These new releases are how we cope
We didn’t think we’d be rounding up the most emotional music this week, but here we are. All of these records feel like they’re trying to tell us something. Have fun trying to figure out what.
Local
Elizabeth Claire Prophet, Palisades
Elizabeth Claire Prophet’s gentle voice points inward for introspection on love and loss on “Palisades.” Prophet’s voice is clear and lulling as it floats dreamily over a simple and repetitive, but remarkably effective, backing made up of computer beats and Prophet’s own voice.
Justin Bigart, On hope & fear, (The Baseline Tapes)
This singer-songwriter record is beautiful. Justin Bigart’s voice is mellow as it glides and stirs something inside us. The simple one-man instrumental backing works perfectly with the warmth of this album.
Him Taugen, Cornoavirus
This cheekily misspelled EP sounds way better than the guitar your roommate has been playing for the last month. Him Taugen shows off with fun chord patterns and reverb. This makes us feel like we’re back at a house show. I mean technically we are.
New Albums
Fiona Apple, Fetch the Bolt Cutters
Listening to the new Fiona Apple feels like we’re all living in a fever dream. Each song is its own distinct story. “Fetch The Bolt Cutters” has everything we love about Fiona Apple while still sounding experimental and new.
SONOFDOV, Battle Lines
Battle Lines is an unexpected EP that sends us straight into our feelings. SONOFDOV’s vulnerability shines through in the first few notes of this EP and continues throughout. Simple acoustic backing and exposed lyrics make us feel the most while doing the least.
Lido Pimienta, Miss Colombia
This Latin record combines traditional cumbia and electronic foundations to create something that feels both old and new. If your quarantine goal is to learn Spanish, this is a great place to start. And if it isn’t, you should still listen to this.
The Pack a.d., It Was Fun While It Lasted
“It Was Fun While It Lasted” is The Pack a.d.’s last record. The duo play off each other in a way that feels like friendship as they emote chaotic fatigue and exhaustion. This is a smart record that signals the end of a pairing but doesn’t feel like the end of times.
Supermoon, Half Country
This blissful duo reminds us of summer nights under the full moon. Maybe under different circumstances we’d be holding someone’s hands or dancing in a field with this as our soundtrack. But right now, we’ll just listen to it and imagine.
New Singles
Kory Quinn, Bound For Glory
Hot take: there’s not a single country/Americana song that exists that wouldn’t be better with a banjo. So there’s no surprise that we love “Bound For Glory.” Kory Quinn’s rises and falls over the melody of strumming and harmonica. You’ll be tapping your foot in no time.
Superwolf, You’ll Get Eaten, Too
This collab is grungy. It’s got killer guitar solos that are long enough to get the point across without feeling self-serving. Plus, it’s got the kind of voice that sounds like the singer might cry or scream or cough at any moment. It becomes a melting pot full of alternative staples that still feels fresh.
The Q-Tip Bandits, Ain’t It Great
It is great. Listening to The Q-Tip Bandits feels like a concert no matter where you are. Horns and a mellow voice join together to create a track that sounds playful.
Francis of Delirium, Circles
Francis of Delirium hits us with intensity on “Circles.” We get belting rage, combining with guitar and grunge. It constructs a track that lets us feel angry and sad at the same time. The slow rise that gives way to an agonizing end leaves us feeling like we just rode a roller coaster.
Stefan Le Noach, Portals
This instrumental track is our ambient soundtrack for the week. It’s funky and interesting, never falling into monotony. Stefan Le Noach mixes up his beats to give us unexpected variety. You could groove to this or you could just lay at the floor and stare at your ceiling. We won’t judge.
Assembled by music director Meghan Jonas.