Another month is in the bag as 2024 chugs along toting a wide array of new music. This year has been very generous with releases, and the first Friday of May is no different. Long-awaited albums are finally here in the form of earth-shattering jazz and coarse punk tunes as music nerds across the globe are given another batch of releases to look through. The sheer number of releases can be overwhelming, especially when titans like Kamasi Washington and Camera Obscura release mind-blowing albums on the same day. Where you start is up to you. Throw a dart at this week’s Caustic and discover your soundtrack for ushering in the new month.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music below.
The Lemon Twigs – “I Should’ve Known Right From The Start”
A Dream Is All We Know
Quickly following up on their impressive 2023 LP, psychedelic folk duo The Lemon Twigs released a pop-centered spectacular. A Dream Is All We Know pulls influence from The Beatles while staying undeniably Lemon Twigs. Their harmonies soar, and the guitar work is a master class, “I Should’ve Know Right From The Start” has plenty of both. Gentle guitar tones and a velvet vocal delivery combine for pure psych-pop bliss, elevating the sentimentality of the songwriting.
Camera Obscura – “The Light Nights”
Look to the East, Look to the West
The iconic indie-rock outfit Camera Obscura returns with their first album of new material since 2013. Camera Obscura’s Look to the East, Look to the West is a hypnotic blend of soft tones and expert displays of pop-tinged soft rock. “The Light Nights” is part surf rock anthem and moving pop balladry. The slight twang and echo of the guitar give this song a lighthearted nature, while a dynamic vocal performance gives the bright arrangement an authentic warmth.
Will Kimbrough – “Southern Wind”
For The Life Of Me
An icon in the country community employs desperado-style guitar riffs and an unmatched songwriting prowess as Will Kimbrough releases his collaborative LP For The Life Of Me. Writing with a plethora of musicians, Kimbrough created an LP brimming with explosive crescendos and stunning vocal performances. “Southern Wind” is a slow-burning tune that bursts out of the speakers with a flurry of soaring croons and captivating guitar work. Kimbrough’s “Southern Wind” only hints at the magical Western music that shapes the prolific musician’s latest work.
Charlotte Day Wilson – “Dovetail”
Cyan Blue
The jazz-tinged soul is bountiful, and the vocal performances promise to be jaw-dropping on Charlotte Day Wilson’s Cyan Blue. The iconic multi-hyphenate deploys pieces of their soul for a tracklist filled with rich examples of modern soul. “Dovetail” is an emotional gut-punch as Wilson’s melodies coil around a minimal yet potent arrangement for a stand-out song on a consistently beautiful tracklist.
Frank Turner – “International Hide and Seek Champions”
Undefeated
A punk veteran creates a tracklist that dips into moments of twangy balladry as Frank Turner releases his tenth studio LP. Undefeated is adequately named, as Turner rarely misses on this album. He creates 14 songs that feature his unique brand of melodic punk and his diversity as a vocalist. “International Hide and Seek Champions” is as infectious as it gets. Jagged vocal melodies are met with an equally explosive arrangement as Turner pens vivid imagery.
Jessica Pratt – “Better Hate”
Here in the Pitch
Jessica Pratt continues to build a discography of touching poetry and moving vocal performances on her latest release. Here in the Pitch is a quick and powerful LP. Standing at only nine songs, Pratt ensured no second was wasted. “Better Hate” has the artist exploring the complexity of longing, delivering her lyrics on a bed of ambiance that quickly shifts to experimental folk-pop.
Kamasi Washington – “Asha the First” (Feat. Thundercat, Taj Austin, & Ras Austin)
Fearless Movement
Kamasi Washington has established himself as one of modern Jazz’s most valued and creative forces. His new album, Fearless Movement, is finally in all glory. Washington’s collaborative new album has the artist leaning on syncopation as he creates a universe of free-form jazz. “Asha the First” has the saxophonist going back and forth with Thundercat’s otherworldly bass work to create a platform for Coast Contra members Taj Austin and Ras Austin’s sharp flows.
