The short workweek did not take away from a full new music Friday. When things began to slow down, 2024 threw us a hail mary of stellar releases. If you like triumphant returns, you’re in for a treat with this week’s Caustic. Unsung heroes of their genres emerge with full albums brimming with reminders of why we always loved them. Amid these reunions are modern bands who are reshaping their genres to create something undeniable. This is a sprawling edition of Caustic; everything from New Orleans-inspired jazz to inspired plush pop can be found.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music below.
Habibi – “Losing Control”
Dreamachine
The experimental alt-pop rock outfit Habibi returns with Dreamachine, their first album in four years. The nine-song album draws you in with catchy vocal melodies atop off-kilter drum patterns and warping guitars for a tight yet expansive outing. “Losing Control” features sleek guitar solos interrupting dreamy vocals as a steady drum pattern anchors these soaring tones down to earth.
Nation Beat – “Be the Change”
Archaic Humans
With bandleader Scott Kettner, Nation Beat bridges worlds and different jazz eras to create percussion-focused jazz fusion for modern times. Archaic Humans has the band creating complex yet inviting rhythms that pull from Brazilan funk and New Orleans jazz all the same for 13 tracks that display Nation Beat’s chemistry with a vibrancy. “Be the Change” is like witnessing a parade march down the street, an all-encompassing stand-out that delivers colorful brass dancing around unpredictable drums.
Big Head Todd & The Monsters – “King Kong”
Her Way Out
One of the most consistent and iconic jam bands of the 90s emerges with its first album since 2017. Big Head Todd & The Monsters continue to create bluesy masterpieces with classic rock undertones on Her Way Out. The LP is a return to form that manages to feel refreshing, as the band shows signs of artistic growth with tight chord progressions juxtaposing the free-wheeling vocals. “King Kong” sticks out amongst these ten compositions with cascading guitars and ballad-style vocals for a moving piece of jam-band bliss.
Buffalo Tom – “Little Ghostmaker”
Jump Rope
Buffalo Tom’s sentimental approach to alt-country is elevated and palpable on Jump Rope, the band’s first album since 2018. These 14 songs shift from pure folk-rock to a softer approach to the genre with glimmering acoustics. Their vulnerable songwriting is accented by larger-than-life riffs on “Little Ghostmaker,” as a touching vocal performance delivers heartfelt lyrics while southern-fried guitar licks shape the arrangement.
Richard Thompson – “The Old Pack Mule”
Ship To Shore
Prolific and iconic folk-rocker Richard Thompson creates a daring ode to the sea on Ship To Shore. The album showcases Thompson’s demand over his genre as this sprawling LP harkens back to his roots while showcasing that the 80s legend is still willing to take risks. “The Old Pack Mule” is a sea-shanty-style tune with vocals that sway like a ship in a strong breeze as the artist delivers vivid imagery over hauntingly beautiful chords.
Idaho – “Heat Seek”
Lapse
West Coast slow-core pioneers Idaho make a triumphant with Lapse, their first album in over a decade. The band has never lost its touch, and these teen songs prove the band’s natural musicianship is unwavering and potent. “Heat Seek” harkens back to slow-cores infancy as the band croons over slow-burning tempos, as the band shows its maturity through vague poetry that tugs at the heartstrings.
The Marías – “Paranoia”
Submarine
The highly-anticipated sophomore effort from the jazzy alt-soul act, The Marías, has finally arrived. The album lives up to the hype as the young and exciting band creates otherworldly, R&B-tinged tunes that touch on their psychedelic rock influence just as much as their love for jazz tones. “Paranoia” is mesmerizingly catchy as pop-leaning vocal melodies float above cloud-like drums.
Arooj Aftab – “Aey Nehin”
Night Reign
Arooj Aftab has been redefining the modern jazz scene with her dark and expansive approach, which includes electronic minimalism just as much as classical jazz. Night Reign is the collaborative new album that touches on Aftab’s many influences while filtering them through her love for experimentation. “Aye Neihn” welcomes us to Night Reign. The stirring balladry of the vocals adds depth to the acoustic strums that round out the instrumentation.
Beak> – “Denim”
>>>>
The experimental U.K. rock trio Beak> released their first album since 2022 this week, seemingly out of the blue. The surprise drop contains nine hypnotic songs that would make any prog-rock fan smile ear-to-ear while entertaining lo-fi rock fans. “Denim” is an early favorite from the stunning release. Trance-inducing drums and psychedelic guitars are a canvas for muted vocals that cut through the subtle ambiance with ease and poise.
BADBADNOTGOOD – “Ways of Seeing”
Mid Spiral: Growth
The third and final EP of BADBADNOTGOOD’s Mid Spiral project was released earlier this week, wrapping up a prolific run for the Canadian jazz trio. Mid Spiral: Growth lives up to its name as these five songs showcase the band’s diversity. This EP might be the best of the bunch, ranging from funky spiritual jazz to twangy balladry. “Ways of Seeing” is a country-inspired stand-out with gentle delivers as it evokes Outlaw-style tones via lush horns and passionate guitar work.
Action Bronson – “Nourish a Thug”
Single
Action Bronson’s diabolical rhymes and booming voice return over Daringer’s dusty drums on our first look at Bronson’s upcoming LP. “Nourish a Thug” has Bronson rapping about his extravagant lifestyle over neck-breaking drums and droning keys. While details on the album are sparse, this single only adds fuel to the fire of anticipation for the new Action Bronson.
Previous Industries – “Zayre”
Service Merchandise
Hip-hop’s newest supergroup continues to prepare us for their debut album as Previous Industries releases yet another stellar single. The trio of Open Mike Eagle, Video Dave, and STILL RIFT trade verses over wonky keys on “Zayre.” The trio’s debut album, Previous Industries, is set to be released on June 28 and is shaping up to be a landmark release in 2024.
Puscifer – “The Algorithm”
Single
The ever-changing side project of Tool and Perfect Circle’s Maynard James takes aim at modern technology on their industrial new single. “The Algorithm” features searing guitars that elevate the gravelly vocals for an anthem for anyone questioning the world around them. The song is lifted from the soundtrack for the new American Psycho comic book series.
Hiatus Kaiyote – “Love Heart Cheat Codes”
Love Heart Cheat Codes
One of the year’s most anticipated albums is right around the corner, and Hiatus Kaiyote blessed us with the fantastic title track. “Love Heart Cheat Codes” is a danceable and soulful single with gentle vocals that float like autumn leaves over the meadow of dense synth work. Love Heart Cheat Codes is set to be released on June 28.
Elias Rønnenfelt – “Like Lovers Do”
Single
The first official release of the folk-blues-rock artist Elias Rønnenfelt makes his presence felt in the busy genre. “Like Lovers Do” features jangly guitars with toe-tapping tempos as the artist croons about the ups and downs of love. For a debut single, Rønnenfelt impresses and amazes as he introduces himself as a creative force with a lot to get off his chest.
Phantogram – “All A Mystery”
Single
The legendary electro-pop duo Phantogram returns with an epic new single. “All A Mystery” will leave you in a state of glorious disarray as head-spinning vocals deliver poetic songwriting on a bed of crashing crescendos and stupefying synths. There is no news on a new album from Phantogram, but with a new single and no new album since 2020, a full LP from the duo feels closer than ever.
