The Albums You Need to Know About Every Week
While the most notable releases this week may not be coming from any brand-new, up-and-coming artists, there are certainly a few veterans delivering music that feels like the first time — whether by changing their sound or returning after a long absence. Local Natives released the heavily anticipated follow up to their debut album, Ducktails delivered another groovy gem and Tegan and Sara broke into a realm of heavier electronics.
DUCKTAILS – THE FLOWER LANE
While Matt Mondanile was on tour as guitarist for Real Estate this year, he was also working on the fourth album of his solo project, Ducktails. The album has a very mellow, organic feel — with just enough wispy vocal and guitar effects to complement the occasional clunking of old piano keys. The Flower Lane does an awesome job of showcasing Mondanile’s knack for groovy, uncomplicated songwriting.
LOCAL NATIVES – HUMMINGBIRD
It’s been over 3 years since L.A.’s Local Natives released their first album, Gorilla Manor. Since then, the band has toured like crazy, built their own studio, and recorded a second record, entitled Hummingbird, due out today. One of Local Natives’ most signature sonic qualities, Taylor Rice’s laser of a tenor voice, is accented perfectly with the band’s instrumentation, which remains wild and strange on their sophomore release. Rather than the bubbling, reckless youth of Gorilla Manor, however, Hummingbird displays an explosive maturity which should excite old and new fans alike.
TEGAN AND SARA – HEARTTHROB
Tegan and Sara’s seventh studio album in twice as many years is no doubt a step away from what they’ve done in the past. Whereas their previous work is mostly raw alternative(ish) rock, Heartthrob, released today, features a whole new, electronic side to their music. The sound of the album, only previously heard perhaps in “Alligator” and scattered elsewhere throughout 2009′s The Con, is shiny, synth-y, and grand — an interesting move for the twin duo.
