I guess it all depends on the cat, but New Music Friday has some great tunes this week, so it’d have to be a really, really cool cat to win.
Anyway, let’s focus on the music.
Maps & Atlases – Lightlessness Is Nothing New
Take a doo-wop band, add in some synths and a whole lot of indie rock hooks, and you’re halfway to this band. The album sounds totally unique while somehow feeling like an old friend. It’s upbeat, produced well, and, from start to finish, it’s a good time.
Favorite tracks: “Violet Threaded” & “Fog and the Fall”
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – Something Else
The first of two releases from them this year, Something Else is lo-fi, old-school rock ‘n’ roll goodness. There’s a heavy psychedelic vibe that almost sounds like they recorded in a massive tunnel. The nine tracks will fill the void while we wait for their next one.
Favorite tracks: “Animal Wisdom” & “Hold That Thought”
Express Rising – Fixed Rope 2
These 12 tracks are somehow emotionally crushing without ever using lyrics to get in the way. If you’re looking for a gorgeous, instrumental walk through a dream world, this will do you nicely.
Favorite tracks: “Area Man” & “Focus Puller”
Father John Misty – God’s Favorite Customer
If you’re looking for an uplifting jam to head into the weekend, this probably isn’t your album. If you’re looking for a melancholic yet phenomenal record, this is it. The closest I can come to describing it is: Elton John meets Leonard Cohen.
Favorite tracks: “The Palace” & “We’re Only People”
Neko Case – Hell-On
When Neko was recording this album in Sweden when she got a call that her farmhouse in Vermont burned down. The next day, she recorded “Bad Luck” (which is possibly the most upbeat track). This is a dark, poppy, singer/songwriter album from a pro.
Favorite tracks: “Bad Luck” & “Pitch or Honey”
Ghost – Prequelle
Let us be the first to welcome Cardinal Copia to the group. If you’re familiar with Ghost, you know the lead singer takes on different papal personas. The new sermon is fantastic with a metal/rock opera you’ve come to expect from the Swedish rockers. At points, it’s almost sweet.
Favorite tracks: “Faith” & “Pro Memoria”
The Presets – Hi Viz
The cover of this album is perfect. It’s an insane mix of 12 songs, almost an hour long, that are pure party tracks. You really can’t listen to this album without dancing and/or laughing at the tracks. The lyrics are super fun. Get the party started with this one.
Favorite tracks: “14U+14ME” & “Martini”
Kataklysm – Meditations
They’re not named Kataklysm because they’re light and fluffy. This is by far the heaviest album out this week and with over 25 years in the death metal game, these Canadians deliver. It’s aggressive, it’s polished, and it’s oddly catchy. Welcome to the shred zone.
Favorite tracks: “The Last Breath I’ll Take Is Yours” & “Outsider”
Modeselektor – Modeselektion Vol. 4
At an hour and a half long with 19 different artists, this one is going to have something for most electronic music fans out there. It’s got everything from industrial, to house, to jungle, and it’s perfect for almost any party.
Favorite tracks: “Watercolour Challenge” & “ob.bx-n”
BONUS SINGLE: Bob Moses – “Heaven Only Knows”
Right before they head out on a new tour, they give us a taste of what’s to come. And honestly, if the “loads of new music” they’re bringing on tour sound like this poppy lil’ ditty, the fans are going to be very pleased.
See you next week!
