The first week of February is coming to a close, and the second month of the year is coming in swinging. While January was brimming with new releases that shocked and amazed, the first seven days of the short month delivered equally mesmerizing releases to get lost in. February is a weird month; you have the Super Bowl (Go Birds) and Valentine’s Day, and you only have a short time to complete everything else you need. Mini-vacations are a must as we prepare for Winter’s last push, and nothing can send you to a place of solace faster than an exciting new song.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music below, and be sure to follow Glide’s new Spotify account to stay updated on all things Caustic.
Squid – “Showtime!”
Cowards
The highly anticipated album from art-rock golden child Squid has finally arrived, and it is more than a fan could ask for. Throughout nine tracks, the band weaves spellbinding tales of fascinating characters while continuing their excavation of nuanced musical corners. The songwriting steals the show on Cowards, and “Showtime!” is an early stand-out on their kaleidoscope of an album. Prominent and silky vocal melodies navigate sleek melodies for a punk-leaning escapade through angular melodies and a warping arrangement.
Inhaler – “The Charms”
Open Wide
Coming off two critically acclaimed LPs brimming with stadium-sized rock, Inhaler’s third album has the young band introducing a new side of their artistry. Open Wide is 13 sophisticated pop-leaning tunes driven by infectious melodies, nimble drums, and bouncy guitars. “The Charms” introduces listeners to the psychedelic pop realm Inhaler works with. Falssettoes stand confidently over colorful keys and deliver vague yet potent pop as the band sets their sights on a new sonic direction.
Guided By Voices – “19th Man To Fly An Airplane”
Universe Room
Guided By Voices doesn’t seem to be slowing down their output anytime soon, and how does one celebrate being one of the hardest-working rock bands? Release another album, of course. Universe Room has Guided By Voices approaching their songwriting with a distorted lens, leaning on grunge guitars and a punk attitude to drive these 17 songs. “19th Man To Fly an Airplane” is a bit more experimental than the rest of the album, but it’s one of the most potent examples of the band’s newfound landscape. Whirling and staggering melodies melt over dense guitar sections for a psychedelic preview into Guided By Voices’s latest outing.
Dream Theater – “Bend the Clock”
Parasomnia
For the first time since 2021, prog-metal masterminds Dream Theater once again claim their throne as genre leaders with Parasomnia. The band’s 16th album is an eight-song epic with spellbinding songwriting that blends into the mesmeric and expansive instrumentation the band is known for. “Bend the Clock” captures the essence of Dream Theater and explains precisely why this band is on their 16th LP. The stand-out tune is a whirlwind of a listen with booming vocals that cut through the instrumentation with the flair of a surgeon and the passion of a band that feels like they still have something to prove.
Michigander – “Episode”
Michigander
After recording under his Michigander moniker for years, singer/songwriter Jason Singer finally released his official full-length debut. The self-titled effort is quaint, warm, and infectious. It is a stunning vehicle for a veteran songwriter whose pop tendencies find room to creep around instrumentals that range from folk to indie rock. “Episode leans toward the folksy side, with twinkling acoustics and lo-fi vocals accenting the subtle grooves.
JPEGMAFIA – “What the hip hop hell is this ?”
I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU (DIRECTORS CUT)
JPEGMAFIA has become an undeniable force in modern music, delving into every corner he’s welcomed in and making it his own. The deluxe version of his 2024 LP, the album is stretched to 28 songs of hardcore experimentation mixed with JPEG’s relentless writing prowess and cartoonish delivery. “What the hip hop hell is this ?” features some of the album’s best production. JPEG’s confidence becomes palpable as the vocalist/producer delivers a head-spinning performance over soaring samples that flip into a drum-heavy dance tune.
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory – “Indio”
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
The day has finally arrived for Sharon Van Etten to debut her new band, The Attachment Theory, and their self-titled debut puts Etten’s songwriting in a glistening new light. The 10-son album is sometimes chaotic and even punk-sounding, as collaboration opens up a new world for the songwriter on her most daring album yet. “Indio” hints at the punk influences that echo throughout this album. Searing guitars and thudding drums underline Etten ethereal vocal tones for an enticing juxtaposition that will have you sprinting to hear more.
Joe Ely – “Magdalene”
Love and Freedom
Joe Ely’s 29th solo album is an emotional ride composed of old demos recorded over several decades. For 13 songs, the veteran singer/songwriter unearths the past to shine a light on the present, penning songs about heartbreaking topics and crooning them in downtrodden tones, not to emphasize the sadness in the world but to provide a sense of community and escape from it all. “Magdalene” tells the story of runaway love as Ely attempts to convince the character to tag along on his getaway. The slow-burning ballad puts storytelling at the forefront as Ely’s emotional journey becomes even more palpable with every listen.
Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist – “Epiphany”
Life Is Beautiful
The prolific Larry June teams up with Atlanta’s 2 Chainz and legendary producer The Alchemist for the luxurious and hazy Life is Beautiful. The 11-song collaborative project has the duo emphasizing the nuances of Alc’s instrumentals with velvet-lined flows that deliver clever wordplay and images of expensive trips. “Epiphany” features a woozy sway with jazzy undertones, creating a stunning canvas for June and Chainz to explore new flows.
Panda Bear – “Ends Meet”
Sinister Grift
The days are crawling as we all anticipate the new Panda Bear album. Sinister Grift is set to be released on February 28, and the swaying “Ends Meet” is our latest single from the album. With a touch of yacht-rock and a sprinkle of his unique take song craft, “Ends Meet” is a wild ride through lofty visions that manifest as infectious melodies and danceable simplicity.
Waxahatchee – “Mud”
Single
After releasing a statement piece of an album in 2024, twangy singer/songwriter Waxahatchee returns with a rootsy new single. “Mud” takes you to a place of solace as the artist’s raw vocals skate over an Americana-style arrangement for a pure country tune at a time when the genre feels over-burdened by pop-leaning radio hits.
Doechii – “Nosebleeds”
Single
After a stellar night at the Grammys, including a captivating performance and a win for Best Hip-hop Album, Florida’s new start Doechii goes on a victory lap with “Nosebleeds.” The artist’s latest single is a braggadocious odyssey through the artist’s acrobatic vocals, while a nostalgic instrumental reminiscent of The Neptunes bounces off the walls like a misfired bullet.
Dumpstaphunk – “Let’s Do It”
Single
The New Orleans funk powerhouse Dumpstaphunk returns with a groovy new single. “Let’s Do It” is a firework of a single with explosive moments of pure funk falling over attention-demanding harmonies, giving the band’s latest a refreshingly chaotic aurora that refuses to quit dancing.
Anika – “Hearsay”
Abyss
The complex arthouse rock artist Anika returns to the solo realm with a brand new album and unforgettable lead single. Abyss will be released on April 4, and the hectic bliss of “Hearsay” is our lead single. The lead single explores the pitfall of gossip over head-banging drums and chugging guitars.
Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson – “Hook and Line”
What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow
Chocolate Drops fans rejoice; two bandmates are back together and preparing a new collaborative effort. Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson have announced What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, set to be released on April 18. “Hook and Line” is our lead single and an impressive one. The duo recaptures the chemistry that made their past work so memorable while mixing it with a new take on their classic Americana sound with complex melodies battling it out in an epic, high-tempo outing with unlimited replay value.
