We’re almost there. By the next New Music Friday, we’ll be into spring and another winter is behind us. What sorts of things can we hope to hear with the warm weather? Let’s take a look.
Singles
1. Matt Beringer, Bonnet of Pins (Concord)
The National frontman will have a second solo on May 30 that will feature some of his best friends. Everyone gathered in a basement studio in Silverlake. And yes, it’s got plenty of feels. I quote Matt: . “Our hearts are like old wells filled with pennies and worms. I can’t resist going down to the bottom of mine to see what else is there. But sometimes you can get yourself stuck.”
2. Dexter and the Moonrocks, Ritalin (Frontside)
A little hyperactive? Then this track by a four-piece from Abilene, Texas, might slow things down. It’s a taste of a sophomore album that’s due for release later this year. This sounds like something right out of alt-rock radio in 1997. Not that this is a bad thing.
3. Finn Wolfhard, Choose the Latter (Night Shift/AWAL)
Yes, this is the Vancouver dude from Stranger Things who also happens to have a nice musical side hustle. After putting out material with the bands Calpurnia and The Aubreys, he’s gone solo. A new album, Happy Birthday, will be here June 6th. Great sunny alt-pop!
4. Franz Ferdinand, Hooked (Domino)
We’ve had this song for a couple of months courtesy of the band’s sixth album, The Human Fear, but it’s now been upgraded to status of an official single. This helps refresh things for their North American tour which starts next week. They’ll be in Vancouver on March 28, Montreal on April 14, and Toronto April 15.
5. Rare Americans, Mr. Please (Frontside)
More Canada, this time in the form of a trio from Vancouver who are about to start a North American tour. This is a song we might need right about now. I quote the band: “It feels like the world is about to rage. People are struggling and frustrated, and it feels like a pressure cooker every day. This song echoes the state of the world right now – wars, financial peril, lack of trust in elected officials, and a feeling of the world spiraling out of control!” I hear you, brother.
Albums
1. clipping, Dead Channel Sky (Sub Pop)
I’ve been keeping an eye on this American experimental band from LA for a few years now. Their fifth album, Dead Channel Sky also mixes in some industrial heaviness with its post-punk vibes. Anyone else feel the Prodigy in this single? Or maybe Chemical Brothers on a meth-y night?
2. Edwyn Collins, National Shall Speak Unto Nation (AED Records)
Edwyn, who had that major hit with A Girl Like You, refuses to let those terrible strokes he suffered about 20 years ago get him down. He’s up to his tenth album which features production help from Claudo Sanchez, the main guy in Coheed and Cambira. Edwyn plans to retire from touring after the cycle for this album finished in September.
3. Courting, Lust for Life, Or: How to Thread the Needle and Come Out the Other Side to Tell the Story (Lower Third/PIAS)
That’s a helluva title, innit? Courtney is a four-piece from Liverpool who just released their third album. It’s a guitar record, but it touches on so many different areas and genres that some people are already calling this record an “indie classic.” For example, how many other bands can you hear in this single?
4. Florence + The Machine, Symphony of Lungs (Republic)
Not an album of new material but recordings Florence and her people did as part of the BBC Proms with Jules Buckley and his orchestra. It comes fifteen years after her Lungs album was first released. If you’re a fan, spring for the $70 double red oxblood vinyl edition.
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