This week of new releases is more akin to looking at a Jackson Pollock painting through a kaleidoscope. It was a busy one here at the old Caustic factory and we were able to craft a wide-ranging list of new releases that goes from charming folk to experimental funk. This week’s Caustic is one for the books, the plethora of new releases granted us all a field of phenomenal releases to frolic in as we prepare for the weekend.
Check out Glide’s picks for the best new music of the week below.
Elbow – “The Picture”
AUDIO VERTIGO
The veteran abstract rockers Elbow have emerged with a new album and it might be their best in years. AUDIO VERTIGO is a face-melting display of the band’s diversity with off-kilter arrangements guiding you through potent songwriting with palpable emotions. “The Picture” is one of the best-written songs on the album as a pop-tinged arrangement melts around infectious melodies for an unpredictable tune with a heavy heart.
Jesus and Mary Chain – “Pure Poor”
Glasgow Eyes
The day has finally arrived and a brand new Jesus and Mary Chain album has arrived in all its glory. Glasgow Eyes is a hypnotic display of industrial-style production, the perfect canvas for the band’s cheeky songwriting. “Pure Poor” is an early stand-out, the melodies crawl through murky textures to deliver simplistic yet potent songwriting.
Halo Maud – “Last Day Song”
Celebrate
French pop newcomer Halo Maud is back with her sophomore release and it is the expansive, brightly-colored LP we all hoped it would be. Celebrate feels exactly like that, a victory lap of Maud’s ever-growing creativity that ages like wine, a psychedelic pop outing that finds a way to break free from any preconceived notions of the genre. “Last Day Song” features sharp and jagged drum patterns that are quickly juxtaposed by lush vocals that paint vivid imagery.
Charlie Parr – “Sloth”
Little Sun
The incredibly prolific folk mainstay Charlie Parr pieced together an opus of sorts. Little Sun has the artist adding touches of ambient noise and psychedelic undertones to his inherently charming songwriting and one-of-a-kind sense of melody. “Sloth” doesn’t scratch the surface of what is in store for you on this album, a two-stepping ballad with bright tones and off-kilter melodies for a stunning closer to an unforgettable LP.
Waxahatchee – “Lone Star Lake”
Tigers Blood
The new highly anticipated Waxahatchee album is finally here and to say it didn’t disappoint would be an understatement. The artist’s unique take on modern country results in twangy guitar balladry and songwriting that reveals moving poetry. “Lone Star Lake” showcases the artist’s ability to craft a narrative and deliver it via soul-baring melodies.
Sam Evian – “Jacket”
Plunge
The fourth studio album from the multi-faceted producers showcases exactly why you keep seeing his name pop up everywhere. Plunge is a sprawling display of the artist’s diversity while showcasing the continual growth of his songwriting. His fearless approach gave us gifts as precious as “Jacket”, a breezy tune, a minimal yet potent arrangement that allows Evian’s heaven-sent harmonies to soar to their full potential.
Gary Clark Jr. – “Funk Witch U” (Feat. George Clinton)
JPEG RAW
It is not every day we get a new album from the unpredictable bluesman, every note should be cherished and every word should be studied when Gary Clark Jr. descends from the mountain tops. JPEG RAW is the artist’s most sonically ambitious release, following in the footsteps of the wide-ranging This Land from 2019. “Funk Witch U” has the artist warping his voice around subtle grooves as the funk master himself George Clinton assists on a highlight from an early album of the year contender.
Adrianne Lenker – “Vampire Empire”
Bright Future
The latest addition to the already deeply personal and diverse solo discography of Big Theif’s Adrianne Lenker is some of her most potent work to date. Bright Future enhances the subtle beauty of Lenker’s poetry with a colorful array of twangy folk with touches of experimentation. “Vampire Empire” is the most ambitious song on the LP, jangly guitars are juxtaposed by off-kilter backing harmonies as Lenker delivers a lively vocal performance with stunning songwriting.
Brainstory – “Peach Optimo”
Sounds Good
Of all the singles from soul group Brainstory’s upcoming LP, the latest might be their best yet. “Peach Optimo” brings the warmth of Southern California right to your headphones through a criminally smooth arrangement accented by vocals that evoke the feeling of levitation. “Peach Optimo” is lifted from Sounds Good, the group’s upcoming album set to be released on April 19 via Big Crown Records.
Melvins – “Allergic to Food”
Tarantula Heart
The release date for the highly anticipated Melvins LP is slowly inching closer but today, the band gives us another phenomenal sneak peek. “Allergic to Food” slams on the gas and doesn’t let go, harmonious chaos explodes from the vocals as screeching guitar tones and neck-breaking drum patterns; all acting as a canvas for some poetically blunt songwriting. Melvins’ new LP Tarantula Heart is set to be released on April 19.
The Decemberists – “Joan in the Garden”
As it Ever Was, So It Will Be Again
After a six-year hiatus, the forever fearless and unpredictable Decemberists have returned. The band’s new album As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again is set to be released on June 14, and “Joan in the Garden” is our second single after the release of February’s “Burial Ground”. “Joan in the Garden” is a 19-minute odyssey lined with sonic twists and turns that mark The Decemberists’ comeback theatrically on par. What starts as a gentle, minimal ballad explodes into danceable grooves and distorted bliss, a warping journey that makes up for the six-year wait.
Chris Kasper – “Shuffle on Through”
Sunlight In An Empty Room
Philadelphia’s own Chris Kasper has announced his new LP and delivered an unforgettable single to ring in the good news. “Shuffle on Through” is a heartfelt ballad that delivers each lyric with such care over a slow-burning twang. Sunlight In An Empty Room is set to be released on May 10 via Royal Potato Family.
Moby & Lady Blackbird – “dark days”
Always centered at night
Moby is an artist that needs no introduction, his icon status has been solidified for decades. The legendary producer/DJ/songwriter is gearing up to release a new LP brimming with enticing collaborations with some of today’s most exciting young artists. “Dark Days” features Lady Blackbird and a danceable arrangement that acts as a backdrop for poignant songwriting. Moby’s new album always centered at night is set to be released on June 14.
Pokey LaFarge – “One You, One Me”
Rhumba Country
The second you press play on Pokey LaFarge’s latest single you are instantly transported to a warm beach with the sun rays dancing around the ocean. “One You, One Me” is a nimble tune with swinging melodies and lush harmonies for the perfect song to match the pastels of Spring. The single is lifted from LaFarge’s upcoming LP Rhumba Country which is due out on May 10.
Mac Miller – “The Quest”
Single
What was initially a vinyl-only release from the tenth anniversary of Watching Movies With The Sound Off, “The Quest” is finally here in a digital format and we should all be eternally grateful. Miller’s baritone delivery gives the dense synth-work of the arrangement a bit of edge as he delivers poetic storytelling. Miller is an artist that deserves your undivided attention, if you take one song into your weekend make it “The Quest”.
