First Listen: New Releases for 16 June 2023

Artist: MAN ON MAN
Album: Provincetown
Quick Thoughts: Don't let the name, cover, album title, or song titles fool you here. Well, I mean, yes, there is definitely an obvious throughline in MAN ON MAN's brand of grunge-tinged rock music released in the middle of Pride, but it shouldn't be made to fool anyone - this is a solid, catchy rock album with truly catchy songs and a memorable sound that harkens back to the golden alt-rock era while still being modern. I truly enjoyed this, and it's worth the time this week.
Songs of Note: "Take It From Me," "Showgirls," "Piggy," "Gloryhole," "Hush"

Artist: La Sécurité
Album: Stay Safe!
Quick Thoughts: I've never loved the term "art-[genre]," it feels like a Spotify thing instead of a really solid way to describe the sound of an act that might have even a little flourish. La Sécurité is labeled art-punk, and sure, in that it's punk-leaning alt-rock with some flair along with the edge, it's great and thoughtful rock music with a little more to it overall. Really enjoyed this one as a pleasant unknown surprise.
Songs of Note: "Le Kick," "Waiting for Kenny," "Hot Topic," Sleepy Rebellion"

Artist: Brennen Leigh
Album: Ain't Through Honky Tonkin' Yet
Quick Thoughts: Brennen Leigh is a roots favorite around these parts, and this latest album is just a lot of fun. It's pure, even vintage-sounding country, making absolutely no question about the classics that inform the songwriting throughout the entire runtime, and it's guaranteed to make you smile. It's just a great record, and would be a top recommendation in a busy week.
Songs of Note: "Running Out of Hope, Arkansas," "Somebody's Drinking About You," "I Ain't Through Honky Tonkin' Yet," "The Bar Should Say Thanks"

Artist: Deer Tick
Album: Emotional Contracts
Quick Thoughts: Ken and I have been fans of Deer Tick for well over a decade now, and this definitely feels like the band is playing for the big time, but without losing its heart and soul. This one's for fans of Jason Isbell and Drive-by Truckers, the sort of roots-influenced rock music that has the opportunity for a popular explosion. I wish these guys the best, as they deserve it, and hopefully this is the record that shows the rest of the world.
Songs of Note: "If I Try to Leave," "Forgiving Ties," "Once in a Lifetime," "Disgrace"

Of note:

* Home is Where - the whaler (Speaking as someone who doesn't care much for emo, this is quite good.)
* King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard - PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnnation * Queens of the Stone Age - In Times New Roman * Chocolate Hills - Yarns from the Chocolate Triangle * The Devil's Twins - HORNS * Gracie Abrams - Good Riddance * Eagle Noise - This Machine * Sigur Ros - ATTA * Bettye LaVette - LaVette! * Creep Show - Yawning Abyss * Possessed by Paul James - Fighting for Our Own Survival * Royal Thunder - Rebuilding the Mountain * May Rio - French Bath * Boris and Uniform - Bright New Disease * Den-Mate - Grow Up & Out * Amnesia Scanner and Freeka Tet - STROBE.RIP EPs:

* Night Tapes - Perfect Kindness * Spoon - Memory Dust * Hand Habits - Sugar the Bruise * Brian Eno - Five Light Paintings * Sasha Khan and Patience - Adventures in Wonderland EP * Ignez and Rodhad - VERDUROUS Live albums/Compilations/Reissues:

* Kraak and Smaak - Twenty Also out:

* Pelicanman - Planet Chernobyl * Killer Mike - MICHAEL