Broken Social Scene’s “Skyline” is serenely pleasant, even if it’s a little watered down.
Euphoria. That’s the word that keeps coming to mind with each new song released in advance of Broken Social Scene’s comeback record Hug of Thunder, set to drop on July 7th. We heard it on “Halfway Home”, which sounded like a “we are back” statement with layered vocals in the chorus and its twin guitar assault. Despite being somewhat generic in overall structure, it was simply a rush to hear these guys back in their element making music together. The title track, in case you missed it, slowed things down a bit and showed a more vulnerable side to the album – but with “Skyline”, they’re back to the aforementioned wave of euphoria that is now appearing to be the unifying aura behind Hug of Thunder.
Broken Social Scene have worked with more complex and creative concepts before, but that’s not a totally scathing indictment. Yes, all three of the tracks revealed so far tone down their experimental reputation in favor of more commonplace indie-rock aesthetics, but the results have never been so listenable or utterly pleasant. The acoustic guitars wash over your ears, like you’re standing a few hundred feet away from a massive waterfall and just letting the mist hit you in the face. Like with “Halfway Home”, the vocals are very much a gang effort, but the contrasting styles blend together so smoothly that you’ll wonder…
Compared to this time in 2016, when Ariana Grande had just unleashed Dangerous Woman, it feels like 2017 is lagging a little bit behind in the department of fun, carefree summer jams. I believe it is a necessity to have these kinds of songs: these melodic, sunny anthems of youth that remind us why it’s okay to pull our ears away from the emotional depth of our favorite indie record or the technical precision of the best new metal song out there. Just as it is important to have those bands that comprise our musical foundations, it’s also valuable to occasionally indulge in surface-level pop that allows us to dismount from our collective high horse and simply let loose. That’s Carly Rae Jepsen’s niche, and she delivers as strongly as ever with her latest synth-pop offering.
“Cut To The Feeling” is just one of E•MO•TION‘s purported 250 tracks. We heard eight that failed to make the cut via Emotion: Side B, but that still left a pretty large void for those who felt the 2015 album was…
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of May 26, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
– Full List of Releases: May 26, 2017 –
8kids: Denen Die Wir Waren
Genre: Hard Rock/Metal // Label: Napalm
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Alestorm: No Grave But The Sea
Genre: Power Metal/Folk // Label: Napalm
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The Charlatans [UK]: Different Days
Genre: Alternative Rock // Label: BMG Rights Management
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Collide: Color of Nothing
Genre: Electronic/Industrial // Label: Independent
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Danzig: Black Laden Crown
Genre: Doom/Gothic Metal // Label: Nuclear Blast
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Dream Evil: Six
Genre: Power/Heavy Metal // Label: Century Media
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Evo: Warfare
Genre: Punk/Metal// Label: High Roller
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Football, etc: Corner
Genre: Emo/Indie-Rock // Label: Community Records
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of May 19, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
–Featured Release: Linkin Park: “One More Light”–
Genre: Pop // Label: Warner Bros.
Background:
If you ever – whilst wandering the halls of your middle school in 2000, blasting “Papercut” into one of your earbuds – wondered what Linkin Park would sound like in the year 2017, you would have likely envisioned every scenario except what we’re actually presented with here. A transition away from nu-metal and into straightforward rock? Seems plausible. Electronic experimentation? Sure, why not. Melodic pop…Ehh what? Linkin Park are using their seventh full-length LP to explore the boundaries of their pop abilities, and regardless of the fact that this will in all likelihood be really good or really bad – with little wiggle room in between – One More Light is sure to be the talk of most musical circles this week for better or worse. It’s entirely possible that the members of Linkin Park resurrect their stagnant musical careers with this 180 degree departure, but it had better be damned good. Otherwise, it will be all too easy for them to plummet from stagnant to the laughingstock of…
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of May 12, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
–Featured Release: Paramore: “After Laughter”–
Genre: Pop-Rock/Punk // Label: WEA/Fueled by Ramen
Background:
