If last week was us checking the temperature of the water, our second Caustic of 2024 is the proceeding cannonball off the roof. We’re back and this week is shaping up to be the most memorable Caustic in some time. The wide range of releases this week gives this line-up of freshly released tracks an outgoing personality with some quirks. Everything from blistering punk to spaced-out hip-hop is represented here today, sit back and select your soundtrack to a much-deserved weekend.
Check out Glide’s picks for the best new music of the week below.
Waxahatchee – “Right Back to It” (Feat. MJ Lenderman)
Tigers Blood
The project of singer/songwriter Katie Crutchfield, Waxahatchee has made a career around vulnerability and off-kilter songwriting. Their latest single, the MJ Lenderman-assisted “Right Back to It”, is a twangy ballad with soaring harmonies set to a minimal guitar-driven arrangement. The subtleness of musicianship allows Waxahatchee’s melodies to sound better than ever. The single will be featured on Tigers Blood, the new album from Waxahatchee set to be released on March 22.
Hannah Wicklund – “Dark Passenger”
The Prize
The latest Hannah Wicklund LP features stunning, unpredictable arrangements that act as a canvas for her vivid imagery and palpable lyrics. “Dark Passenger” showcases the grandiose side of The Prize. A crunchy guitar tone explodes for a firework-esque hook as Wicklund belts out attention-demanding melodies.
Kid Cudi – “Funky Wizard Smoke”
INSANO
Kid Cudi has returned with his abstract INSANO LP and we couldn’t have prepared ourselves for a tracklist like this. Cudi navigates bouncy flows and melodic verses with nimble precision as his taste in instrumentals evolves to a “Whatever I feel like rapping over” attitude. Thank goodness for that, “Funky Wizard Smoke” may not have happened if it weren’t for this new perspective. A faint vocal sample gives this track a lush texture as Cudi’s sharp verses juxtapose a charming arrangement.
Ghost Funk Orchestra – “To the Moon!”
A Trip To the Moon
An old staticky radio broadcast welcomes you to the instrumental powerhouse Ghost Funk Orchestra’s latest offering. “To the Moon!” is a cinematic masterpiece with dramatic horns and haunting keys to give the whole arrangement an ominous yet warm feeling. The soundtrack-style single is lifted from their upcoming LP A Trip to the Moon set to be released on February 23.
Faye Webster & Lil Yachty – “Lego Ring”
Underdressed at the Symphony
All of those great Faye Webster singles from last year finally have an album to call home. Underdressed at the Symphony is set to be released on March 1 and its latest single might be the best one yet. The Lil Yachty-assisted “Lego Ring” features an unpredictable arrangement that goes from ambient folk to chugging grunge in the blink of an eye. Yachty provides a stellar verse and heaven-sent backing vocals as Webster sounds better than ever, providing twisting melodies and moving poetry.
Ty Segall – “My Best Friend”
Three Bells
The long-awaited LP from Ty Segall is finally right around the corner with the release date being set for January 26. All of the album’s singles have been great but the off-kilter vocal performance and sleek guitars of the newest single put the biggest log on our fire of excitement. “My Best Friend” is an artsy grunge track with Segall’s soaring falsettos leading the charge, being backed by hard-hitting guitar chords.
Pissed Jeans – “Moving On”
Half Divorced
Ambitious, furious, and highly talented, Pennsylvania’s own Pissed Jeans have returned. Half Divorced will mark the band’s first album since 2017 and is set to be released on March 1. “Moving On” is our first look into the upcoming album, fiery vocals attempt to keep up with blistering guitars and neck-breaking drums for an onslaught of pure punk bliss.
Shabazz Palaces – “Angela” (Feat. Stas THEE Boss & Irene Barber)
Exotic Birds of Prey
Every time Shabazz Palaces decides to gift the world with a new album, it is a reason to celebrate. When the lead single is as psychedelically fabulous and is lined with hectic drums and ominous vocals, it only builds on our hype. Exotic Birds of Prey is set to be released on March 29 and “Angela” is our lead single. A synth-lined instrumental guides us through a whirlwind of lo-fi vocals and hauntingly beautiful melodies.
Jamie xx – “It’s So Good”
Single
The iconic electronic producer Jamie xx has returned with an infectious new single. “It’s So Good” is brimming with deep grooves and unforgettable drum patterns, a fun-loving return to form for Jamie xx. He builds sonic conflict only for the resolution to be a dive head-first into more of the syncopated instrumental.
Buffalo Tom – “Helmet”
Jump Rope
Despite not revealing a release date yet, the indie trio Buffalo Tom is readying their new LP. Jump Rope is set to be released in 2024 with “Helmet” acting as our guiding light to the new album. The band’s newest single is as infectious as it gets, airy harmonies contradict the tense arrangement for a jangly outing.
Liam Bailey – “Mercy Tree”
Zero Grace
Everyone needs a splash of retro soul to kick off their weekend. Liam Bailey is here to add a hint of nostalgia to your playlist while delivering unique vocals and warm tones you can’t find anywhere in the history of the genre. “Mercy Tree” is a minimal, reggae-tinged single that allows Bailey’s melodies to reach new heights as he drives the track forward with an incredible performance. The single is lifted from Zero Grace which is set to be released on February 23.
BODEGA – “Tarkovski”
Our Brand Could Be Yr Life
Endlessly entertaining and musically complex, BODEGA has returned with a brand new album. Our Brand Could Be Yr Life will be out on April 12 and its lead single might be one of the best releases this week. The care-free vocal delivery allows every syllable to hit home while a minimal yet chugging arrangement comes to life with some fantastic guitar work.
STRFKR – “Together Forever”
Parallel Realms
In a colorful display of funky disco with danceable grooves, STRFKR gets ready to release their first album in four years. Parallel Realms is set to be released on March 1 and “Together Forever” doubles as our latest single and your new go-to dance track. A minimal yet full-sounding arrangement will have you on your feet in no time while cloud-like vocals narrate your small dance party, an unforgettable track from a highly anticipated album.
Charlie Parr – “Boombox”
Little Sun
Legendary and prolific folk artist Charlie Parr is gearing up to release his latest creation and if his historic discography isn’t enough to get you excited, the lead single will do the trick. “Boombox” is a searing two-stepping jam with unforgettable tempos and explosive crescendos. The track is lifted from Little Sun, Parr’s newest album set to be released on March 22.
Ronnie Stone – “Backstreet Leather Toy” (Feat. Sedona)
Ride Again
If he hasn’t already, Ronnie Stone has just entered your life and it is not a name you will forget anytime soon. His sophomore LP, Ride Again, will be released on February 2 and its latest single is an earworm of nostalgia. “Backstreet Leather Toy” is a synth-pop track with powerful vocals that deliver space-aged melodies for a disco-tinged anthem worthy of multiple listens.
