Reptar, Santigold, Lower Dens [week's Top Releases]

Happy May! Last week in NYC, the inconsistent spring climate made summer seem eons away. This week, though, maybe waiting for warmer weather won’t seem as excruciating. After all, we’ve been waiting for these albums for a while, and they finally came!

Orifice Origami – Reptar // Buy

Sebastian – Reptar // Buy

Reptar (@reptarathens) earned a spot on The Wild Honey Pie’s list of favorite EPs last year, making their debut full-length highly anticipated by the folks here, not to mention practically everyone else — Reptar is pretty universally liked. The band’s unique electro jams and lucrative touring schedule have ignited dance parties across the nation, and the lack of repeats from their debut EP on Body Faucet is a welcome treat. More music from Reptar is never a bad thing.

Santigold (@santigold) has been on the verge of blowing up for quite some time now, beginning with the release of her 2008 visceral debut album Santogold. Four years later, she’s releasing the sophomore Master of My Make Believe. The jury’s still out on whether this album makes up for Santigold’s long absence, but after waiting this long, any new material is worth giving a chance. Even without the gap, however, it would be extremely difficult to follow up a record like Santogold, which produced some incredibly loveable tracks.

Brains – Lower Dens // Buy

Lower Dens’ (@lowerdens) 2010 debut album Twin Hand Movement has been called “stunning” by a number of reputable music publications, so following up with something equally thrilling was no simple task. If there were anyone up to the challenge, though, it would be frontwoman Jana Hunter. Eagerly awaited and more fuzzy and dreamy than the debut, Nootropics is a reinvention of Lower Dens’ sound, solidifying them as a band with seemingly endless ideas.

The Lumineers (@thelumineers) are the latest in a long line of bands capitalizing on the always-appreciated, sweet sounds of acoustic music. Hailing from Colorado, the trio released their promising self-titled debut today, finally providing Americans with the chance to take on the UK’s heavy reign over folk sing-a-longs. Consistently compared to Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers is definitely worth listening to.