There is nothing quite like a busy New Music Friday. While this week isn’t the most jam-packed we’ve seen in 2023, there is plenty to dive into. It is starting to feel like fall here in the northeast and nothing says autumn like warm tones from some of the most exciting musicians working today. This Friday we have a smorgasbord of genres to select from, each carrying its own uniqueness that is begging to be recognized. Pull out your favorite hoodie, fire up the digital Yule log, and enjoy new music from veteran acts, modern heroes, and refreshing faces.
Check out Glide’s picks for the best new music of the week below:
Squirrel Flower – “Stick”
Tomorrow’s Fire
In an explosion of distortion and heartfelt songwriting, Squirrel Flower has emerged with a stellar new LP. After releasing some of the best singles of the year Tomorrow’s Fire is here in its full glory and it brings a newfound grunge aesthetic to the indie rock project. “Stick” has that grunge influence turned to the max, a heavy guitar riff echoes as the vocals cut through with immense passion.
The Menzingers – “High Low”
Some of It Was True
The iconic Philadelphia-bred punk band has returned with a new LP and it seemingly cements the band as one of the more important bands in its genre. Some of It Was True has The Menzingers crafted an array of arrangements with a newfound sense of maturity. “High Low” is an early favorite from the new LP, a chugging arrangement that matches the acrobatic vocals for a clinic of stellar, melodic punk.
The Drums – “Be Gentle”
Jonny
The Drums have seen many phases throughout their career, and their latest LP seems to be ushering in another very exciting era for the project of the multi-faceted Jonny Pierce. Jonny is lyrically vulnerable and stripped-back while its arrangements are infectious and chaotic, a perfect recipe for electrifying indie bliss. “Be Gentle” is just a sneak peek at the emotional weight this LP carries, Pierce’s vocals carry the weight of the world over ambient guitars and whispering ambiance.
The Drums have seen many phases throughout their career, and their latest LP seems to be ushering in another very exciting era for the project of the multi-faceted Jonny Pierce. Jonny is lyrically vulnerable and stripped-back while its arrangements are infectious and chaotic, a perfect recipe for electrifying indie bliss. “Better” is just a sneak peek at the excitement this LP carries, searing guitars are paired with up-tempo drums for otherworldly textures while the falsettos gently guide the track.
Westside Gunn – “Mamas PrimeTime” (Feat. JID, Conway the Machine, & Cartier A Williams)
And Then You Pray For Me
Following up on the undeniably classic Pray for Paris LP of 2020, the new king of New York Westside Gunn unleashes his latest art piece. And Then You Pray For Me is a sprawling display of Gunn’s signature sound, featuring plenty of special guests going over beats from some of the best producers working. “Mamas PrimeTime” has Gunn, JID, and Conway the Machine putting on a lyrical clinic with a plethora of flows that caps off with a tap dance solo from Cartier A Williams, a pure example of Gunn’s ability to curate unforgettable Hip-hop.
MIKE – “U Think Maybe?” (Feat. Liv.e & Venna)
Burning Desire
In a surprise drop, the prolific multi-hyphenate MIKE releases a testament to his creativity. Burning Desire is a slasher-style concept album that the rapper/producer at the top of his game for 24 tracks of sharp lyrics and soulful instrumentals. “U Think Maybe?” features a soaring horn section from Venna that dips in and out while Liv.e provides gorgeous harmonies, all combining for the perfect canvas for MIKE’s lyrical dexterity.
Thee Marloes – “True Love”
Single
Big Crown Records never disappoints and Thee Marloes are making sure that sentiment stays true. Their latest single, “True Love” is a slow-burning display of their sinfully sweet vocals. Thee Marloes craft a classic soul track with some modern twists as they search for true love over a stunning, jazzy arrangement.
Black Pumas – “Angel”
Chronicles of a Diamond
The new Black Pumas album is just around the corner and its latest single is exactly why this album is so highly anticipated. “Angel” is an acoustic display of both the band’s mastery of tone and the vocals that help build the heartfelt sentiment of the track. A guitar-driven arrangement sets the mood for the vocalist to stroll in and take our breath away. Chronicles of a Diamond is set to be released on October 27.
Full of Hell & Nothing – “Spend The Grace”
When No Birds Sang
For a collaboration we could have only dreamed of, Full of Hell and Nothing are combining forces for some of the best music of the year. When No Birds Sang is set to be released on December 1 via Closed Casket Activities and if it’s anything like the lead single, we’re in for something special. “Spend The Grace” is a jaw-dropping display of the two bands’ chemistry with a thick ambiance giving way to throat-scratching vocals and stadium-sized riffs.
Benny Sings – “Sailing”
Single
We all know and love the classic Christopher Cross track “Sailing”, but now we have a whole other reason to be swept off our feet by the song. The terrific Benny Sings puts his twist on the track with an array of gorgeous subtly. Sings’ take on the track is intimate and brings new life to a song we all know and love. Along with his cover, the song is paired with an unheard demo of the song from Cross himself.
glass beach – “The CIA”
Single
After taking the indie world by storm with their stellar 2019 debut, glass beach has finally returned with a brand new single. “The CIA” is an infectious art-rock track that leans on syncopation for a hectic welcome back from the band. Despite its unpredictability, “The CIA” is as infectious as any pop song and demands a second, third, and fourth listen for the simple fact that it is a fantastic new song from an extremely exciting band.
Guided By Voices – “For the Home”
Nowhere To Go But Up
Guided By Voices have announced their third album of 2023 and we cannot get enough of its lead single. Nowhere To Go But Up is set to be released on November 24 and follows up January’s La La Land and July’s Welshpool Frillies. The prolific project of Rober Pollard dropped off “For The Home”, an intimate guitar leads us into a chanting melody over a neck-breaking arrangement for the perfect amount of chaos to balance the tight musicianship of a veteran band.
Beirut – “The Tern”
Hadsel
Beirut is the lo-fi project of Zach Condon and its latest project is promising to be some of his best music yet. Hadsel is set to be released on November 10 and if its latest single is any indication, it is going to be bursting with gentle beauty. “The Tern” has Condon navigating a stellar drum pattern set to the droning synths as his vocals and songwriting humanize the otherworldly textures.
Fenne Lily – “Hollywood and Fear”
Big Picture (Expanded Edition)
Earlier this year, singer/songwriter Fenne Lily released their Big Picture LP to critical and commercial success, along with showcasing the artist’s deeply personal approach to songwriting. Now the album is receiving five new songs for the album’s deluxe version and the first peek at those bonus tracks only adds to the gentleness of this album. “Hollywood and Fear” is an intimate rock track that sways in the wind while still standing strong and proud, Lily’s soft vocals add the perfect dash of beauty to a subtle arrangement.
Brittany Howard – “What Now”
What Now
The iconic and award-winning artist Brittany Howard has returned and she is continuing to cement herself as one of the hardest-working musicians today. Her latest single, “What Now” is an undeniably funky track with enough bounce to send you to the stars while her high-flying vocals return you to Earth’s atmosphere. It doubles as the title track to her upcoming LP, although no release date is set at this time. Howard is also heading out on a massive tour that will lead her into 2024.
