Although it may not feel like it, we are officially in October. A new month in the music world could mean many things: new tours, announcements, and, most importantly, new music. This week’s Caustic is overflowing with shiny new releases that evoke the feeling of an Autumn breeze while proving that the discussion for album of the year is far from over. With veteran artists releasing autobiographical masterpieces and young acts releasing terrific sophomore efforts, this week stacks up with some of the best New Music Fridays of the year. We have daring prog-rock sitting next to refreshing modern soul, all tied together by the beauty of a day of new releases.
Check out Glide’s selections for this week’s best new music below.
Thee Sacred Souls – “Somebody Knew”
Got a Story to Tell
The highly anticipated sophomore release from Thee Sacred Souls has finally arrived, and with all eyes on one of Soul’s most exciting acts in recent years, the trio doesn’t miss a step. Got a Story to Tell is a moving outing that harkens back to the heyday of Sothern Soul, yet you can’t escape the warmth of the hazy textures evoked by Thee Sacred Souls’ native San Deigo. “Somebody Knew” is an early stand-out on an exceptional LP. The passionate vocals coil around colorful keys as the arrangement keeps it simple so the acrobatic vocals can shine.
Leon Bridges – “Never Satisfied”
LEON
At this point, Leon Bridges has been solidified as one of the most refreshing and innovative acts to enter the modern soul scene, and on his new album, we learn more about the man behind it all. LEON is an autobiographical piece of soul music that explores the genre’s connections to jazz and pop, while Bridges delivers lush melodies and personal lyrics. “Never Satisfied” is an early stand-out that features a fusion-style arrangement with cascading acoustics and harmonious backing vocals that accent Bridges’ exploration into his memories and how they shaped him.
Caribou – “Do Without You”
Honey
Dan Snaith makes his triumphant return as Caribou with a dance-heavy new album that bridges the gap between his electro-pop tendencies and his passion for house music. Honey is a stunning and danceable outing with Snaith blending his infectious pop melodies with explosive EDM swells. “Do Without You” emphasizes Snaith’s nimble approach to melodic phrasing while quickly juxtaposing himself with colorful tempos and neon drum patterns.
A Place to Bury Strangers – “It’s Too Much”
Synthesizer
Veteran electro-garage rock pioneers A Place to Bury Strangers have released an LP brimming with freeing experimentation and psychedelic undertones. Synthesizer is ten songs showcasing how the band achieved its longevity as it manipulates its explosive sound to emphasize the longing in the album’s vocals and songwriting. “It’s Too Much” is an off-kilter ballad with palpable sadness hidden under the hard-hitting drums and foggy vocals.
Naked Giants – “Case Of The Bastards”
Shine Away
It has been four years since we heard from Naked Giants, the youthful indie rock outfit from Seattle. Today, we receive Shine Away, the band’s third LP and purest example of their refreshing approach to modern rock music. “Case Of The Bastards” is a left-field example of the magic contained on Shine Away. The arrangement comes in waves of anger as a passionately staggering vocal performance cuts through the noise to deliver an emotional message.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – “BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD”
“NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD”
Godspeed You! Black Emperor has never feared away from toying with their expansive mix of post-rock, and their new album has them diving deeper into their sonic experiments. “NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD” is a six-song setting that stretches to just under an hour as the veteran band navigates whirling ambiance and dramatic swells to deliver some of their most daring music in years. “BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD” employs the eerie feel of a horror film, quickly transitioning from welcoming distortion to theatrical prog-rock before your eyes.
The Hard Quartet – “Action For Military Boys”
The Hard Quartet
The Hard Quartet brings together four veterans hellbent on challenging themselves to create a risky yet highly rewarding debut album. The Hard Quartet, comprised of Emmet Kelly, Stephen Malkmus, Matt Sweeney, and Jim White, just released their self-titled debut as a collective. The sprawling effort has the band diving into nostalgic Birt-pop and modern hard rock all the same, using their confessional songwriting as a connective tissue between the sonic realms. “Action For Military Boys” spins an enthralling tale over searing guitar tones that express a range of emotions.
Jonah Yano – “The Language of Coincidence”
Jonah Yano & The Heavy Loop
After teaming up with BADBADNOTGOOD for his 2023 masterpiece Portrait of a Dog, folksy singer/songwriter Jonah Yano puts together his own jazz outfit. Jonah Yano & The Heavy Loop grandiosely introduces Yano’s latest band as they exercise their youthful chemistry over eight dark tracks. “The Language of Coincidence” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad with Yano at his most vulnerable over a simplistic yet impactful arrangement.
Geordie Greep – “As If Waltz”
The New Sound
Former Black Midi member Geordie Greep wastes no time diving into his solo discography as the frontman releases The New Sound. The sound in question is a daring and ever-growing effort to push the boundaries of post-rock to the furthest and most nuanced corners, and these eleven songs show us that the mission is a success. “As If Waltz” is a nearly eight-minute outing that emphasizes Greep’s cartoonish approach to rock music with tempo and tone changes that can only be described as whimsical.
Rome Streetz & Daringer – “Jimmi’s Headband”
Hatton Garden Hold Up
The long-awaited collaborative album from wordsmith Rome Streetz and producer-extraordinaire Daringer has finally arrived in a cloud of dense, dusty textures. Hatton Garden Hold Up leans on the duo’s 90’s influences while keeping one foot in the present, creating an enticing, dark sound that echoes in your head long after the 13-song tracklist wraps up. “Jimmi’s Headband” references the alleged tabs of acid Hendrix kept under his headband while performing with Streetz, delivering head-spinning rhyme schemes over twinkling yet ghostly instrumentation.
Cheekface – “Flies”
Singles
Coming off of a full studio LP and an EP of B-sides, the prolific and jovial pop-punk of Cheekface marches on with a new single. “Flies” explores the modern landscape of searching for purpose in a manufactured world. The lighthearted melodies relieve the bite of the harsh truths explored in the songwriting, creating an enticing juxtaposition.
HOMESHAKE – “Waiting for the Phone to Ring”
Horsie (Deluxe)
HOMESHAKE, the project of Peter Sagar, is having a prolific 2024. After releasing two studio albums, March’s CD Wallet and June’s Horsie, the latter receives a six-song deluxe version. Set to be released on November 8, Horsie (Deluxe) adds to the 12 original tunes, and “Waiting for the Phone to Ring” is our soulful first look at the expanded edition. The new single features Sagar’s unforgettable falsettos soaring over off-kilter guitar tones and plush drum patterns.
Faye Webster – “After the First Kiss”
Single
Coming off the critical acclaim of her Undressed at the Symphony LP, Atlanta-bred folk artist Faye Webster delivers a mesmerizingly calming single. “After the First Kiss” is a gentle ballad that employs subtle string sections and rootsy guitar work for a cinematic take on Webster’s quaint approach to folk.
The Weather Station – “Neon Signs”
Humanhood
The project of singer/songwriter Tamara Lindeman, also known as The Weather Station, is hearing up to release a brand new LP at the top of next year. Humanhood is set to be released on January 17, which may seem like a far cry, but the lead single is enough to hold us over. “Neon Signs” is a warm single with subtle touches of psychedelia that emphasizes the artist’s approach to pop music, creating a welcoming atmosphere for Lindeman’s consistently dynamic vocals.
