With the many changes that happen to the world and personal lives daily, it is nice that 2024 has provided a touch of consistency via New Music Fridays. While every Friday is the home for new music releases, this year has yet to see an incredibly slow week. Some are better than others, but without fail, 2024 has provided multiple unforgettable albums from one Friday to the next. This week is no different as we dive into a twangy Friday of fantastic country releases that range from nostalgic to experimental. While country has a dominant presence on this week’s list, it is interrupted by groundbreaking Hip-hop and jazzy instrumentals to get lost in. Indie rock bands get vulnerable and lean towards their punk influences, while legends return triumphantly with stellar singles. We have another New Music Friday to soundtrack whatever mood you’re in.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music below.
Ray LaMontagne – “And They Called Her California”
Long Way Home
Singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne adds another LP to his vibrantly detailed discography filled with captivating imagery. Long Way Home is a somber effort with moments of sparse Americana that mull over the what-ifs of love and life. “And They Called Her California” is a highlight from this quick yet potent outing from LaMontagne. The longing in his voice emphasizes the moving poetry, as bursts of harmonica add to the downtrodden acoustics.
Pony Bradshaw – “Housebroke”
Thus Spoke the Fool
Poony Bradshaw wasted no time following up 2023’s North Georgia Rounder with another album of vivid storytelling and consistently twangy arrangements. Thus Spoke the Fool has Bradshaw penning stirring narratives and setting them against no-frills country sounds for an authentic take on the burgeoning modern country scene. “Housebroke” has Bradshaw’s croons soaring over impressive finger-plucking as the artist longs for a sense of home.
Delicate Steve – “Yesterday”
Delicate Steve Sings
For his latest album, composer and guitarist Delicate Steve covers classics and mixes them with energizing originals. Delicate Steve Sings is ten tracks of guitar-driven, instrumental bliss that has the artist delicately adding his signature guitar work to classics while showcasing his songcraft skills. “Yesterday” has Steve adding modern sounds to a Beatles classic as he employs sleek guitar melodies for a track on which Steve toys with ambiance just as much as he plays with the limitations of his sound. A glistening guitar slides over jazzy drums for a dream-like stand-out and a unique take on a familiar tune.
Hamish Hawk – “You Can Film Me”
A Firmer Hand
In a daring sonic twist of fate, Hamish Hawk dives head first into gothic synth wave on his ambitious and rewarding A Firmer Hand. The 12-song outing has Hawk’s songwriting deploying vivid imagery and deep confessionals over head-spinning synths and eerie guitars for a far departure from Hawk’s previous releases that pays off tremendously. “You Can Film Me” puts Hawk’s refreshing approach to storytelling on full display as his haunting vocals navigate fiery guitars and whirling melodies.
Devon Allman – “Body Electric”
Miami Moon
Throughout only nine songs, Devon Allman’s return is brimming with examples of the artist’s intentional and pure diversity. Miami Moon embodies every sound under the sun that Allman holds close to his heart. Whether funky soul or folksy balladry, Allman touches different corners of the musical spectrum on his first studio effort since 2016. “Body Electric” is the electro-funk-rock highlight with danceable grooves that parade around Allman’s attention-demanding vocals for a disco-tinged track bursting with color.
Tony Martinez – “Alabaster Rose”
Everywhere West
After years of toying with his craft, country singer/songwriter Tony Martinez releases his highly-anticipated album Everywhere West. The long-awaited and rewarding effort places Martinez in the same vein as authentic Southern storytellers of the genre’s past as he modernizes nostalgic sounds with his refreshing perspective. “Alabaster Rose” is a moving ballad with powerful harmonies and a neon arrangement to match Martinez’s beautiful take on a classic, twangy love song.
