Folks, the long weekend has finally arrived. Over here on the good old East Coast, they are calling for nothing but sunshine and humidity, the perfect way to ring in the summer. Whether traveling far and expecting traffic or planning a staycation, the sun shines brighter when you have the perfect song playing. Like a wedge of lime on the brim of a cocktail, music can accent your relaxation with a hint of flavor that makes a world of difference. Despite most people taking off for the weekend, the new music hasn’t stopped rolling in. This week’s Caustic features releases from veteran band leaders and experimental artists finding a new way to redefine unpredictability.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new releases below.
Bill MacKay – “Radiator”
Locust Land
Half instrumental bliss, half acoustic vulnerability, Bill MacKay’s Locust Land is a letter to his diversity as a guitarist and honesty as a songwriter. This 9-song LP switches between stunning love songs and guitar-driven instrumentals that touch on psychedelic garage rock and folksy plucking. “Radiator” features searing electric guitars delivering complex melodies for a hypnotic example of MacKay’s solo masterpiece.
Wallows – “I Wouldn’t Mind”
Model
Wallows have been on a missile-style trajectory to the top of the indie rock world since they released their debut album in 2019. Fast-forward to 2024, and the band has proven to be anything but a one-trick pony. Model is an ambitious LP with the band exploring the nuance of their sound to create an all-encompassing listening experience brimming with pop-tinged indie rock with a flair. “I Wouldn’t Mind” features a distorted whistle melody over bright guitar tones for a catchy stand-out with a dream-like atmosphere.
La Luz – “Dandelions”
News of the Universe
La Luz’s ethereal music becomes even more expansive on their new album, News of the Universe. The 12-track project jumps from psychedelic acoustic ballads to frantic experimental rock, like on “Dandelions.” Thumping drums shake you to your core as gothic guitars and synths cascade down the back of a quaint yet powerful vocal performance.
DIIV – “Little Birds”
Frog In Boiling Water
The highly anticipated album from DIIV has finally arrived. Despite the legions of fans counting down the days and keeping the singles on repeat, no one was prepared for Frog In Boiling Water. The murky and moody LP features ten mystifying tracks that simultaneously echo a relatable bleakness and a harsh reality check. “Little Birds” reaches through your ears to grab hold of your soul. Echoing vocals create an eerie feeling, while droning guitars and subtle drums create an ambiance brimming with emotions.
Paul Weller – “Flying Fish”
66
Paul Weller has spent his entire career shocking audiences with one sonic direction to the next. His unpredictable discography leaps from pure punk bliss to Motown-inspired LPs, and his new album is no different. 66 has the artist meshing his poetic songwriting with many styles like twangy folk and dense synth pop. “Flying Fish” represents the latter. A sun-drenched arrangement is a canvas for Weller’s potent vocals and wishful songwriting.
Andrew Bird, Alan Hampton & Ted Poor – “Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise”
Sunday Morning Put-On
Andrew Bird assembles a band of all-stars for his cabaret-style jazz LP. Sunday Morning Put-On is a beautifully constructed album with the warmth of Bird’s vocals accented by unpredictable jazz arrangements. “Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise” is a beautiful example of this album’s sonic direction. Relaxed, waltz-style vocal melodies soar over the warping arrangement that goes from minimal ambiance to jaw-dropping crescendos.
Vince Staples – “Black&Blue”
Dark Times
“Started talking ‘bout the future and the ever-present past,” raps Vince Staples on his new LP Dark Times. This sentiment is present throughout the album. Staples grapples with regret while living the dream, creating confusion that resulted in 13 tracks with infectious vulnerability and brilliant songwriting. “Black&Blue” has Staples questioning anything and getting heavy emotions off his chest over bouncy drums and a hauntingly beautiful vocal sample.
BADBADNOTGOOD – “Sunday Afternoon’s Dream”
Mid Spiral: Order – EP
The iconic jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD continues a prolific 2024 with their latest EP. Mid Spiral: Order follows last week’s Mid Spiral: Chaos EP and the band’s collaborative project with vocalist Baby Rose. As the name suggests, Order is a calmer set that draws influences from worldwide. “Sunday Afternoon’s Dream” is a mesmerizing stand-out with warping horns and infectious drums melting together for a jazzy groove.
Bobbyy – “Future Landlords”
BUCKETS
Drummer/producer Bobbyy has been part of some of the most forward-thinking jazz in the past few years. After melting faces with High Pulp and experimenting with the boundaries of the genre with Sunking, the artist steps into the spotlight on his first solo effort. BUCKETS features an array of different jazz styles; all filtered through Bobbyy’s limitless creativity. “Future Landlords” is a trance-inducing instrumental cut with complex rhythms that morph into something pure, chaotic, and refreshing.
Common & Pete Rock – “Wise Up”
Single
Two hip-hop giants combine for an in-your-face single dripping with nostalgia. “Wise Up” has Common spitting relaxed flows and lethal rhyme schemes over Pete Rock’s neck-breaking drums and face-melting sample chopping. The duo has been hinting at a collaborative LP, and “Wise Up” brings us one step closer to this dream album becoming a reality.
Amyl and The Sniffers – “Facts”
Single
Months ahead of their U.S. tour, borderless punk prodigies Amyl and The Sniffers bless fans with a double single. “U Should Not Be Doing That / Facts” are two essential singles for anyone new to one of the most exciting acts in modern punk. “Facts” stands out due to the throat-scratching vocal performance and dense guitar riffs that harken back to the history of punk, while Amyl and The Sniffers filter their influences through their vibrant creative lens.
Phish – “Oblivion”
Evolve
One of the most iconic and prolific jam bands of all time is back with another studio album. Phish is set to release Evolve on July 12, and the psychedelic funk of “Oblivion” is our latest look at the upcoming release. In classic Phish fashion, the band mixes a plethora of genres and styles into a honed single with soaring guitars and bluesy pianos.
Aloe Blacc – “Black Hole Sun”
Rock My Soul Volume 1
Legendary soul singer Aloe Blacc makes a Soundgarden classic his own for our first glimpse at his upcoming covers LP. Rock My Soul Volume 1 will have Blacc covering rock classics from across generations with his blues-style take on “Black Hole Sun” acting as our first single. Blacc makes the song his own by employing classic Southern rock tropes and masterful harmonies.
HOMESHAKE – “Simple”
Horsie
With one LP already released in 2024, HOMESHAKE is already preparing for his next release. Horsie will be released on June 28, and the latest single will indeed send you into a trance. “Simple” is precisely that. An ambiance swirls around unpredictable guitar tones as hushed yet palpable vocals add lush textures to the single.
Bizhiki – “Gigawaabamin (Come Through” (Feat. Mike Sullivan)
Unbound
The time has finally arrived, and Bizhiki is gearing up for their new album. Unbound will be released on July 19 via Jagjaguwar, and “Gigawaabamin” is our first single from the upcoming release. Blurring the lines between electronic folk and experimental pop, Bizhiki crafted an all-encompassing single that peeps into what is already promising to be a stand-out album in 2024.
