Explore a diverse array of recent album releases that redefine genres and lyrical depth. From enigmatic journeys to societal commentaries, each album offers a unique perspective on contemporary music. Dive into haunting melodies, bold returns, and soulful explorations that invite listeners on a journey of introspection and sonic exploration.
1. Amen Dunes — Death Jokes
Amen Dunes, helmed by Damon McMahon, unveils a characteristically enigmatic journey in his sixth self-produced album, Death Jokes. Delving into a world filtered through warped hip-hop beats and garbled samples, McMahon crafts a narrative that navigates the complexities of human existence against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse. Through layers of electronic experimentation and haunting melodies, the album explores themes of loneliness, misunderstanding, and societal decay. McMahon’s lyrics, though often cryptic, offer glimpses of optimism amidst the chaos, urging listeners to embrace the present moment. Death Jokes serves as a testament to McMahon’s evolving sound and his ability to provoke introspection through his music.
2. Les Savy Fav — OUI, LSF
Les Savy Fav makes a bold return with their first album in 14 years, OUI, LSF. Known for their brash art-punk style and charismatic frontman Tim Harrington, the band surprises listeners with a newfound maturity and sentimentality. Despite the passage of time, their ability to captivate remains unchanged, as seen in the album’s opening track “Guzzle Blood,” a relentless art-rock anthem reminiscent of their signature sound. Harrington’s introspective lyrics on tracks like “Dawn Patrol” and “Don’t Mind Me” reveal a vulnerability rarely explored in their earlier work, offering a refreshing depth to their repertoire. While some tracks, like “Legendary Tippers,” may fall short with hokey humor, overall, OUI, LSF reaffirms Les Savy Fav’s status as seasoned punk provocateurs who still know how to rage when it counts.
3. Keeley Forsyth —The Hollow
Keeley Forsyth‘s latest album, The Hollow, is a haunting journey into the depths of human emotion and physicality. Forsyth’s voice, filled with raw intensity and accompanied by minimalist folk instrumentation, demands attention and contemplation. The album’s opening track sets the tone with mournful organ tones and agonizing lyrics, while subsequent tracks like “Veins like dry stalks” and “The Hollow” delve deeper into themes of desperation and existential longing. Forsyth’s lyrics, sharp and evocative, paint vivid pictures of landscapes both internal and external, where nature and fate intertwine in unsettling ways. Despite the intensity of the subject matter, Forsyth’s songs are mercifully short, allowing listeners to fully absorb the weight of her words without feeling overwhelmed. The Hollow is a masterful exploration of the human condition, offering both terror and solace in equal measure.
4. Arab Strap — I’m totally fine with it 👍 don’t give a fuck anymore 👍
In their latest offering, I’m totally fine with it 👍 don’t give a fuck anymore 👍, Arab Strap presents a compelling exploration of contemporary society’s digital dilemmas. Returning with their second post-comeback album, the Scottish duo, Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton, delve deep into the impact of technology on human behavior, delivering incisive commentary with a touch of nihilism. Departing from mainstream indie-rock trends, Arab Strap’s musical journey pushes boundaries, incorporating punchy productions and dynamic soundscapes that reflect the complexities of modern life. Tracks like “Sociometer Blues” and “Allatonceness” vividly depict the corrosive effects of excessive screen time, while maintaining a nuanced perspective on the individuals grappling with addiction and isolation in the digital age. With its thought-provoking lyricism and dynamic musicality, I’m totally fine with it 👍 don’t give a fuck anymore 👍 stands as a poignant reflection on the profound shifts in human experience wrought by the pandemic, reaffirming Arab Strap’s status as indie rock’s compelling voice for the contemporary era.
5. Zach Day — Throw Away The Pin
Zach Day‘s debut album, Throw Away The Pin, marks a significant milestone in his musical career. Influenced by blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and BB King, Day’s musical style seamlessly blends elements of blues, alt-country, and rock. Throw Away The Pin showcases Day’s lyrical depth and musical versatility. Tracks such as the title song and “Outlaw Girl” and title-track “Throw Away The Pin” resonate with raw emotion and storytelling prowess, reflecting Day’s personal experiences and real-life narratives. Drawing comparisons to esteemed artists like Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan, Day’s authentic approach to Americana music sets him apart in the industry. Throw Away The Pin solidifies Zach Day’s position as a promising talent in the Americana scene, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives and heartfelt melodies.
6. Jordan Rakei — The Loop
Jordan Rakei, the Australian-born artist who has been a prominent figure in London’s music scene since 2015, has just released his latest album, The Loop. The album, which marks his fifth studio release, is a culmination of Rakei’s continuous exploration of soulful, melodic tracks and collaborations with fellow artists like Loyle Carner and Tom Misch. In an interview at Abbey Road Studios, where he has been named the inaugural artist in residence, Rakei discusses his relentless creative process and desire to share his evolution with his audience in real-time. Despite his methodical approach to music-making, Rakei’s work remains dynamic and ever-evolving, reflecting his growth and aspirations as an artist. With The Loop, Rakei ventures into a new phase of his career, marked by collaboration and ambitious soundscapes, while also reflecting on personal themes and experiences.
7. How to Dress Well — I Am Toward You
Tom Krell, under his moniker How to Dress Well, returns after six years with his latest album I Am Toward You. Known for his intricate and avant-garde approach to R&B and pop, Krell delves even deeper into experimentation, crafting a sonic landscape filled with distortion, glitchy samples, and ethereal vocals. While the album may not offer immediate hooks like his previous works, Krell’s mastery shines through in moments of raw emotion and transcendence, particularly in tracks like “Song in the Middle” and “A Faint Glow Through a Window of Thin Bone (That’s How My Fate Is Shown).” Accompanied by a dense and introspective exegesis, Krell’s lyrics delve into themes of history, personal experience, and the intersection of technology and humanity. With I Am Toward You, Krell takes a decisive step away from commercial pressures, reaffirming his commitment to artistry and philosophical inquiry.
