I’m not sure where in the world you’re reading this from, but if you’ve been caught by this excessive heat wave that has been attacking the States over the past week or two, our hearts go out to you. With outside essentially off limits for those with hyperactive sweat glands, a line-up of new LPs and singles to hide under the shade is exactly what is needed to push through these “feels like 101” days. This week is no different than the other stellar New Music Fridays we’ve had in 2023 especially considering a massive yet elusive artist has emerged with a new album (here’s looking at you, Travis Scott). Outside of that, we have another expansive and vivid list for you to explore and discover your new musical obsession.
Here are Glide’s picks for the best new music of the week:
The Budos Band – “KRITN”
Frontier’s Edge
The legendary Budos Band is back with a brand new EP and it is the furthest thing from a disappointment. The band lived up to the hype built by the incredible singles with a set of songs that lean on psychedelic tendencies while still sounding focused. “KRITN” stands out from its peers due to its soaring guitar tones and acrobatic horn section, creating a free-falling sensation without the sense of danger for a welcoming yet unpredictable track.
Black Grape – “Milk”
Orange Head
The power duo of Happy Modays’ Shaun Ryder and vocalist Kermit are finally back and they sound better than ever. This week the pair announced Orange Head, their new album which is set to be released on November 3, marking their first full album since 2017. The exciting news was capped off with the release of “Milk”, the infectious, genre-bending single that continues Black Grape’s unpredictable approach to pop music. The fuzzed-out single features acrobatic vocals over a hectic, up-tempo instrumental, the perfect combination for an off-kilter dance classic.
Daniel Donato – “Lose Your Mind”
Reflector
The highly anticipated sophomore album from Daniel Donato is finally just over the horizon yet the latest single for the project makes this Fall release date seem so far away. Reflector will be released on November 10 via Retrace Music and “Lose Your Mind” is here to build excitement with nothing but pure country power. The single features Donato’s masterful guitar playing and sits next to a lively arrangement while his vocals add a light-hearted feeling to the whole composition.
Animal Collective – “Soul Capturer”
Isn’t It Now?
Everyone’s favorite indie powerhouse is gearing up to reclaim its place on the alternative music throne. Animal Collective has announced Isn’t It Now? a 10-song outing set to be released on September 29. The album will feature the band’s single “Defeat”, released earlier this year, along with the trippy new song “Soul Capturer”. The latest single is lined with psychedelic velvet to smooth over the intimidating tone of the drums while the rest of the arrangement weaves in and out of tempos and tones with ease.
Glen Hansard – “The Feast of St. John”
All That Was East Is West of Me Now
From our good friends over at Anti Records comes the highly anticipated new LP from Irish folk icon Glen Hansard. All That Was East IS West of Me Now will hit your local streaming service on October 20, the perfect season for Hansard’s dark yet vivid storytelling and moody arrangements. “The Feast of St. John” welcomes us to the new album, an emotional roller coaster of intense mood changes and passionate vocals, all centered around the tale spun by the imaginative lyrics.
Holy Hive – “The Shame” (Feat. El Michels Affair & Fleet Foxes)
Big Crown Vaults, Vol. 3
The psychedelic folk of Holy Hive just got a facelift with a collaboration that feels like a fever dream that forced its way into reality. “The Shame” has the band teaming up with El Michels Affair and Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes for a powerful instrumental track that thrives on menacing undertones. The song is just as captivating even without the lush vocals usually associated with a Holy Hive release, instead, the passion comes from the impressive drumming and otherworldly textures achieved by this folk dream team.
James Blake – “Loading”
Playing Robots Into Heaven
The anticipation for this brand-new James Blake LP is so high singles are almost unnecessary, although they are greatly appreciated. Blake’s latest offering, the 11-track Playing Robots Into Heaven, is set to be released on September 8 and the artist is not being selfish with the singles. Following up on the abstract “Big Hammer” single comes “Loading”, a beautiful ballad tinted with electronic spurts to blur the lines between human emotion and robotic energy. The single features a drum pattern that is begging to be two-stepped along with, although Blake’s ability to switch from falsetto to baritone allows this track to be humanized and have an extra punch of emotion.
Hotline TNT – “Protocol”
Single
The fuzzy guitar project of Will Anderson, Hotline TNT is back with a new single and a new home. After the announcement that they have signed with Third Man Records, the band released “Protocol”, an emotionally vulnerable single that is equal parts hectic and poetic. The soaring vocals help elevate the wall-of-sound-style arrangement, making for a distorted whirlwind of guitar chords and neck-breaking tempos.
Flat Worms – “Suburban Swans”
Witness Marks
The supergroup consisting of session musicians and band members from some of the best psyched-out rock of the modern time, Flat Worms is here to make a statement with their latest release. The band’s new album Witness Marks is set to be released on September 22 and its two singles will get anyone unfamiliar with the band excited about this news, especially the recently released “Suburban Swans” track. This latest single features sharp edges and harsh turns although it is all smoothed out by the heartfelt vocals and passionate lyrics, combining for a widely exciting and off-kilter introduction to a band everyone should know about.
Mitski – “Bug Like an Angel”
The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We
No words are needed to describe the music of Mitski. The singer/songwriter has announced the follow-up to last year’s Laurel Hill in the form of The LAnd is Inhospitable and So Are We. Their new album is set to be released on September 15 and the album’s lead single features stirring minimalism and otherworldly harmonies. “Bug Like an Angel” allows Mitski’s voice to pull at your heartstrings while a simplistic arrangement ironically adds depth to the whole composition.
Sami Stevens – “Pages of You”
Morning
Sami Stevens’ solo debut has just arrived but sounds timeless and feels classic on your first listen. The 11-song LP puts her gorgeous songwriting on full display over expansive and jazzy arrangements, combining for a sentimental debut that is slowly making its case for one of the best albums of the year. “Pages of You” features a blissful arrangement that gets juxtaposed with the vulnerable lyrics, combining for a showcase of Stevens’s natural sense of melody and tone.
The Clientele – “Chalk Flowers”
I Am Not There Anymore
The Clientele have nothing left to prove yet their latest album sounds like some of their most ambitious work to date. I AM Not There Anymore explores the nuances of the band’s views on grief through a concept album that is in no rush. “Chalk Flowers” is an example of the poetic nature of the LP, a beautifully crafted ballad that leans on its minimal arrangement for a sense of home. This is just one of the many moments of undeniable music held on I Am Not There Anymore, an ambitiously bold LP from a band that refuses to play it safe.
Mayer Hawthrone – “The Pool”
Single
The ever-impressive and forever funky Mayer Hawthrone has returned with a solo release for this blaring heat. “The Pool” uses syncopation to separate itself from any other funk-driven song you’ve heard today. Hawthorne’s vocals come swooping in with undeniable charisma while the lush arrangements refuse convention.
High Pulp – “Fast Asleep”
Days in the Desert
The day has finally arrived for the new High Pulp album and the fictional Glide offices are in a frenzy. One of the most anticipated albums of the year for our humble site is out in full and not only does it not disappoint, it shocks and amazes. “Fast Asleep” is a stand-out due to its muddy undertones that get cleaned off by the whimsical wind instruments and gentle keys, allowing the frantic drum patterns to drive the rest of the arrangement.
