Wherever you’re reading this, I hope it’s a little bit sunnier than my neck of the woods. I write to you on a dreary day in suburbia with the sound of rain knocking at my window was my alarm this morning with a menacing cumulonimbus just lurking above. Although it looks like a night of shelter and tea, no movie marathon will be needed as the last new music Friday of August has gifted us with releases from some of the most elusive artists along with some prolific bands adding another release under their belts. From across genres and timezones, this Friday of releases falls in line with the prior Fridays by providing a wide array of terrific new releases to shift through.
Check out Glide’s picks for the best new music of the week below:
Yeek – “Daylight Savings”
Future Reference
In a stunning return to form, multi-faceted artist Yeek drops off his best album to date. Future Reference is a quick yet dense album filled with light-hearted instrumentals and low-pressure pop structures. “Daylight Savings” only hints at the many sonic surprises on Yeek’s latest, a thumping piano transitions into a lo-fi dance track with the artist penning some of his best lyrics to date.
Summer Moon – “Star_Child”
Casino Days – EP
The Strokes’ Nikolai Fraiture returns with his Summer Moon project for a stellar new EP. Casino Days is out today and filled with danceable rock tracks, “Star_Child” being an early stand-out. The duet is set to a dance-rock track with glimmering guitars and drum patterns that evoke the feeling of dancing even if you’re standing still.
Black Pumas – “More Than a Love Song”
Chronicles of a Diamond
Coming from the highly anticipated sophomore LP from the soul outfit Black Pumas, our first taste is truly something special. Chronicles of a Diamond is set to be released on October 27 and “More Than a Love Song” acts as a proper introduction to this new era of Black Pumas. It is a relaxing track that uses an unconventional structure to give the lush melodies some edge, the perfect recipe for some futuristic soul.
Be Your Own Pet – “Never Again”
Mommy
In a storm of distortion, Be Your Own Pet makes a triumphant return with their hectic new LP Mommy. For 11 tracks the band takes you on a frantic journey through vulnerable lyrics delivered in a blind furry. “Never Again” only scratches the surface of the punk onslaught of Mommy, a confidence booster of a song with blistering tempos and an unforgettable vocal performance.
Hiss Golden Messenger – “Jump for Joy”
Jump for Joy
Hiss Golden Messenger has built a dense discography filled with sonic twists and turns and his latest LP feels like the artist has hit a new creative high. Jump for Joy brings in elements of gospel, folk, and country for a melting pot of southern charm with the title track standing tall amongst the rest. A rolling piano adds a feather-like effect to the dark lyrics, a juxtaposition that is endearing and shocking at the same time.
Old Crow Medicine Show – “Nameless, TN”
Jubilee
Old Crow Medicine Show struck a special level of country magic on their latest effort. Jubilee is out today and as promised, it is overflowing with charming folk that range from emotionally hopeful to fun-loving songwriting. “Nameless, TN” leans to the emotional side of the LP, a stunning display of chemistry from the band as they traverse twangy acoustics with heaven-sent harmonies that deliver moving poetry.
A Giant Dog – “Watch It Burn”
Bite
Marking the band’s first album since 2019, A Giant Dog pieced together a stunning concept record with searing guitars and heartfelt vocals. Bite is the short yet potent new LP from the band and “Watch It Burn” feels like the best of the bunch. It features an infectious melody that sits on a dense arrangement of thumping musicianship.
Ratboys – “Break”
The Window
The music of Ratboys has always been a mix of so many influences and their latest effort, The Window, builds on to the lure of the pop-punk outfit. The Window is the band’s most ambitious album to date and features some of the best moments of their career. “Break” is the sonic odyssey that has Ratboys’ signature sound on an elevated level, allowing the nuances of their artistry to be on full display.
Danger Mouse & Jemini – “Walk the Walk”
Born Again
Originally recorded back in 2004, the duo of producer Danger Mouse and Jemini unleash their vaulted masterpiece. Born Again is here and whatever expectations you have could be raised to the furthest extent of your imagination and it will still surpass them. “Walk the Walk” is the stadium-ready anthem that features some of Jemini’s best rapping while Danger Mouse pieces together a hectic wall of sound with nuanced horns and gospel-style keys, all being held together by his signature drums.
Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist – “Sentry” (Feat. Mike)
Voir Dire
The long-awaited and heavily rumored collaborative album between Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist is finally a reality. The full album can only be streamed via Gala Music, an interactive streaming service meant to elevate the listening experience although “Sentry” acts as the first mass-released single. The undeniable chemistry between Mike and Sweatshirt sounds even more potent over Alchemist’s signature sample chops. Another highly anticipated release that did not disappoint.
Toro Y Moi – “Sidelines”
Sandhills – EP
In a surprise turn of events, the legendary Toro Y Moi has released a folk EP to follow up the experimental funk of his highly regarded 2022 LP. Sandhills is a quick pit stop of blissful acoustics and raw vocals that add a layer of vulnerability to Toro Y Moi’s signature lyricism. “Sidelines” features stunning backing vocals that add to the enchanted acoustics and emotionally open songwriting.
Terrace Martin & James Fauntleroy – “Butterfly Effect”
Nova – EP
The hardest-working man in jazz, Terrace Martin, teams up with the elusive and ever-impressive James Fauntleroy for a stunning set of tracks. Their new EP Nova seemingly crashlanded onto our phones and intends to stick in your psyche for the rest of the year. “Butterfly Effect” is just one of the gorgeous examples of the duo’s chemistry, Martin crafts a lively arrangement with soaring horns that allows Fauntleroy to display his full range of talents.