Mdou Moctar – “Tchinta”
Funeral for Justice
Mdou Moctar’s prolific and expansive streak continues on Funeral for Justice. This is the band’s most daring album, as they dive headfirst into an onslaught of psychedelic rock. This nine-song tracklist can barely contain the monstrous guitar work it created, as Mdou Moctar’s risk pays off tremendously. “Tchinta” is a statue dedicated to the experimentation on this album. Drums crash around you as colorful guitar chords evoke the feeling of levitation.
Thee Heart Tones – “No Longer Mine”
Single
Big Crown Records’ youngest signees, Thee Heart Tones, return with silky soul. “No Longer Mine” is jam-packed with jazzy undertones and a stunning vocal performance from lead singer Jazmine Alvarado. The words evoke a familiar longing, while lush horns add a softness to the harsh realities of the lyrics. According to an Instagram post from the label, Thee Heart Tones’ debut album is “coming soon.” Keep an eye out for that one.
Winter Aid – “Secret Sister”
Pull The Sky Inside
The long-awaited sophomore LP from singer/songwriter Winter Aid is right around the corner, and the singles continue to add logs to the fiery excitement. Pull The Sky Inside is set to be released on May 17, and the latest single is a plush, sentimental sonic journey. “Secret Sister” features an infectious drum pattern with droning synths that flip into a stunning folk-tinged ballad.
Madlib, Black Thought, & Your Old Droog – “Reekyod”
Single
Generations are bridged, and bars are avalanching on super-producer Madlib’s latest single. Legendary vocalist Black Thought and young veteran Your Old Droog trade verses over murky drums and unpredictable melodies laid down by Madlib. A long-rumored Madlib and Droog collaborative album feels closer than ever with the release of “Reekyod,” a dream lineup for any true hip-hop fan.
Mutant Academy – “Soda” (Feat. Henny L.O., Fly Anakin, & Big Kahuna OG)
TALK SOON
The vibrant and prolific Virginia-based collective Mutant Academy has released some of the most exciting hip-hop in the modern era. Their new collaborative EP, TALK SOON, is set to be released on May 17, and “Soda” is our lead single. Produced by fellow Mutant Ewonee, the single features an infectious hook from Big Kahuna OG as he, Fly Anakin, and Henny L.O. spit angelic verses over jazzy minimalism.
Kendrick Lamar – “Euphoria”
Single
As Kendrick Lamar responds to Drake’s response, things are heating up between the two hip-hop giants. After sending shots at Drake and J. Cole on Future’s “Like That,” Drake fired back with “Push Ups.” Lamar’s response features venomous verses aimed at Drake as he effortlessly switches flows over a frantic instrumental. As we all wait to see Drake’s next move, “Euphoria” arguably gives Lamar the lead in this monstrous duel.
Washed Out – “The Hardest Part”
Notes from a Quiet Life
A pioneer in the chillwave movement, Washed Out has returned with a new album. Notes from a Quiet Life will be released on June 28 and will be the artist’s first full LP since 2020. The lead single, “The Hardest Part,” is a welcomed return to form with an added twist. Danceable drums drive the arrangement, and frontman Ernest Greene’s vocals create a warm atmosphere.
Hiatus Kaiyote – “Telescope”
Love Heart Cheat Codes
Psychedelic soul group Hiatus Kaiyote is prepping the release of Love Heart Cheat Codes. While the release isn’t until June 28, the latest single should hold fans over until the anticipated day. “Telescope” is Hiatus Kaiyote at their best. Off-kilter melodies can find solace next to angelic harmonies. As their kaleidoscope vision unravels, you are greeted with the warm embrace of subtle jazz. If Love Heart Cheat Codes is half as good as “Telescope,” Hiatus Kaiyote has a masterpiece on their hands.
