Wednesday, March 29, 2023

First Listen: New Releases for 24 March 2023

Artist: Dom Flemons
Album: Traveling Wildfire
Quick Thoughts: It might just be me, but it feels like Dom Flemons is perpetually flying under the radar and it's not fair. Traveling Wildfire, in some ways, is his most accessible solo effort to date, but that carries an implication that his other music isn't accessible, which isn't true. It's just that you can hear a song like "Big Money Blues" and wonder why he's not headlining every roots festival known to man. A great listen.
Songs of Note: "Slow Dance With You," "If You Truly Love Me," "Big Money Blues," "Song to Jcb"

Artist: Annabel Lee
Album: Drift
Quick Thoughts: Annabel Lee surprised me a bit. I didn't anticipate this being a surprise favoreite, but every song on this record is compelling and interesting in its own way, and in a busy week, shouldn't be missed. Great if you like the singer-songwritery side of indie rock.
Songs of Note: "Kiss & Ride," "High Anxiety," "Go Go Gadget"

Artist: Caroline Rose
Album: The Art of Forgetting
Quick Thoughts: She's come a long way from "Blood on Your Bootheels." Roots-gone-rock-gone-electronic-gone.... a visceral combination of everything has a new album out, and I think it's her best yet. It's a bold statement of an album that draws from everything we've heard from her and brings it into a truly compelling listen. I'm not 100% sure what to make of it, but no album grabbed me this week quite like The Art of Forgetting and I suspect it'll end up on a lot of year-end lists.
Songs of Note: "Rebirth," "Everywhere I Go I Bring the Rain"

Artist: Eric Bibb
Album: Ridin'
Quick Thoughts: I didn't know Eric Bibb before this week, and it turns out that's a massive gap in my musical knowledge. Bibb is a roots musician who puts his politics front and center, but at no time does it feel performative or fake. It's direct, it doesn't pull punches, and the songs are structured in a way where the two compliment each other. A rare outcome, and an album worth hearing.
Songs of Note: "Ridin'," "500 Miles," "Hold the Line"

Artist: He Who Cannot Be Named
Album: Imposter
Quick Thoughts: This is a pseudononymous punk project that might be from a member of The Dwarves, but, frankly, whatever it is? It rocks. It's classic, Ramones-style punk rock with more than a little humor at its core. If you like punk, check this one out.
Songs of Note: "Funny Farm," "Happy Unhappy," "The Thing," "Trash"

Artist: Spicy Dreams
Album: You Me You Us
Quick Thoughts: Wanted to highlight this one as a really interesting psych-pop debut from a Brooklyn-based band. I think what sets this apart is that every song feels like it has a really clear groove that keeps youre attention throughout, and I think I fell in love with "Nightcap" in particular right away. Don't miss it.
Songs of Note: "Nightcap," "Stranger," "Explain (I Don't Wanna)"

Of note:

* Lankum - False Lankum (Defies description, but a really fascinating listen.)
* Nickel Creek - Celebrants (A lot of solid moments.)
* The Natural Lines - The Natural Lines (fka Matt Pond PA)
* Kele - The Flames pt. 2 (Good solo effort from the Bloc Party frontman.)
* Lana Del Rey - Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd
* Babymetal - The Other One
* Public Serpents - The Bully Pulpit
* The Reds, Pionks and Purples - The Town That Cursed Your Name
* Kate Davis - Fish Bowl
* Meg Myers - TZIA
* Grecco Romank - Wet Exit
* Mary Anne's Polar Rig - Makes You Wonder
* Babe Corner - Crybaby
* Secret Machines - The Moth, The Lizard, and The Secret Machines
* Kool Keith and Real Bad Man - Serpent
* WMD - Deliquesce
* Darrenn Jessee - Central Bridge
* Recognize Ali - Back to Mecca II
* Depeche Mode - Memento Mori
* Debby Friday - Good Luck
* Bouncing Souls - Ten Stories High

EPs:

* Softcult - See You In the Dark
* Eaves Wilder - Hookey
* Night Hikes - Perfect Wonder
* Kid Moxie and Nina - Lust
* LVRA - soft like steel
* Exploring Birdsong - Dancing in the Face of Danger
* Heartworms - A Comforting Notion
* Julian Emery and Dana Jane Phoenix - Superfuturistic

Also out:

* The Hirs Collective - We're Still Here
* Semaphore - I Need a Reason to Stay
* Liturgy - 93696

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