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!
Geese, Jesse
Hot off the release of their sophomore album ‘3D Country’, Brooklyn 5-piece Geese return with a new [non-album] track entitled “Jesse”. This three minute groove-driven, playful and chilled number is way too cool for school yet completely addictive. It didn’t make it onto their album ‘3D Country’ but it certainly has the quality required for a stand-alone single. “Jesse” is available now from Partisan Records.
Dutch indie pop rocksters - and friends of Alex Kapranos - Pip Blom are back with a new cut from their forthcoming 3rd album ‘Bobbie’. In comparison to previous releases, “Get Back” presents a more vibrant and immediate side of the band. It’s hardly rocket science but there’s a nicely constructed simplicity to this track that recalls the likes of The Tings Tings but without the need for any self-deprecation as a counterweight. Freshly baked in the Heavenly Records oven and available now, “Get Back” is very much hot-to-the-touch but no so much that you shouldn’t sample an earful. And if that’s not enough, you can check out Stephen Steps Lowe‘s interview with Pip on RTL Play. Part one here and part two here. Get on it!
Missing those art punk/electro crossover vibes of the late 00s? Need a little of that sasscore flavouring on your modern punk output? Then we have just the ticket in the form of San Diego’s very own SeeYouSpaceCowboy and their new single “Rhythm and Rapture”. Yes, it’s in your face. And yes, it is a touch ‘Good Charlotte meets Linkin Park’. But you’ll be nodding along well before those 3 minutes have expired. Plus, any song that kicks off with a “Let’s go!” deserves everyone’s attention. Out now on Pure Noise Records.
Slowdive, Everything Is Alive
The Berkshire-based shoegazers are back, and back on form, with their 5th album ‘Everything Is Alive’. Although the familiar characteristics and style of Slowdive hasn’t changed much over the years, this album represents a more accomplished and agreeable collection of songs when compared to their eponymous album of 6 years ago. And although it may not be as lo-fi and gritty as their earliest output, the maturity on display here makes ‘Everything Is Alive’ far easier to slip into at any given time. Featuring a total of eight new tracks of outstanding quality, ‘Everything Is Alive’ is out now on Dead Ocean Records. And if that doesn’t sell it, then go check out the beautifully animated video for new single “Alife”. You’ll be sold.
https://youtu.be/MhQht-YK8rw?feature=sharedhttps://youtu.be/MhQht-YK8rw?feature=sharedVictoria Monet, Jaguar 2Former Atlanta artist - now Sacramento songstress - Victoria Monet is back with her first full-length release since embarking on motherhood. Originally conceived as a set of EPs, ‘Jaguar 2’ was elevated to full album status by her label, and that may turn out to be a wise decision. This is, after all, a celebrated songwriter who is picking up Grammy nominations; the depth of quality was always going to be there. Preceded by singles “Smoke”, “Party Girls” and “On My Mama”, the additional 8 tracks here cover a wide range of Monet’s styles and musically feature a very mature and considered approach to incorporating her influences. Check out the end-of-summer vibes on “Hollywood” to get a taster of this surprisingly considered release. ‘Jaguar 2‘ is out now on Lovett Music/RCA Records.
Ashnikko, Weedkiller
Due to record label woes, American artist Ashniko’s debut album was pushed back a couple of months but, now that it’s landed, we can tell you it was worth the wait. Infusing a narrative of environmental disaster and transhumanism - across a mix of trap, industrial pop, and nu-metal landscapes - ‘Weedkiller’ serves up 13 tracks within a svelt 33 minute package. In short, there’s little fat here but plenty of bone, gristle and muscle to keep you wide awake. ‘Weedkiller’ is available now from Parlophone/Warner Records. For a gateway taste into Ashniko’s oeuvre check out her latest single “Cheerleader”.
https://youtu.be/_BkjDZshvK8?feature=shared