2013 saw what many claimed to be the demise of Paramore: their pop-leaning, self-titled fourth LP Paramore that was also the first to forego the presence of the Farro brothers. Even though the pair left on less-than-amicable terms back in 2010 following the release of Brand New Eyes, drummer Zac Farro has returned to reconcile the new trio consisting of Hayley Williams, Taylor York, and Zac Farro. The homecoming has sparked some optimism around the future of the band, despite the fact that they continue to push mainstream pop frontiers as their pop-punk roots fade even further into the rear view mirror. Like it or not, this is very much Hayley Williams’ band and regardless of the dismay that Paramore was met with among longtime fans, the record was a commercial success. They have no reason to alter their course for After Laughter; expect a solid pop-rock record (heavy on the pop) with a handful of earworm singles to bolster it on the radio. …
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of May 5, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
–Featured Release: The Afghan Whigs: “In Spades”–
Genre: Indie-Rock/Grunge/Alt-Rock // Label: Sub Pop Records
Background:
The Afghan Whigs returned to the scene after 16 years back in 2014 with Do To The Beast, an album that proved the band’s return was more than just a feel-good reunion. Playing some of their best music, the record found its way onto many rock fan’s best of 2014 lists. With In Spades, the band keeps that momentum rolling with what feels like an even bigger record. The Afghan Whigs’ latest sees them hitting their stride full speed, creating a through-and-through rock album with plenty of eastern influence. The band has been around long enough now to know when to use restraint, and In Spades feels like the ideal balance of riff-filled, in-your-face rockers and quieter, more reserved ballads. Modern rock bands everywhere should take note of The Afghan Whigs, because this is what the genre should sound like in 2017.
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of April 28, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
It’s been 7 years since Gorillaz dropped Plastic Beach and The Fall, and the demand for a new record from these guys probably couldn’t be any higher than it is at this point. With a handful of new tracks already released to varying levels of acclaim, the virtual quartet seems primed to cast all other mainstream releases under its shadow this week. With Humanz – an album that paints a fresh gleam on the group’s core sound – has them entering the chaotic and uncertain times of 2017 sounding both vibrant and purpose-driven. Time will tell if it lives up to the best Gorillaz albums, but no matter what it will be an interesting listen worthy of just about anyone’s time.
Listen to “Ascension” below:
– Full List of Releases: April 28, 2017 –
Aethere: Adrift
Genre: Death/Progressive Metal // Label: Tragic Hero
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All That Remains: Madness
Genre: Metalcore // Label: Razor & Tie
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of April 21, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
–Featured Release: Woods: “Love Is Love”–
Genre: Indie-Folk/Psychedelic // Label: Woodsist
Background:
Woods have evolved quite a bit since they first formed twelve years ago, slowly turning their minimal indie-folk approach into more of an elaborate, psychedelic experience. With Love Is Love, the band continues trekking down that path with the added thematic twist of some post-election themes that the band has cited as their primary inspiration for creating the LP. Just one year after the release of City Sun Eater In The River Of Light, Woods figure to once again make a splash in indie, psychedelic, and folk circles as they continue to emerge as a prominent leader within their musical niche.
Listen to the title track below:
– Full List of Releases: April 21, 2017 –
Ancient Ascendant: Raise The Torch
Genre: Death/Black Metal // Label: Spinefarm/Candlelight
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Angaleena Presley: Wrangled
Genre: Country // Label: Mining Light Music
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of April 14, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
DAMN. marks Lamar’s first extended release since last year’s collection of demos (untitled unmastered), and his first formal album since 2015’s To Pimp a Butterfly. Unlike past releases that have featured a host of impressive guest musicians, DAMN. has only three announced guest stars: U2, Rihanna, and Zacari – setting this record up to perhaps be his most straightforward, down-to-earth unveiling. For an artist of Kendrick’s stature, DAMN. makes for an automatically required listen. Garnering critical acclaim throughout his career, particularly with good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp a Butterfly, Lamar figures to keep a firm grasp on his reign atop hip-hop/rap with this latest record.
I missed the boat on the staff-wide feature thanks in part to a hectic work week, a desire not to cut-paste from my track reviews, and general laziness. In retrospect, that turned out pretty awesome (thanks in a large part to Jom’s orchestration of the feature) so I’ll have to do better and contribute to the Q2 playlist. But for now, I’d just like to get my favorite 10 songs from Jan.-Mar. 2017 out there for your consumption. I’d consider them all to be essential listens if you stay current week-to-week, especially in the indie-rock / indie-folk scene. I tend to be long-winded with everything I do, so below each track/artwork I’ve included 3 simple notions that represent feelings, memories, or lyrics I associate with experiencing that particular piece. Anyway, without further ado, here are my top 10 tracks of the year’s first quarter.
