After a few weeks of slim pickins, we’re finally given some top selections this round. Old favorites Minus the Bear are back with what’s sure to be another strong effort, Wild Nothing brings in some 80s rock with their second record and Divine Fits takes “super-group” to a whole new level with their debut.
This week, Wild Nothing (@wildnothing) strike again with their sophomore LP, Nocturne. The album features the band’s characteristic ‘80s vibe, but takes it a bit further, focusing on a bigger sound, bolder guitar riffs, and cosmic vocals. Acutely easy to listen to, Nocturne is clever, fun, and definitely a crowd-pleaser.
Divine Fits (@divinefits), a Los Angeles-based amalgamation of Spoon’s Britt Daniel, Wolf Parade’s Dan Boeckner and New Bomb Turks’ Sam Brown, has just released their debut album, A Thing Called Divine Fits. The LP is high-energy, yet relaxed, with a satisfying mix of Cake-like coolness and a sort of retro-funk energy. Don’t miss their September 9th show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Minus the Bear (@minusthebear) have been working for a long time, and, more importantly, they’ve been releasing great albums for a very long time. Their newest effort is sure to be another in a long line of awesome and well-loved releases. From a band with nothing left to prove, they’ll likely prove it anyway — great bands tend to do that.
Unfortunately we were unable to post last week’s picks. Here are those as well!
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti (@menopausemen) have been making music for quite a while, proving that every release is worth your time — not just for a listen, though, but for a deep discussion of the lo-fi and the acid weird that’s infused in the music. With releases coming out pretty much every year, a new Ariel Pink album isn’t exactly rare, but that doesn’t mean the cause for excitement is any less.
Taking Brit Pop to exactly where it should have gone after the 90s, Bloc Party’s (@blocparty) dance heavy, anthemic jams have been rocking stadiums for quite a while. Though we’re of the opinion that it would be nearly impossible to live up to their debut, Silent Alarm, that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped spinning, and thoroughly enjoying, all their later efforts. With four years, hence the title, since their last record, Intimacy, this one promises to bring back the angular British pop that we love so much.
To bridge the gap between Mammoth Swoon (2010) and her forthcoming debut studio record, Aly Spaltro of Lady Lamb the Beekeeper (@ladylambjams) has released a self-recorded album entitled Head Is Swimming. Lyrically rich and musically meandering, the album’s nine tracks offer an Orbison-esque simplicity while maintaining Spaltro’s signature, soulful feel. Don’t miss Lady Lamb the Beekeeper at The Rock Shop on September 7th.
With the release of their third album, Fragrant World, Brooklyn’s psych-pop ensemble Yeasayer (@yeasayer) have managed to create yet another unique and highly danceable compilation. After the major success of 2010’s Odd Blood, it’s safe to say that the group’s newest endeavor will enjoy an enthusiastic reception both in the US and elsewhere. Hard-hitters of the album include “Longevity,” “Henrietta,” and “Glass of the Microscope.”
