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!
Yard Act, The Trenchcoat Museum
By now, you probably have a decent idea of what Yard Act are all about. Very much espousing the ‘spoken word’ approach to being a front man, James Smith delivers yet another another richly written and playful peek inside everyday life. But, unlike previous Yard Act releases, it’s the musicianship and production which really stand out here. Equal parts groovy and angular, “The Trenchcoat Museum” is a bit of a banger. Sadly, word of a new album is sparse but we’ll certainly let you know when any news drops. In the meantime, get down to lead single “The Trenchcoat Museum”. Available now from Island Records.
Say She She, Echo In The Chamber
Featuring a bassline groove and guitar licks reminiscent of Funkadelic’s more laidback output, Brooklyn’s Say She She deliver sumptuous multi-layered vocals laced with sass and soul. Get ’Echo in the chamber’ on your rotation. Out now on Plaid Room Records.
Bad Computer & Bianca, Land Of The Living
Youthful Australian electro-maestro Bad Computer - aka Craig Ferrier - returns to the underground with a new release firmly planted in the sound patches of the 00s. Expect a firm dose of mid bass, juicy kicks, and a bag full of warped digital crunchiness. Top all that off with a sweet vocal from fellow label-mate Bianca and you have a surprisingly resilient dance track that will fit nicely between a bit of Justice and the latest Taylor Swift. “Land Of The Living” is out now on Monstercat Records.
Danger Mouse & Jemini, Born Again
When Brian Burton - aka Danger Mouse - dropped his controversial, Beatles-sampling ‘The Grey Album’ back in 2004 it pushed him into the stratosphere. Suddenly, everyone wanted a piece of Danger Mouse and collaborative invitations began to flood in. But, it turns out that Danger and Jemini already had an album in the can, however, subsequent success(es) ensured that those tracks wouldn’t see the light of day until now. So, if you’ve been itching for some fresh but old(er) school hip-hop, this may be just what you’re looking for. Check out “The Gifted One” for a taste of that old skool flavour. ‘Born Again’ is available now on Lex Records.
Be Your Own Pet, Mommy
Nashville rockers Be Your Own Pet are back from the void and return with ‘Mommy’, 11 new tracks of fully expected in-your-face punk pop rock awesomeness. Having been on a hiatus from 2008 until 2021, it feels as if the band have a fair bit of a pent up energy to release, and vocalist Jemima Abegg certainly hasn’t lost any of that familiar sneer, sounding as fresh and energised as ever, and leaving nothing behind on this collection of banging new tracks. Check out opening tune “Worship The Whip” for a satisfying taster of Be Your Own Pet. ‘Mommy’ is available now on Third Man Records.
Willie J. Healey, Bunny
English singer-songwriter William Healey keeps great company and the influence of his touring stints with Gaz Coombes and The Arctic Monkeys - along with his close friendship with Jamie T - certainly shines through on his third full length release. But don’t get us wrong, ‘Bunny’ sounds like none of those things. The key difference here is a level of maturity and craft perhaps missing from some of his previous works. Rubbing up against pop rock royalty has certainly done the Carterton boy no harm. There are thirteen tracks in total on ‘Bunny’ and each is as different as the last but entirely worthy of your attention. However, if you’re running short of time, check out effervescent track ”Little Sister” for a sample of what this album is all about. ‘Bunny’ is available now on Yala! Records.