#10 – Teen Daze: “Cycle”
Genre: Indie-Folk | Listen if you like: Immersing your senses in nature
Melting snow
Leaves blowing in a spring breeze
“You are the only one that speaks into me”
#9 – SUSTO: “Far Out Feeling”
Genre: Indie/Americana | Listen if you like: Unexpected string sections
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of April 7, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
–Featured Release: Father John Misty: “Pure Comedy”–
Genre: Indie-Folk/Americana // Label: Sub Pop Records
Background:
Few artists have enjoyed as much hype and general chatter surrounding a new release as Father John Misty in 2017. On the heels of 2015’s hit album I Love You, Honeybear, this week we will observe an even darker and more theatrical side of Josh Tillman. Embracing the piano and his penchant for sarcasm-riddled balladry, Pure Comedy offers a very different, often bitter view on mankind. Certain to be divisive (seeming the only way he knows), we’re not sure quite what to expect from this 74-minute behemoth of an album. All we know is that it is going to be talked about. A lot.
In 2013, Sufjan Stevens joined up with Nico Muhly, James McAlister, and The National’s Bryce Dressner to create a composition thematically centered around our solar system (I guess he is too big for states now). To date only performed in a live setting (the piece was debuted at Brooklyn Academy of Music over a multi-night span), it is finally being released as an official recording on June 9 via 4AD. It’s pretty much the most hipster thing ever. But before we get to that, the quartet has unveiled “Saturn”, the fourteenth out of seventeen songs on the track list and the album’s lead single.
Those who enjoyed Stevens’ bizarre but oddly affirming Age of Adz will likely be beside themselves with excitement on this one. The vocals are electronically altered for the entire run time, as is the instrumental canvas. The whole thing feels very futuristic, bombastic, and oddly warm. Stevens may sound robotic and distant, but lines like “take this body / blood shed for you” and the repeated “tell me I’m evil” have a boomerang effect, sending you far off into the cold, dark depths of space only to circle back with…
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of March 31, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
–Featured Release: Mastodon: “Emperor of Sand”–
Genre: Sludge/Progressive Metal // Label: Reprise Records
Background:
Sludge/progressive staples Mastodon are returning this Friday with their 7th LP, the follow-up to 2014’s Once More ‘Round The Sun. The record was again produced by Brendan O’Brien, whose work with the band dates back to their groundbreaking 2009 release Crack The Skye. According to drummer Brann Dailor, Emperor of Sand‘s themes revolve around one’s mortality — something that was inspired by them witnessing multiple family members and close friends undergo cancer diagnoses in recent years. You can hear the lead single, “Sultan’s Curse”, below:
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of March 24, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
–Featured Release: Mount Eerie: “A Crow Looked at Me”–
Genre: Lo-Fi/Indie-Folk // Label: P.W. Elverum & Sun
Background:
Phil Elverum’s latest release is a heartbreaking tribute to his late wife, Geneviève Castrée, who died last summer from pancreatic cancer. Beginning with the lines “Death is real / Someone’s there and then they’re not/ And it’s not for singing about / It’s not for making into art”, A Crow Looked At Me sees Elverum grapple with the departure of his spouse and the life he once shared with her. Joining recent peers like Sufjan Stevens (Carrie & Lowell) and Nick Cave (Skeleton Tree), Mount Eerie’s 2017 LP is a marvel to behold, even as its creator writes from a place that none of us ever hope to venture to or endure.
– Full List of Releases: March 24, 2017 –
Art Of Anarchy: The Madness
Genre: Alt/Hard Rock // Label: Century Media Records
Here’s a list of major new releases for the week of March 17, 2017. Please feel free to request reviews for any of the following albums from staff or contributors. As our staff post reviews of these albums, links will appear below the art work so that you can read about the release, see how we scored it, and more.
Four years after Delta Machine, the fathers of electronic post-punk – Depeche Mode – have returned with their most politically charged record to date. It’s angry, bleak, and powerful. Most of all, it is aware of the times we live in and feels like a representation of this troubled era – at times even literally calling for revolution. The album drops tomorrow, but those who haven’t heard a glimpse of what Spirit has to offer should do themselves the favor of listening to “Where’s The Revolution” below:
![Black Laden Crown [Explicit]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ZiKzrISyL._SS500.jpg)
