As the summer slowly ends, so does the booming economy of New Music Fridays. While this Friday is still brimming with colorful releases from the world of jazz, indie rock, and hip-hop, there are clear signs that we are entering that slow period between summer and autumn where artists are putting the final touches on projects for the fourth quarter of 2024. Nevertheless, the last Friday of August is far from a dull day of releases. This week’s Caustic includes refreshing sonic changes from familiar faces, infectious instrumentals, and new singles from anticipated releases.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music below.
Los Bitchos – “Tango & Twirl”
Talkie Talkie
The highly anticipated sophomore LP from the guitar-driven instrumental quartet Los Bitchos has finally arrived and checks off every box on our wishlist. On Talkie Talkie, The four-piece seamlessly blends their worldly influences into glistening grooves that combine surf-rock tones with psychedelic melodies. “Tango & Twirl” is the disco-tinged stand-out that showcases the vibrancy of Los Bitchos’ new LP as quaint yet danceable guitars drive the warping and cinematic instrumental.
Ty Segall – “Love Rudiments”
Love Rudiments
Garage rock hero for modern times Ty Segall swaps out his usual psychedelia for jazzy percussion on his new instrumental drum LP Love Rudiments. Over three suites and an infectiously hazy six-minute closer, Segall challenges his songwriting prowess by fearlessly diving into subtle funk and experimental instrumentation. The title track only scratches the surface of the sonic landscape Segall drilled to unearth the sounds of Love Rudiments. Slow-burning ambiance guides us to thudding drums and funky bass lines as Segall’s lofty visions and risky execution pay off handsomely.
The Bug Club – “Pop Single”
On The Intricate Inner Workings of the System
For their Sub Pop debut, The Bug Club blends their love for nostalgic pop with the fuzzy warmth of lo-fi and punk tendencies as they look to expand their already uniquely impressive sound. On The Intricate Inner Workings of the System is a quick yet potent outing that shines a new light on the band’s songwriting as their musicianship is filtered through colorful influences. “Pop Single” is Th Bug Club’s plea for popularity that doubles as an example of their growth since we last heard from the prolific band. Dense layers of distortion are juxtaposed with catchy melodies to create a cheeky atmosphere as The Bug Club finds solace in the world of lo-fi pop.
Juicy J – “Thought It Was”
Ravenite Social Club
The Southern hip-hop legend Juicy J has had a busy 2024. After a full solo LP and a collaborative album with Xavier Wulf, Juicy J explores the jazz world on Revenite Social Club. The veteran employs his classic bouncy cadence over silky-smooth jazz instrumentals, and the spirit of the genre seems to have taken over Juicy J’s songwriting as well. “Thought It Was” harkens back to the braggadocious raps Juicy J coined long ago while sleek guitars and hypnotic drums build out the instrumental.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – “Cinnamon Horses”
Wild God
As the sands of time continue to drop to the bottom of the hourglass, one thing is sure: Nick Cave’s hauntingly beautiful chamber pop. The songwriting icon adds another LP to his storied legacy this week as he teams up with his band, The Bad Seeds, for Wild God. The 10-song album features Cave’s undeniable vocals cascading around an eerie ambiance for a 45-minute reminder of why the world fell in love with Cave in the first place. “Cinnamon Horses” feels like an essential Cave & The Bad Seeds Song. Cinematic strings and dark tones welcome you to the jaw-dropping chamber pop of “Cinnamon Horses” as Cave employs vivid imagery and vague poetry for a moving performance.
Tycho – “Totem”
Infinite Health
The electronic producer Tycho has explored many corners of the electro-instrumental world. On his new LP, he finds the middle ground between dance music and blissful ambiance. Infinite Health welcomes Tycho back with deep grooves and explosive danceability as the artist creates instrumental records that fit in dark house parties and smokey dance clubs. “Totem” is an unpredictable stand-out, with Tycho balancing masterful synth work with simplistic drum patterns for a funky track with bright guitars and expressive drums.
Why Bonnie – “Green Things”
Wish On the Bone
The long-awaited sophomore album from country-tinted indie rockers Why Bonnie has finally arrived, and its magical vulnerability introduces us to a new side of band leader Blair Howerton. Wish On The Bone features sparse arrangements that toy with ambient influences while harkening back to the twangy rock Why Bonnie was recognized for. “Green Things” showcases the maturity of Howerton’s songwriting as their deeply personal lyrics coil around weeping guitars and nimble keys for a remarkably impressive sophomore outing.
Samara Joy – “You Stepped Out Of A Dream”
Portrait
After shocking the jazz world with her stunning and eloquent Linger Awhile LP, Samara Joy prepares to release the anticipated follow-up. Portrait is set to be released on October 11 and comes two years after the artist’s breakthrough project. “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” is our jaw-dropping lead single, with Joy’s acrobatic vocals navigating cabaret-style jazz. If Portrait is anything like our lead single, Joy has another jazz-vocal classic on the way.
Hemlock Ernst & Icky Reels – “Remains” (Feat. E L U C I D)
Studying Absence
Future Islands’ Samuel T. Herring has been creating hip-hop under the name Jemlock Ernst for some years, and the next chapter of the story is slowly unfolding. The vocalist/songwriter has teamed up with producer Icky Reels for Studying Absence. Their collaborative album is set to be released on October 16, and Armand Hammer’s E L U C I D steps in for a verse on the project’s latest single. “Remains” has the pair’s nimble rhymes and head-spinning flows melting over off-kilter electronics for an artsy rap tune that displays the technical ability of veteran emcees.
Caribou – “Come Find Me”
Honey
In early April, electronic pop act Caribou released loose singles such as “Honey” and “Volume.” Now those singles have a home as Caribou announces Honey, their new album set to be released on October 4. Along with the singles they sprinkled throughout the summer, the new album will feature “Come Find Me,” the single that accompanied the album’s announcement. “Come Find Me” features ghostly vocals that cut through dense synth work as complex rhythms round out this fantastically punchy single.
Dave Guy – “Still Standing”
Ruby
We are inching closer and closer to the debut album of The Roots’ trumpeter Dave Guy, and each unveils a new modern take on old jazz tropes. Ruby, Guy’s 12-track debut, is set to be released on September 20, and “Still Standing” is our latest listen to what is shaping up to be a landmark release in modern jazz. The new single has Guy’s signature trumpet tones as they add a spiritual element to the toe-tapping tempos of the velvet drums.
Cordae – “Summer Drop” (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
Single
Cordae and Anderson .Paak have the kind of chemistry that makes you want to beg for a full-length collaboration album, but no one will complain about a few loose singles here and there. In the latest chapter of their collaborative journey, Paak joins Cordae over jazzy simplicity on “Summer Drop.” The appropriately named single has the duo exploring their roots and trading verses over sparse drum patterns and staggering horn samples.
Pearl & The Oysters – “Cruise Control”
Planet Pearl
Pearl & The Oysters are gearing up to release their second album with the illustrious Stones Throw Records on September 20, and each single adds another log to the fire of anticipation. Planet Pearl’s third single, “Cruise Control,” is a jovial single that evokes the innocence of a summer road trip with jangly pop melodies and subtle nods to jazz.
