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.
Label: Sub Pop Genre: Lite Indie Pop Reviewed by: Mak Kanekkeberg
Adagio by Σtella is a beautiful album that she began making while on a boat in the mediterranean. It captures all the bubbly sounds of the ocean and has an upbeat danceable tune. It’s jazzy, pop-y, and fun. The album features sparkling keyboard, bouncy drums, soothing strings, and exciting electronic sounds. “Adagio”, the title track jumps the listener straight into the album with a sweet and soft ballad with a catchy and playful tune. Perfectly fitting a dinner party or cooking vibe. This is definitely a song you could play while romantically dancing around your kitchen in the late hours of the night. Track 4, “Baby Brazil” which features Las Palabras is bouncy, vibrant, and lively. Perfect summer beach-y song to listen to with friends. Track 5 “Can I say” is perfect for Laufey music enjoyers, the beat is very reminiscent of Laufey’s signature sound. Overall, Σtella does such a lovely job on this album, it all flows so seamlessly and carries a similar theme throughout. The feature of the Greek language within several of her songs also connects Stella to her roots as she grew up in the center of it all, Athens, Greece.
New Music. . . It's been so long! I. . . I missed you!!
Inhaler - Open Wide
Label: Polydor Genre: Indie Rock Reviewed by: Anthony Cusat
Inhaler’s third album release Open Wide leans even more into their contemporary indie rock style while incorporating in late 20th century pop influence. The infusion of emotion into the lyrics and composition of the album resonates in a similar way to an early Kings of Leon or U2 (which the band shares a familial connection to Bono) but with the sonic quality of todays indie/alt rockers. It’s impossible not to appreciate the real time maturation of the bands sound and possibly the direction of the 2020s indie sound.
