May Program Titles Released This Week:

AJR – Neotheater CD/LP (S-Curve)

Indie-pop sibling trio AJR’s third full-length album Neotheater was entirely self-produced by the group in Ryan and Jack Met’s NYC apartment with portions recorded in Los Angeles. The 12 original songs spin a coming of age tale that hears the band coming to terms with the sacrifices that come with growing older now that they are in their 20s. The buoyant and uplifting music is juxtaposed with darker lyrical narratives that touch on anxiety, naiveté and searching for integrity. Effervescent track “Birthday Party” features an eerie sample taken from David Lynch’s Eraserhead. The song’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics live at the apex of wide-eyed inexperience as the song is sung from the point of view of a one-minute-old child.

Bailen – Thrilled To Be Here CD/LP (Fantasy)

Gorgeous harmonies, striking arrangements and evocative songwriting marks Bailen as an undeniable and welcome new arrival. The NYC-based trio’s debut album Thrilled To Be Here was produced by Grammy-Award winner John Congleton (St. Vincent, The War On Drugs). The group’s beguiling three-part harmonies fuel lead single “I Was Wrong”, a statement of compassion and self-reflection. Bailen’s otherworldly musicality springs from a very deep well, in fact, it’s in their DNA. Raised in New York by their classically trained parents, fraternal twins Daniel (vocals/bass/synth/guitar), David (vocals/drums), and younger sister Julia Bailen (vocals/guitar), immersed themselves in the family’s diverse record collection. The group’s highly collaborative songs are formed by three very different individuals who were all inspired by literature and a love of language. The resulting confident, meticulous songcraft of Thrilled To Be Here is rooted in the young group’s preternatural dexterity, insight and lyrical bite. [Indie-store exclusive vinyl edition is available.]

Band Of Skulls – Love Is All You Love CD/LP (Silva Screen)

In what seem like an unusual move for a traditional rock band, Band Of Skulls hired producer Richard X for their latest album Love Is All You Love. He has encouraged the band to experiment and add some electronic elements to their sound. It is still a rock album, but with an extra pop punch. “Just seconds into opening track ‘Carnivorous’ you realize this is not entirely the BoS you are familiar with. A throbbing bass line, Arabesque guitar hook and unashamedly electronic sheen…this is your invitation from the Band Of Skulls to join them for a new musical enterprise. ‘Sound Of You’ is a downright sexy torch song for the 21st century. Putting Richardson’s soulful pleading vocal front and center over a pumping bass line and Marsden’s R&B guitar licks on acid. This is an album highlight to be sure. As is ‘We’re Alive’ a thundering Glam rocking piece of cotton candy that might well have put a smile on Marc Bolan’s face, its chorus virtually commanding you (‘Come On… Come On’) to sing along. This is pop music as it should be, as it could be if more artists were willing to test their limits. Music that is catchy enough to sing along to yet complex enough to make you want to listen to it again and again.” – Concert Guide

[Read more…] about New Releases for April 26, 2019

May Program Titles Released This Week:

After The Burial – Evergreen CD/LP (Sumerian)

“After the Burial is the master of releasing tracks and albums that are full of memorable hooks, ones that force the listener to grin with childish glee; an oft-forgotten vibe in progressive metal and the entire genre. In addition to the first single, tracks like ‘Exit, Exist’ mimic ‘Collapse’ (off 2016’s Dig Deep) with its fast-paced low-end chug-bend-fest, and ‘In Flux’ opens with a ‘My Frailty’ (from In Dreams) intro dissonant riff before diving head first into an off-kilter but high BPM riff that becomes instantly memorable. In contrast, tracks like ‘Respire’ are much more straightforward with an increased focus on drawing from hardcore and metalcore influences with staple chug overlaid with melodies and are an instant playlist addition for all the gym going fans. In a world of increasingly overthought and bloated yet forgettable progressive ‘djent’, After The Burial prove why they are genre giants and could not have picked a more aptly named record. If you are someone who likes their metal to be pure headbanging, grooving, bopping experience without pretentious subtleties, this record is definitely for you.” – Metal Wani

Jade Bird – Jade Bird CD/LP (Glassnote)

“With her fiery pop-Americana, singer-songwriter Jade Bird is determined to make a name for herself in 2019 – all on her own terms. She feels a greater kinship with American songwriters such as Gillian Welch and Julien Baker than putative British forebear Jake Bugg, who famously railed against manufactured pop while employing blue-chip songwriters. Bird plays guitar and writes everything. Her self-titled debut is appropriately bold. Its 12 polished tracks shift between barn-burners, wry acoustic jangle and affecting piano ballads. Her protagonists are often jilting women or foolish men being lured away by (occasionally two-dimensional) temptresses. As a woman, she says: ‘It’s really interesting to confront the same expectations as white male guitarists and exceed them. That’s my biggest goal, to keep smashing expectations. When people are like, oh, you’re country? Well, here’s an indie rock song. Now it’s punk, and I know what I’m talking about. It’s always been so important for me to be respected over being heralded.’ Bird’s tornado of personality, redoubtable conviction and sterling debut suggest the choice won’t be an issue.” – The Guardian

Cage The Elephant – Social Cues CD/LP+MP3 (RCA)

“Social Cues is a satisfying collection of glitzy anthems, breezy vibes, and even some earnestly introspective highlights that showcase technical and creative maturity. From the start, the album impresses with its production courtesy of John Hill, whose work with venerated peers like Florence + The Machine and Portugal. The Man speaks for itself. Opener ‘Broken Boy’ immediately dishes out dissonant energy and ethereality before channeling 1960s surf rock attitude via sharp, overlapping guitar chords and steadfast rhythms. Blended with vocalist Matt Shultz’s trademark presence, a fusion of 1970s punk attitude and classic Mick Jagger swagger, it’s a superficial yet sufficiently gripping good time. Likewise, the consequent title track is lighter and more danceable in terms of both mix and melodies, whereas ‘Night Running’ is funky and spacey, entrancing the listener in easygoing colorfulness and—thanks to special guest Beck—warmly chill vocals. Further along, ‘House of Glass’ feels like an aggressive amalgamation of Super Furry Animals and the Last Shadow Puppets, and the punchy ‘Tokyo Smoke’ is lovingly ornamented by inventive effects and luscious synths amongst its resolute accessibility.” – Pop Matters [Limited colored vinyl pressing also available.]

[Read more…] about New Releases for April 19, 2019