First Listen: New Releases for June 24

A very thin week this week, but an unexpected favorite has emerged from the list, so let's dive in.

Phox - Phox: This wasn't even on my radar until Ken sent it over to me, and I immediately fell in love. It's sort of reminiscent of the best of Freelance Whales in many regards, although I find the band incredibly difficult to put into any specific category. It's a really accessible album with a lot going for it, some pretty memorable songs (I'm quite partial to "Raspberry Seed" on first listen), and a lot of interesting things to make repeat listens something to look forward to. Easily my favorite new release of the week, and the best of recent times I think. Highly recommended.

A Sunny Day in Glasgow - Sea When Absent: I consider A Sunny Day in Glasgow to be a little more challenging than most of what I listen to, and this album seems to continue along those lines. I enjoyed Autumn, Again, and this one is one I definitely need more time with, but is also one I want more time with. A pretty solid shoegaze record.

Bassnectar - Noise vs. Beauty: I like a few of Bassnectar's remixes, but I'll be honest - listening to this album was a very stark reminder as to why I really don't do dubstep. Fans of the genre may like this, but it didn't work for me.

Circulatory System - Mosaics Within Mosaics: Circulatory System is an Elephant 6-related band that always seemed to be on the periphery of the periphery of the overall collective. The new album, the first in five years, continues along the same complicated psych soundscapes that you might come to expect, and, for me, it's a nice reminder of what I loved about the more experimental arms of the groups. Worth a listen, but it's not going to be for everyone.