This week may seem like a nonchalant one for new releases, but while we might not have any blockbuster names putting out new material, there’s still plenty that might be flying under the radar.
Palehound is back with a new album of killer guitar rock, their first since 2021’s collaboration with Jay Som as Bachelor, and it’s been lead by some seriously ripping singles that continue to push the indie rock revival to the front of the mix.
Multi-instrumentalist Blake Mills has collaborated with countless artists over the years, but this week he’s back with his own solo record and it’s another reminder of his extreme talents. It’s no wonder everyone else wants to work with him when his original output is equally as strong as anything he’s played on with others.
It’s been a decade since Disclosure dropped their killer debut album Settle and while they haven’t quite capitalized on that success again, they’re back this week with a surprise new album that features no samples or features. Freak Heat Waves are known for making some funky jams and their latest is no exception (Also, what a fitting name for a band given :gestures outside:). The single “In a Moment Divine” with Cindy Lee is an undeniable jam and a great highlight that should have you hooked almost instantly.
The legend John Coltrane left the world way too soon so any time a new recording of his is discovered, unearthed, found in a vault, etc., it’s a reason to get excited. Today, we’re being gifted a new live album featuring none other than Eric Dolphy and recorded during a run at the iconic Village Gate in August 1961. Play At Duke is another live album out this week and is from the duo of Chris Corsano and Bill Orcutt. Recorded as part of the the three-day festival celebrating the 21st anniversary of Three Lobed Records, the improvised set is a killer showcase of the duo’s kinetic spirit for noisy free jazz full of sublime chaos.
It’s been four years since Jamila Woods last released an album, but that will change this fall and after hearing her excellent new song, “Tiny Garden,” the anticipation has only grown. This track is a blossoming R&B number the bubbles with effervescent joy and radiates a glowing feeling of personal growth.
Bonnie “Prince” Billy has been cranking out solid folk music for over three decades and he’ll return later this year with another new album. This week, he shared the great new song “Crazy Blue Bells” which has a lovely pop bounce amidst his tender, and raw acoustic strums. Back in 2013, I was pretty convinced Mutual Benefit was the next great thing in indie folk as his album Love’s Crushing Diamond sounded like a delicate throwback to 2005-era folk music. While he unfortunately never reached the levels I had imagined, his new tune this week reaffirms his place as a troubadour of gentle storytelling and that we should still be getting excited for whatever he has coming next.
I would not have guessed that a new album from The Hives would’ve been one of my most anticipated records in 2023, but after a few killer singles, including this week’s banger “Rigor Mortis Radio,” it’s hard to hide the excitement I’m feeling for having these Swedish rockers back in the fold. After just releasing their debut album last year, Yard Act are back with a sprawling electro-rock jam that recalls DFA style dance-punk, full of intoxicating grooves, hypnotic rhythms, and ultra fun dose of nostalgia.
Nu-jazz saxophonist Nubya Garcia released a new song called “Lean In” and it’s a vibrant piece with shuffling rhythms, lush electric piano, and all together harmonious grooves. Spencer Zahn’s first part of his double instrumental album is out in August and this week he shared the piano ballad “Lawn” which is his rendition of a Carly Blea piece from the ‘80s.
DJ and glitch-pop producer Jessy Lanza makes some excellent dance/electronic jams that fit the twitchy vibes as well as some club-level bangers. Her latest single finds itself somewhere in the middle as the artist leads us to her new album which drops later in the year. Jlin announced a new mini-album would be out in September and dropped the skittering new single “Fourth Perspective” which is full of twilight synths and hard electro beats.
Albums:
Palehound | Eye On The Bat
Blake Mills | Jelly Road
Disclosure | Alchemy
Natural Wonder Beauty Concept | Natural Wonder Beauty Concept
Lindstrøm | Everyone Else Is A Stranger
Rusty Santos | New Wave In California
Alaska Reid | Disenchanter
Freak Heat Waves | Mondo Tempo
John Coltrane With Eric Dolphy | Evenings At The Village Gate
Chris Corsano / Bill Orcutt | Play at Duke
JPEGMAFIA / Danny Brown | Scaring the Hoes: DLC Pack
Songs:
Jamila Woods | “Tiny Garden”
Bonnie “Prince” Billy | “Crazy Blue Bells”
Mutual Benefit | “Little Ways”
The Hives | “Rigor Mortis Radio”
Yard Act | “The Trench Coat Museum”
Nubya Garcia | “Lean In”
Jessy Lanza | “Limbo”
SPELLLING | “Under the Sun” / “Cherry”
Shamir | “Our Song”
Tycho | “Time to Run”
Spencer Zahn | “Lawn”
Jlin | “Fourth Perspective”
Fiddlehead | “Sleepyhead”
If you’re a Spotify user, you can listen to these songs (and more from 2023) here!