So lend an ear and tuck into our pick of some of this week’s most prominent music releases. You never know, your new favourite record may be in there!
Post Malone, Austin
After the slightly underwhelming ‘Twelve Carat Toothache’, Post Malone - AKA: The nicest guy in the industry - is back with new album ‘Austin’; a melodic ode to his place of birth. With seventeen new compositions and expansive production values, it could be argued that this is Post’s ‘guitar’ album but that would detract from much of the craft and delicacy on display here. From the upbeat drive of lead single “Chemical”, to the introspection of follow-up “Mourning”, there’s a little bit of everything for old and new fans alike. Check out the 3rd single “Overdrive” for a taste of what makes ‘Austin’ possibly one of the best albums of the summer. The album, released on Mercury Records, is available now.
The Clientele, I Am Not There Anymore
Imagine Mark Everett’s Eels channeling Arthur Lee’s Love and you might….might get close to the sound of The Clientele. Even then, I feel like I’m doing them an injustice because they really are a touch unique compared to much of the music being churned out today. “I Am Not There Anymore” is The Clientele’s 9th album and features nineteen new songs stuffed with melody, melancholy and much to muse over. If you’ve never experienced their delightful creations before, check out promo track “Blue over Blue” for a taste of what makes The Clientele a little bit special. “I Am Not There Anymore” is available now on Merge Records.
Dexys, The Feminine Divine
No longer performing under the name Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Kevin Rowland and crew are back as ‘Dexys’, and with a new album in hand. But don’t expect the music to be stripped back like the name. This return to form showers us with an irresistible collection of beatific pop beauties, a full 11 years since the release of their last album of original music. A refreshed approach, both in terms of craft and attitude, has allowed Dexys to put together an album of wonderful duplicity; with a first half full of swagger and a second half fueled by cabaret and extravagance. Check out single “I’m Going To Get Free” for a taste of this return to form. ‘The Feminine Divine’ is distributed by 100% Records and is available now.
J Hus, Beautiful and Brutal Yard
Chock full of collaborations - with everyone from Drake to Naira Marley - London’s J Hus drops an entertaining melting pot of beats and rhyme with his latest album ‘Beautiful and Brutal Yard’. Never one to shy away from how he feels, the Afroswing pioneer layers his smooth prose over elements drawn from afrobeat, drill and r&b to deliver an unmissable set of new tracks. Already available from Black Butter Records, get a taste of the album with the addictively smooth “Who Told You”, featuring Drake.
Mitski , Bug Like An Angel
American singer-songwriter Mitski previews her upcoming album ‘The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We’, with lead single “Bug Like an Angel”; a delicately crafted composition peppered with lyrical introspection, acoustic guitar and subtly layered harmonies. With the album dropping on Dead Oceans Records in September, check out the video for “Bug Like An Angel”. You can also check out our man Stephen ’Steps’ Lowe’s interview with Mitski right here.
Aphex Twin, Blackbox life recorder 21f / In a room7
Not normally one for announcing his presence, Richard D James - aka Aphex Twin - is back with his first new music in five years, in the form of a 4-track extended play. At first, the lead track ‘Blackbox life recorder 21f’ begins relatively subdued but that subtlety deftly shifts to the sort of beat shuffles, squeezed synths and ping-pong production we would more normally associated with Mr James of old. On the other hand, “In a room7” is firmly awash with all of the textures and weirdness you hope for on an Aphex Twin release. Frustratingly, we’ve no word yet on a new album or tour from the mercurial master of electro. So, until then, why not tuck into this tasty Warp Records release which is available now.
Calvin Harris & Sam Smith, Desire
Calvin Harris and Sam Smith are back together again and have teamed up to deliver a big beat banger which will surely become a staple of the current club scene. Continuing his recent habit of drawing heavily on 90s house and electro classics, Calvin keeps the beats simple and the production lush to ensure that Sam Smith’s lyrics are very much in the driving seat. It can hardly be described as original but it certainly carries the sort of energy and vibe you want from a dancefloor filler. “Desire” is available now on Sony Records.
If you’ve found some new tunes recently, have any recommendations for what we should be checking out, or simply have an earworm that you just can’t shift, then why not drop us the details via WhatsApp (+352 621 525 000) and, as our esteemed colleague Stephen ‘Steps’ Lowe always says, if we have it - we’ll play it!
