Happy New Music Day to all who celebrate! Days of festivities and celebration await! See what's been added to the stacks as of late

Iron & Wine - Hen's Teeth

Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Chamber Folk, Folk Rock, Americana
Reviewed by: Keenan Hicks

Authentic indie folk sporting a smooth mixture of broad Americana influence and sublime chamber production. Definitely calls back to the indie folk golden age circa 2010, so nothing particularly fresh for Iron & Wine— but he is admittedly very good at what he does. Check out 7 for some of the best chamber pop in recent memory.

Lala Lala - Heaven 2

Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Indie Rock, Alternative
Reviewed by: Lauren Hagin

There is something tragically experimental about this album that really speaks to me. I feel as though I can hear singer Lillie Amadea West's journey through acceptance and self-discovery throughout the album, shifting through each track with lyrics and instrumentals that stick to you after listening like glue. The songs are groovy but yet beautifully somber, with angelic vocals speaking to the turbulent nature of human existence and accepting that existence.

Jenny on Holiday - Quicksand Heart

Label: Transgressive
Genre: Indie Pop
Reviewed by: Emmet Case

If you have an ongoing situationship and are interested in songs expressing a bit of bitterness about love, then give it a try! It's not pushing any new musical boundaries, but it's an enjoyable listen and might put a bit of pep in your step. Across the album the singing is excellent, the guitar has a nice melody, and drums have a nice beat to them. The last track is definitely my favorite, not only do I think it's the best song, but it wraps up the album’s messaging nicely (she’s overcome a love that might be sucking her in and holding her back). This is Jenny’s first album; I expect that further releases will get better and better as time passes as the groundwork is there.

Danny L Harle - Cerulean

Label: XL
Genre: Electronic
Reviewed by: Finn Stephens

Bouncing between the Light Euro, Progressive, and Hard subgenres of Trance, Danny L Harle's debut album, Cerulean, takes you on a journey of spacy, dark synths and outer worldly production. Backed by bright and sometimes pitched vocal performances by wonderful voices such as PinkPantheress, Dua Lipa, Oklou, and more, each track sounds like travelling to somewhere else in the vast ocean of heartbreak this sometimes-over-ambitious album travels through. If you like Trance or have an interest in electronic music, you'll probably get some fun out of this album.

Nothing - a short history of decay

Label: Run for Cover
Genre: Post Rock / Indie / Shoegaze Reviewed by: Len Comaratta

Taking a different route on this outing, it’s obvious the band is in a more introspective, almost peaceful musical mood, but lyrically they are as tortured as ever. The acoustic elements and spacious arrangements are reminiscent of Pink Floydian elements and at times owe as much to modern alt rock bands like Coldplay as they do the metal-shoegaze hybrid the band is known for. Jumbled stylistic diversions make for a mixed bag with some experiments working well and others not so much.

Buck Meek - The Mirror

Label: 4AD
Genre: Indie Reviewed by: Milo Craun

Buck Meek is back with a new solo album. The Big Thief guitarist brings energetic instrumentals that pair nicely with his Texas voice. Though it takes a little getting used to, fundamentally his voice matches his musical expression. Lyrically, there are a lot of songs about love and everything that goes along with that which is interesting to listen to given Buck and Adrianne Lenker got divorced in 2018. He found a new partner and so life goes on. Check out the album if you are a fan of Big Thief or Buck’s previous work. Enjoy!

Darwin Chamber - Can You Pass The Acid Test

Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronic (Downtempo, Acid House) Reviewed by: Finn Stephens

Very minimal and texture heavy, Can You Pass the Acid Test is for lovers of acid house and downtempo. This EP sounds like something you'd hear as background music of How It's Made or in the menu of a 2000s racing game. Lots of weebles and wobbles and occasional vocals on top of minimal instrumentation and drums. For most people, you'll probably have to be on acid to enjoy this EP.

RL Huber - Themisto

Label: Self-released
Genre: NCP / Ambient / Tone Poems Reviewed by: Len Comaratta

The spiritual successor to 2024’s Return of the Cosmonaut w a thematic emphasis on eternal exploration and distance from the known. Experimental and instrumental ambient, minimal, atonal and at times melodic synth / string / horn / percussion compositions.

Brigitte Calls Me Baby - Irreversible

Label: ATO
Genre: Alternative Reviewed by: Alicya James

Irreversible does the exact opposite of its name, this album takes you back to the 1980s with its nostalgic sound by channeling the eras spirit accompanied by reverb-soaked vocals and textured instrumentals. Leaning into a moody atmosphere, you can hear lineage of The Smiths, The Strokes, or New Order that overall create something melancholic yet romantic throughout the entire album. Echoing the dramatic croon and emotional weight associated with Morrissey, while still maintaining a modern indie edge.

Waterbaby - Memory Be a Blade

Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Indie Chamber Pop Reviewed by: Hayden Swenson

A short and sweet collection of delicate, R&B-tinged chamber pop from Sweden. Inspiration is also taken from folk and jazz. Waterbaby's ethereal yet powerful vocals combine with the album's minimalist horn/string/piano arrangements to create an atmosphere of nostalgia and melancholy. These themes are supported by some pretty solid songwriting. Tracks 2 and 4 are great!