The crisp air of fall is starting to cut through the brutal heat of these past few weeks. The refreshing cool breeze is bringing a plethora of brand-new releases with it and a ton of album announcements that make saying goodbye to summer a whole lot easier. This week’s list feels different than any other of 2023 with some of our favorite veterans and praised newcomers all coming together for one day of fantastic new music.
Check out Glide’s picks for the best new music of the week below:
Explosions In The Sky – “Peace or Quiet”
End
The instrumental rock juggernauts Explosions In The Sky are back with their first album in seven years. End does not reference the band’s career but rather is the focus of their latest LP, which is out today, as the band crafts moving instrumentals that explore the true essence of what the “end” of something really means. “Peace or Quiet” is the most introspective of the batch, an ambient acoustic ballad that creates butterflies in your stomach just before you slam into a wall of distorted grandeur.
Alan Palomo – “Nobody’s Woman”
World of Hassle
For his first album after dropping his prior name, Neon Indian, Alan Palomo crafted a playfully impressive LP. World of Hassle feels intimate despite its kaleidoscope of funky pop drenched in blaring horns and dancing synths. “Nobody’s Woman” is an early favorite, Palomo’s silk-lined vocals glide over a criminally smooth arrangement for the perfect blend of the artist’s maturity and natural ability.
The Mommyheads – “Learning To Live”
Coney Island Kid
https://mommyheads.bandcamp.com/album/coney-island-kid
The Mommyheads, a legendary New York-based prog-rock band, are back with some of their best music to date. The band’s 15th studio album, out today, proves these 40-year veterans still have plenty to say as they craft a concept album filled with plot twists and their signature blend of genres. “Learning To Live” stands out with an arrangement that goes from wonky synths to acoustic-rock bliss in the blink of an eye with some of the most moving lyrics Coney Island Kid has to offer.
Vic Mensa – “$outhside Story” (Feat. Common)
Victor
On his proper sophomore LP, Chicago’s Vic Mensa reinvents himself. Victor arrives today and features some of the artist’s best music to date with his storytelling reaching a new height along with being some of the most vulnerable lyrics Mensa ever put to tape. “$outhside Story” features the legendary Chicago emcee Common as the duo pen a moving ode to their hometown with undeniable passion and energy.
Woods – “Sip of Happiness”
Perennial
After releasing some of the best singles we’ve heard all year, the day has finally arrived and the new Woods album is here for your listening pleasure. Perennial has the band implementing hints of jazz to their signature indie sound with “Sip of Happiness” being a competitor for the best song on the LP. A whimsical falsetto gives the track such warmth with dancing guitar melodies to tie everything together.
Buffalo Nichols – “Cold Black Stare”
The Fatalist
It has been two years since Buffalo Nichols blew everyone away with a stellar debut and now, we finally have a follow-up. The Fatalist is out today and features Nichols diving deeper into his love of blues as he pens vivid imagery over jangling guitar plucking. “Cold Black Stare” welcomes you to Nichols’ sophomore LP, a sentimental tune that takes you on a journey through dark realities via baritone vocals.
Baroness – “Choir”
Stone
In their latest onslaught of chugging guitars and atmospheric arrangements, Baroness crafts an unforgettable LP. Stone is out today and features more of the band’s polished take on modern rock with just enough gentle arrangements to juxtapose the booming vocals. “Choir” has the band at their best, with off-kilter vocals that cut in and out as a neck-breaking yet smooth arrangement juxtaposes the gravelly melodies.
Dengue Fever – “Prahok In My Suitcase”
Ting Mong
Dengue Fever has not released a full album since 2015 but today, the eclectic band changed that. Ting Mong is an endlessly fun LP with pillow-like arrangements to back the lush vocals for a dreamscape you can’t get enough of. “Prahok In My Suitcase” features one of the best arrangements on the album with sonic twists and turns that evoke the feeling of free-falling.
Wilco – “Cousin”
Cousin
With their new album being released in just a few weeks (September 29), Wilco gives us another preview with the title track to Cousin. Marking the first time the band has worked with an outside producer in some years, Wilco’s upcoming release is promising to be different than anything they’ve done in the past, and “Cousin” future proves that. Frontman Jeff Tweedy sings his heart out over an instrumental filled with rhythmic claps and weeping guitars for a single that should have you even more excited about the band’s newest album.
Smut – “Y Signal”
Single
After releasing a jaw-dropping album towards the end of 2022, Smut returns with two CD-only songs that were originally released on the Japan version of How the Light Felt. “18 Tons” and “Y Signal” are now available to stream for the whole world with the latter standing tall between the two. “Y Signal” is the perfect Smut song, juxtaposing tones battle on a field of whimsical melodies and glimmering guitar sections.
Jesse Kivel – “I Sat on a Ridge”
Life and Death at Party Rock
Jesse Kivel is returning with his first full-length LP since his 2020 debut and he is sounding stronger than ever. Life and Death at Party Rock is set to be released on November 10 and its lead single, “I Sat on a Ridge” is a stirring example of why you need to remember the name Jesse Kivel. Over warping ambiance and gentle acoustic strumming, Kivel crafts an introspective tune that showcases his songwriting prowess and hauntingly beautiful vocals.
Office Dog – “Big Air”
Spiel
After recently inking a deal with New West Records, the budding New Zealand-based trio Office Dog is preparing to make an explosive debut. Their debut album, Spiel, will be out on January 26, 2024, and will include their recently released single “Big Air”. In a chugging example of why they are skyrocketing to the top of everyone’s “artists to watch” list, Office Dog put out a statement piece of a debut single with infectious tempos and an unforgettable hook.
Aesop Rock – “Mindful Solutionism”
Integrated Tech Solutions
The legendary and prolific emcee Aesop Rock has returned with a brand new single ahead of his highly anticipated new album. Integrated Tech Solutions is set to drop on November 10 and will feature “Mindful Solutionism”, the freshly released lead single. Our first glance at Rock’s latest has the artist parading his intricate rhyme schemes over an off-kilter instrumental perfectly suited for a monster of a single.
Duff McKagen – “Longfeather”
Lighthouse
The legendary Duff McKagen is preparing to release the third solo album of his storied career and the latest single is as gripping as it gets. Lighthouse is set to be released on October 20 and “Longfeather” is the latest electrifying single. A raging guitar guides this gritty track in a flurry of good old-fashioned rock & roll.
The Sextones – “Love Can’t Be Borrowed”
Love Can’t Be Borrowed
For the smoothest single of the week, The Sextones continue to build hype for their new album. Love Can’t Be Borrowed is set to be released on September 29 and the album’s title track is the trio’s latest offering. In a silk-lined nod to the soul music of the past, The Sextones crafted a magical tune with heaven-sent harmonies and deep grooves.