38 Spesh – “Spesh Is Back”
Mother & Gun
New York-bred emcee 38 Spesh is known for his prolific release schedule, and 2024 is no exception. This week, the producer/rapper releases Mother & Gun, his fifth project of the year and most personal to date. The 10-song project has Spesh working with outside producers to pen some of the most venomous and vulnerable songs of his expansive discography, “Spesh Is Back,” leans more toward the venomous side. The self-produced highlight has Spesh squeezing in searing string loops between neck-breaking drums and his booming vocal tones as he delivers head-spinning rhymes and metaphors with a relaxed cadence.
Brass Queens – “Karma Queen”
Hot Tub Sessions Vol. 1
The highly-anticipated sophomore LP from the explosive jazz ensemble Brass Queens is set to be released on October 18, and their latest single is a funky groove that changes the room’s atmosphere. “Karma Queen” finds the melodic middle ground between silky smooth and stadium-sized as their unique chemistry echoes through the dynamically infectious composition.
Nilüfer Yanya – “Mutations”
My Method Actor
The new album, My Method Actor, from the genre-blending singer/songwriter Nilüfer Yanya, is set to be released on September 13, and the anticipation grows with every single release. The new, nimble pop-tinged single, “Mutations,” is no different outside of the fact that it might be the best work we’ve heard from My Method Actor yet. Yanya’s quaint vocals smooth the edges of the rugged drum pattern as surf-rock-style guitars add a subtle rock feel to this minimalistic yet impactful performance.
Beau – “Messy”
Girl Cried Wolf
The sophomore album from folk-rock duo Beau is shaping up to be a confessional outing that promises to be equal parts vulnerability and indie-rock-laden instrumentation. Girl Cried Wolf will be released on September 13 via Immortal Records, and “Messy” is our second single from the LP. The wistful poetry that fills out the lyrics is delivered over thudding drums and captivating crescendos brimming with distorted guitars.
A Place To Bury Strangers – “You Got Me”
Synthesizer
A Place To Bury Strangers has been mesmerizing audiences with the lush yet urgent brand of electro-rock for years now, and they look to continue exploring the depths of the genre on their new album. Synthesizer is due on October 4, and “You Got Me” is the second single released from the album. The distant vocals add an air of mystery to the complex guitar work and neck-breaking drum patterns as the band finds solace in keeping the listener guessing throughout their new single.
Xiu Xiu – “Veneficium”
13” Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto with Bison Horn Grips
The complexity of Xiu Xiu’s music is evident in their lengthy album title. Still, just like the music behind 13” Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto with Bison Horn Grips, it is all intentional. Xiu Xiu’s new LP is set to be released on September 27, and the band gave us a double-single this week with the ambient ballad “Arp Omni” and the rocking electro-funk of “Veneficium.” The latter features a busy arrangement with spurts of whimsical synth work that juxtaposes the jagged drums and operatic vocal performance.
Dale Crover – “Spoiled Daisies” (Feat. Ty Segall)
Glossolalia
Dale Crover has already cemented his legacy thanks to his influential work with the Melvins, but his solo material allows him to shed the expectations of being one of the heaviest punk bands of all time. Crover’s new solo album, Glossolalia, will be released on September 13, and the third single has the veteran teaming up with future rock god Ty Segall. “Spoiled Daisies” is an onslaught of prowess as Segall’s searing guitars beautifully complement the vocals’ nuanced drum work and passionate gusto.
The Japandroids – “D&T”
Fate & Alcohol
The anticipation for The Japandroids’ new album is a bittersweet affair. The band’s fourth and final effort arrives on October 18 and will mark the band’s return and departure from music after a seven-year wait between projects. This week, The Japandroids release the latest single, “D&T,” a relatable and frantic tune about slipping too deep into your thoughts. The honesty of the songwriting is presented via a blistering vocal performance and a forest of masterful guitar work.
The Jesus Lizard – “Moto(R)”
Rack
The Jesus Lizard is gearing up to release their first album in 26 years, and every single we receive makes up for at least two to three years of that wait. Rack, the band’s first LP since 1998, is set to be released on September 13, and “Moto(R)” is our latest and final single before the whole album is released. The third and final single is a dense fog of grimy tones and chaotic tempos that has the band blending their experimental tendencies with metal tropes.
