Cloud Nothings, Chairlift, First Aid Kit [week's Top Releases]

It’s definitely an exciting Tuesday for new music. Spanning multiple genres, there’s truly something for everybody to enjoy — rock out to the new, rawer Cloud Nothings, get nostalgic with the return of Chairlift’s semi-retro pop, ease in to the sweet sound of First Aid Kit’s sophomore disc, or get lost in the dream world of Porcelain Raft’s highly anticipated debut full-length.

Stay Useless – Cloud Nothings // Buy

No Future/No Past – Cloud Nothings // Buy

Dylan Baldi is backed by a band for the first time on Cloud Nothings’ (@cloudnothings) second full-length (he recorded the self-titled debut by himself), and the effect on his sound is immense. Compared to the lo-fi pop songs Baldi became known for, Attack On Memory is full of rocked out jams featuring heavy guitars and impressive drum skills. The catchy hooks that make it virtually impossible not to get Cloud Nothings songs stuck in your head are still there (“Stay Useless” and “Fall In”), but they’re nicely balanced with tracks that come from a darker, more mature place (“Wasted Days” and “No Sentiment”). Overall, Attack On Memory is a fantastic album with virtually no low points, and it’s great to see a young artist so open to exploring a new and intriguing sound.

Sidewalk Safari – Chairlift // Buy

Brooklyn-based electronic music pair Chairlift (@chairlifted) released their second full-length album today. Though it’s their first as a duo (co-founding member Aaron Pfenning walked in 2010), Something employs the same 1980s pop hooks that have characterized the group’s sound since the beginning. Their 2008 Apple commercial hit “Bruises” is a song about blind devotion, but new songs like “Guilty As Charged” and “Wrong Opinion” have a more contemplative and jaded view of love — a sign of emotionally matured songwriting, possibly the result of vocalist Caroline Polachek’s failed romantic relationship with Pfenning. Regardless, Something is a solid sophomore release that manages to both evolve and maintain the elements that made Chairlift successful in the first place.

Sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg of First Aid Kit (@firstaidkitband) may be Swedish, but they’ve mastered the art of Americana music. Their second album, The Lion’s Roar, features sweet, clear-as-a-bell harmonies that fill their country/folk pop inspired tunes with frank and somber lyrics. Think of a female Fleet Foxes against a gloomier backdrop for an idea of what this extremely easy-to-listen-to album is all about. The Lion’s Roar even includes a treat for Bright Eyes fans — the album’s upbeat closing track, “King Of The World”, features guest vocals from Conor Oberst.

Put Me To Sleep – Porcelain Raft // Buy

The debut full-length from the one-man bedroom pop project Porcelain Raft (@porcelainraft) comes after an impressive three EPs released last year. Mauro Remiddi explores a more bare-boned sound than his previous work as a member of indie-pop band Sunny Day Sets Fire. Already a hit among fans and bloggers alike, THWP’s own Mal Foster asserts that what makes Strange Weekend truly unique “is the impressive way in which it tip toes the fine lines between homemade charm and tight, polished production — sentimental minimalism and bold determination.”