The air is finally starting to truly crisp as the oranges and reds of the trees reach a new level of vibrancy. The autumn scene has been set and Glide has selected the perfect soundtrack to usher in the cold weather. Regardless of the seasons’ effects on wherever you may be reading this from, the holiday season is officially underway and a reconfiguring of your playlist is long overdue. November is starting hot with releases from across the genre spectrum, each release shining uniquely. Everything from lighthearted love to expansive experimentation is represented this week.
Check out Glide’s picks for the best new music of the week below.
Our Man in the Field – “Silver Linings”
Gold on the Horizon
In a cosmic display of soulful folk, Alexander William Ellis’ project Our Man in the Field crafts a stunning sophomore LP. Gold on the Horizon captures that feeling of catching a sunrise and sets it to spacious yet palpable arrangements. “Silver Linings” is an early favorite amongst many worthy picks but something about Ellis’ voice and the way it glides into the weeping guitar solo makes this one feel all the more special.
Kevin Abstract – “The Greys”
Blanket
Even by the standards set by the virtuosic Kevin Abstract, his latest solo LP is as daring as it is rewarding. Blanket is a guitar-drenched, powerful album with Abstract manipulating his voice to achieve soaring melodies set to instrumentals that range from dense textures to airy ambiance. “The Greys” is more of the first, Abstract’s vulnerable songwriting is delivered with a passionate gusto as the arrangement shapeshifts from chugging rock to electronic experimentation.
Jeffrey Martin – “Daylight”
Thank God We Left The Garden
The latest Jeffrey Martin album is here just in time for cold nights and fireside campsites. Thank God We Left The Garden is a potent outing from an expert songwriter still finding solace in the ambiance of his poetry. “Daylight” features a melody that immediately touches your soul as Martin’s gentle vocals deliver vivid imagery.
IAN SWEET – “Slowdance”
Sucker
We have seen IAN SWEET transform herself from distorted guitar songwriter to crafting glimmering pop tracks, and her latest is some of her best work yet. Sucker is brimming with glistening electro-pop instrumentals that sound full with so little while Sweet’s vocals reach a new level of angelic. “Slowdance” uses its slow-burning nature to build tension before it explodes in technicolored pop bliss.
Hotline TNT – “I Know You”
Cartwheel
After releasing an attention-demanding and jaw-dropping debut back in 2021, Hotline TNT has returned with a sophomore record brimming with distorted ballads and crunchy melodies. Cartwheel does more than exceed expectations, it sets a new standard for modern indie rock with Will Anderson crafting nuanced walls of sound. “I Know You” is an easy early favorite, Anderson’s vocal jumps out of the speakers and pulls you closer so you can catch every note of the layered guitar strumming and infectious drumming.
The Alchemist – “Royal Hand” (Feat. Gangrene)
Flying High, Pt. 2
The Alchemist continues to prove why he is one of the hardest-working musicians across any genre. The super producer has worked on some of the best releases of the year and in a rare vocal appearance, he releases Flying High, Pt. 2. Following another fantastic 2023 release from Alc, his latest features the likes of Conway The Machine and Action Bronson with the producer providing rare verses on his own murky instrumentals. Reuniting with fellow rapper/producer Oh No to revive their fantastic project Gangrene, the two veterans don’t miss a step with both artists delivering unforgettably fiery verses over subtle drums.
MGMT – “Mother Nature”
Loss of Life
The synth-pop wunderkinds MGMT have emerged with a brand new single and an upcoming LP. Loss of Life will arrive on February 23 with the gentle “Mother Nature” being our first look into the album. The lead single is lined with touching tones for a smooth track lined with twisting melodies that build to a gorgeous crescendo.
Lizzie No – “The Heartbreak Store”
Halfsies
Coming off of her highly anticipated album, Lizzie No delivers a modern folk classic. “The Heartbreak Store” pulls from the heritage of the genre with No adding her signature twist via poetic songwriting and sinfully sweet vocals. Halfsies is set to be released on January 19 and if “The Heartbreak Store” is just the start, we are in for something truly special from Lizzie No.
Colin Newman – “Cut the Slack”
Bastard (Re-Release)
In 1997 the legendary Colin Newman released his iconic album Bastard, and it is getting the proper reissuing treatment. Including four unreleased tracks, the album will be reissued on vinyl, CD, and digitally with “Cut the Slack” being our first look at the unreleased material. The heavy guitar work showcases some of the palpable textures that made Bastard so special to begin with as Newman’s vocals cut through the distortion with subtle aggression.
The Beatles – “Now and Then”
Single
Originally written by John Lennon in 1979, revisited by George, Paul, and Ringo in the mid-90s while working on Anthology, what is being billed as “the final Beatles track” has finally arrived. Being the last piece of music the original four worked on already brings a unique aura to “Now and Then”, but considering how it turned out, it feels all the more important. The song features that classic Beatles ballad touch with a sleek guitar solo to tie everything together as the rawness of the vocals adds an extra layer of emotion to the whole song.
Vinnie Paolizzi – “Ahead Of Me”
The Vinnie Paolizzi LP
Every single we’ve received from the self-titled debut of singer/songwriter Vinnie Paolizzi has brought our excitement to a brand new level, and the latest single is no exception. “Ahead Of Me” is the boost of positivity we all need as Paolizzi’s lighthearted vocals glide over a bright arrangement filled with catchy country twang.
Benny Sings & Metropole Orkest – “Love Will Find a Way”
Single
Benny Sings has had a terrific year, releasing an upbeat and catchy yacht rock LP with Young Hearts and adding his unique flair to the Christopher Cross classic “Sailing”. Sings isn’t done yet as he releases two reimaginings of “Love Will Find a Way” and “Distance” with the help of the Netherlands’ Metropole Orkest. Both remixes have their own sense of beauty but the swelling strings and gentle piano of “Love Will Find a Way” give Sings’ words a whole new feeling as his vocals sound right at home with this stunning arrangement.
