and “Good As Gone”. 

Mustafa - Dunya

The Toronto poet/singer’s debut album is gorgeous. It’ll make you listen intently at what he has to say and let the words and music soak into your brain. On the surface, it’s a folk album, but there’s so much deeper and richer substance. It’s spiritual, it’s romantic and worth your attention. Favorites include “I’ll Go Anywhere” and the emotional “Gaza is Calling”.