Word on the street there's new music. I checked the words on those streets and they were right. Check out what's been added to the stacks!
Wednesday - Bleeds
Label: Dead Oceans Genre: Shoe Gaze, Alt-Country Reviewed by: Milo Craun
Bleeds effortlessly blends noisy shoegaze guitars with country twang. Seriously, there are killer pedal and lap steel parts throughout! Each track has a different mix of influences, but they all sound like Wednesday, in large part due to Karly Hartzman's vocals. The band has worked hard to build and refine their sound over the years, and it shows in this album. Stop reading and listen! Only then will you understand...
You know what rhymes with New Music!!! I'm not really sure, but I encourage you to try. Take a look at what's recently been added to the stacks.
Geese - Getting Killed
Label: Partisan Genre: Alt Rock Reviewed by: Hanya Hudgens
A masterful display of genre bending post punk wizardy with elements of free jazz and thought provoking lyrics. there are influences everywhere - from Tom Waits and Radiohead (most obvious) to Nick Cave, Van Morrison, Talking Heads, even Television and The Smiths occasionally... true genre-bending stuff.
New Music is making its triumphant return and there's no telling what will happen!!! See what's in the station's rotation as of late!
Blood Orange - Essex Honey
Label: RCA/Domino Genre: Atmospheric Alt-Pop Reviewed by: Hayden Swenson
Downtempo pop drawing influence from R&B and the smoother, jazzier side of 80s pop. Ethereal production and stripped-back instrumentation give the album a nocturnal, dream-like atmosphere. Many tracks feature at least one guest artist, including some big names like Lorde and Caroline Polachek. There is a nice diversity to the sound here; Track 4 features a DnB beat and 11 borders on Sarah Records-style jangle pop. Play this when you need to cool things down a little.
No time for pleasantries, New Music is here. Let's get this show on the road!
The Shootouts - Switchback
Label: TransOceanic Genre: Indie Alt Country Reviewed by: Len Comaratta
With previous albums strongly influenced by honky-tonk and Western swing or the Bakersfield Sound and roots rock, their latest claims its inspiration from their home of Akron, OH and the Rust Belt. The progression in sound is natural; it isn’t forced or contrived, but there is an intention behind incorporating taut arrangements and well-defined hooks. Something about Ryan Humbert’s voice and some of the vibe throughout kept me thinking of this album as a somewhat laid-back, slower, alt-country version of The Thermals.
Legends were once told of the tales of New Music, today it returns at long last
Julien Baker & Torres - Send a Prayer My Way
Label: Matador Genre: Indie Alt Country/Folk Reviewed by: Kayra Ersoy
Julien Baker & Torres is the coolest and most unexpected country/folk collaboration. This album is an ode to both artists' upbringings in such an expressive manner. The instrumentals will make you tap your foot while the lyrics scratch your noggin. Torres's lower and fuller singing tangoes with Baker's higher and raw voice, creating the most beautiful harmonies.
