April is officially underway, and with it comes those Spring showers we heard so much about in that childhood song. A new month means a blank slate in many ways, and with a fresh start comes change. While it would appear that the world around us is moving at a pace too fast for the wandering mind, New Music Friday is here to anchor us back to reality. This week, we have a solid list of folksy LPs, innovative psychedelia, and quaint pop outings. As always, there is something for everyone on this week’s Caustic. Tune out the world and find your new favorite song; it’s time for a pre-summer mental vacation to some refreshing releases.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music, and follow our Caustic Spotify playlists to keep updated on the year’s best releases.
Craig Finn – “Postcards”
Always Been
On his sixth solo LP, the Hold Steady’s Craig Finn puts together confessional pieces of left-field indie rock that detail his vulnerable songwriting and artsy growth. Always Been is 11 tracks of enticing storytelling delivered in spoken-word-style melodies, anthemic indie rock, and touches of nostalgic inspiration. “Postcards” touches on Finn’s warm and gentle approach to his latest. A groovy guitar riff builds the arrangement while the artist quaintly croons of the postcards from places he’s yet to visit.
The Waterboys – “Freakout At The Mud Palace”
Life, Death And Dennis Hopper
On their latest album, the legendary genre-benders The Waterboys craft a sprawling ode to the late actor and director Dennis Hopper. Life, Death And Dennis Hopper is a daring 25-song LP that finds the iconic band teaming up with fellow legends like Bruce Springsteen for a bold and rewarding hour-long listen of The Waterboys expansive prowess. “Freakout At The Mud Palace” only scratches the surface of the colorful array of styles the band touched on during this LP. The hectic arrangement is driven by danceable drums, blazing guitar melodies, and low vocals for a warping and exciting listen.
Seth Walker – “Magnolia”
Why The Worry
The multi-faceted Seth Walker has never felt comfortable sticking to one genre. With a discography that bounces from tradition to nuanced fusion work, Walker sets his sights on heartfelt jazzy blues on his latest LP. Why The Worry is a soulful addition to the artist’s growing legacy that bolsters 11 ballads rooted in Southern soul. “Magnolia” is a sinfully sweet stand-out built around a longing that grabs your heart and shakes out a memory of past love.
Σtella – “Can I Say”
Adagio
For her first album in three years and second LP on Sub Pop Records, Singer/songwriter Σtella blends her ambitions with her tendencies for a beautiful marriage of her roots and the sonic world she has built throughout her career. Adagio finds the artist singing in her native Greek language while mixing in the swoon-worthy, atmospheric pop balladry she has established as her signature sound. “Can I Say” is a charming piece of minimalistic electro-pop driven by light acoustics, whirling synths, and Σtella’s soul-touching vocals.
Florist – “Sparkle Song”
Jellywish
New York’s Florist returns with another set of acoustic indie rock driven by vulnerable poetry and downtrodden acoustic guitars. Jellywish finds the band diving into their folksy tendencies with a diary brimming with confessional songs delivered on tight-rope-thin guitar melodies and snow-soft vocals. “Sparkle Song” is an early favorite on the band’s highly consistent LP. The highlight is a wavy piece of honest indie folk built on deeply personal truths and swaying melodies.
Marlon Williams – “Kei Te Mārama”
Te Whare Tīwekaweka
On his first album since 2022, singer/songwriter Marlon Williams dives into his roots and childhood for a 14-song outing of soaring folk anthems. Te Whare Tīwekaweka, which translates to “The Messy House,” finds Williams singing in te reo Māori, the native tongue of the Māori, connecting the artist to his New Zealand upbringing. “Kei Te Mārama” translates to “It’s Clear,” the stand-out track features breezy melodies that jump out of the speakers and drift you away to a peaceful land of folksy wonder.
Babe Rainbow – “Sunday”
Slipper Imp and Shakaerator
Babe Rainbow returns to their hometown for their latest LP, Slipper Imp and Shakaerator. The hazy 11-song outing is drenched in psychedelic tendencies that the band slowly begins to crack open to unearth infectious pop melodies and funky influences. “Sunday” is a groovy, light-hearted ballad that sways like branches in a warm wind. The stand-out track begins to hint at the more mature Babe Rainbow that runs through the band’s latest.
