CAUSTIC COMMENTARY: Arlo Parks, The Budos Band, Jungle, M. Ward, Jeff Rosenstock & More

Photo Credit: Alexandra Waespi

With a long weekend ahead of us and the sun feeling hotter than ever, the kick-off to Memorial Day weekend starts today and we’re heading into it with a bright, colorful playlist of new releases. With a collection of new albums being released or announced and new singles popping up like their in-season, the last Friday of May has brought us some undeniable music to send you off on your road trip or a relaxing weekend at home. Long weekends like this feel more important than ever for the sake of taking a breath from everyday stressors and allowing ourselves to put our feet up and enjoy a worry-free day. 

Check out Glide’s picks for the best new music released this week: 

Bonnie “Prince” Billy – “Bananas” 

Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You 

For the first look into the highly anticipated LP from the acclaimed singer/songwriter Bonnie “Prince” Billy, the harmonies are plentiful and the emotions are on full display. “Bananas” is a moving ballad that puts Billy’s masterful songwriting on full display as the soft plucking of an acoustic guitar adds a level of innocence to the whole piece. Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You is set to be released on August 11 via Drag City. 

Jeff Rosenstock – “Liked U Better” 

Single

The pop-punk powerhouse Jeff Rosenstock has made a triumphant return with a brand-new single. “Liked U Better” is an infectious new single with catchy melodies that deliver Rosenstock’s signature bluntness. “Liked U Better” acts as Rosenstock’s first proper single in three years and comes ahead of his freshly announced tour of the States. 

Dominic Fike – “Ant Pile” 

Sunburn

To say the new Dominic Fike album is highly anticipated would be an understatement, but this new single sticks in your head so much you forget a better word to describe your excitement. “Ant Pile” is our second look into Sunburn, Fike’s sophomore LP which is set to be released on July 7. The latest single features an off-kilter melody that allows Fike to stretch his voice to new lengths and deploy his simplistic but potent songwriting. 

BENEE – “BAGELS”

Single

For her latest single, the pop sensation known as BENEE toys in silence. “BAGELS” is the artist’s second single of the year and acts as a change of pace for the typically outgoing pop balladeer. The new single uses a certain level of ambiance that compliments the whispered falsettos of BENEE perfectly. 

M. Ward (Feat. Scott McMicken) – “New Kerrang”

Supernatural Thing

Courtesy of the good people over at Anti Records, M. Ward is here with a rocking new collaboration from his upcoming LP. Supernatural Thing is set to follow up his 2020 LP and will be released on June 23. “New Kerrang” has Ward rocking with a twang alongside Scott McMicken for a full-fledged honky tonk track that forces your foot to tap along whether you realize it or not. 

Amanda Shires & Bobbie Nelson – “Always On My Mind”

Loving You

This stirring new single from everyone’s favorite new duo is only getting us ready for their anticipated collaborative album. Loving You will have Amanda Shires and the legendary Bobbie Nelson teaming up for a collection of tracks and “Always On My Mind” has the pair at their best. A gentle piano melody acts as a canvas for the longing in the lyrics, combining to create a ballad that already sounds like a classic. 

Jungle – “Dominoes”

Volcano 

The ever-expansive band known as Jungle is prepping their new album and the latest single features a groove that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. “Dominoes” is the soulful new single off of Volcano, which is set to be released on August 11 via Caiola Records. This new single has the band dipping into a funk-inspired sound thanks to a bassline that bounces and bends with ease. 

Monophonics & Kendra Morris – “Untitled Visions”

Single

This collaboration between two of modern soul’s brightest stars could not have come out any better. The dream team of Monophonics and Kendra Morris combine for the hard-hitting yet atmospheric single “Untitled Visions”. Inspired by life on the road, the song features heavenly vocals from both artists respectfully, and an arrangement that sounds larger than life while still leaning towards a psychedelic influence. 

The Budos Band – “Frontier’s Edge”

Frontier’s Edge

One of the coolest bands in the world is here and brought with it a new EP that is already sounding incredible. The Budos Band has built an undeniable discography that bridges generations and genres with ease and their latest release continues their hot streak. “Frontier’s Edge” is the title track of the band’s upcoming EP which is set to be released on July 28. The song features that signature Budos big-band sound that scoffs at complacency with a structure that allows the band to harmonize and introduce new melodies freely. 

Jay Worthy & Roc Marciano – “How?”

Nothing Bigger Than The Program

On paper, the collaboration between modern west coast icon Jay Worthy and the storied Roc Marciano already seems like a dream. The results of their partnership have birthed one of the best hip-hop albums of the year in Nothing Bigger Than The Program as Marrciano’s soulful sample chops and neck-breaking drums placed a battery in Worthy’s back as the rapper has never sounded so energized. “How?” is a prime example of their chemistry as Marciano pieces together a soulful instrumental that is perfect for Worthy’s relaxed flows.

Arlo Parks – “Purple Phase”

My Soft Machine

Coming off of her highly-anticipated new album, which is finally out in full today, “Purple Phase” is a highlight from singer/songwriter Arlo Parks’ sophomore LP. My Soft Machine arrives in a cloud of anticipation and emerges as further proof that Parks deserves the widespread attention she has been receiving. “Purple Phase” is a highlight from the LP that has Parks gliding over a lush arrangement driven by dream-like guitar chords, allowing the vocalist to freely croon in a breath of refreshing R&B. 

The Voidz – “Prophecy Of The Dragon”

Single

The Voidz have made a welcomed return with a brand-new sound. “Prophecy Of The Dragon” has the band toying with fantasy tropes with a harder sound than ever before. Marking their first new song since 2020, the Julian Casablancas-led band creates an unpredictable rock track that uses elements of metal as much as it does pop.

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