Black Country, New Road – “Two Horses”
Forever Howlong
For their third album, prog-rock golden child Black Country, New Road employs folksy wisdom and cinematic arrangements. Forever Howlong continues the band’s exploration of rock’s limits by crafting stadium-sized arrangements that bend and twist according to the heartbreaking yet whimsical storytelling of the lyrics. “Two Horses” has you joining a wandering person’s journey for a sense of home. The storytelling elements are captivating as you’re sucked into the narrative via gentle instrumentation that explodes into rapid-fire acoustic plucking.
Sleigh Bells – “Roxette Ric”
Bunky Becky Birthday Boy
For their latest LP, Sleigh Bells, the duo of Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss blend their metal roots with modern hyper-pop for a chaotic and fun seventh studio outing. Bunky Becky Birthday Boy is a twisted set of eleven infectious pop anthems that leap from nimble balladry to grandiose and hectic pop anthems. “Roxette Ric” balances these two worlds as Krauss’s swirling vocals navigate glistening keys and danceable drums.
Wet Leg – “Catch These Fists”
Moisturizer
After crashing and landing into post-punk with their refreshing pop tendencies, Wet Leg has finally announced their sophomore effort. Moisturizer is set to be released on July 11, and the punchy “Catch These Fists” is our lead single. The single is an infectiously fun and dense anthem with searing guitar tones that elevate the blunt yet electrifying vocals.
Aesop Rock – “Checkers”
Black Hole Superette
One of Hip-hop’s most mysterious and consistently impressive emcees has returned with a brand-new album and a head-spinning single. Black Hole Superette is set to be released on May 30 via Rhymesayers Entertainment, and the lead single features a restless Rock delivering face-melting bars. “Checkers” has the artist carelessly tossing some of the most impressive rhyme schemes of the year with the cadence of a veteran and the passion of an artist with something to prove.
Jenny Hval – “The artist is absent”
Iris Silver Mist
We are just under a month away from Jenny Hval’s latest LP, and the artist is gifting fans with another single this week. Iris Silver Mist is set to be released on May 2, and we have the second single from the project to help these next few weeks fly by. “The artist is absent” features deep grooves juxtaposing Hval’s dreamy vocals for a dynamically enticing and quick preview of the anticipated LP.
SNACKTIME – “Sunshine”
Single
Philadelphia’s SNACKTIME returns with their second release of 2025. The jazzy funk collective blends R&B with pop on the bright and heartfelt love ballad “Sunshine.” Just in time for the warm weather, SNACKTIME’s new single is a doe-eyed love song with sun-drenched melodies, honed musicianship, and funky undertones.
Stephen Vitiello, Brendan Canty, & Hahn Rowe – “Last Minute Guitars”
Second
After first collaborating in 2023 on their 17-minute First project, the trio of noise manipulator Stephen Vitiello, Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty, and post-rock pioneer Hahn Rowe are back with a new LP. The appropriately titled Second will be released on June 6, with “Last Minute Guitars” being our first preview of the LP. The six-minute ambient tune is splattered with quaint guitar melodies. The song continually evolves, giving the single a stunning atmosphere for the listener to get lost in.
Wavves – “Goner”
Spun
The time has finally arrived for the first new Wavves album since 2021. Spun will be released on June 6, and the Travis Barker-produced “Goner” is the latest single from the anticipated release. The anthemic pop-punk tune features Wavves’s passionate vocals soaring over Barker’s signature drums and hectic production work.
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April showers bring musical flowers! Feeling overwhelmed? Time for a sonic cleanse. This New Music Friday offers a diverse escape, from folksy tunes to psychedelic journeys and charming pop. It’s like stepping into Papa’s Pizzeria, where there’s always something delicious for everyone. So, tune out the chaos, grab a slice of sound, and let these refreshing releases be your pre-summer mental vacation. Find your new favorite song and savor the moment.