As dry, humid days transform into brisk, rainy mornings, it seems that even the weather cannot find a sense of consistency. With the summer holiday season slowly approaching and the corporate world beginning to enter vacation mode, it is the time of year when it feels like the world drops its shoulders, unclenches its jaw, and basks in all the twisted temperature changes. There is a looseness in the air that is both confusing and enticing, and while we all push through the last week of work before the holidays begin, there is a cornucopia of new music to sift through. Whether you’re avoiding flash storms or sunning under a blue sky, a proper soundtrack is a must, and we have an exciting Caustic to revamp your summer playlist. Please enjoy select cuts that range from soaring soul to murky rock, all meant to help enhance the relaxing atmosphere of summer.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music, and be sure to check out June’s Caustic Spotify playlist before we head into a new month of fresh releases.
Durand Jones & The Indications – “If Not For Love”
Flowers
The nostalgic and sleek, soulful grooves of Durand Jones & The Indications return in the form of Flowers, an 11-song LP brimming with swimming melodies that navigate simplistic, jazzy waters. The band’s new LP continues their undeniable dominance over modern soul, as they subtly toy with their sound to achieve sprawling, sentimental results. “If Not For Love” is an early favorite from the LP that moves like a maraca and grooves like the ocean as Jones and The Indications create an infectious look into their maturity.
late night drive home – “deadstar”
as i watch my life online
The El Paso band late night drive home has the indie rock world watching them as they head into their debut LP with a strong buzz and the potential to cement themselves as rising stars, and it appears the plan has gone off without a hitch. Their new album, as i watch my life online, is a daring effort with plenty of rewards as the band experiments with the limitations of their sound while exploring the ups and downs of the internet. “Deadstar” is a jangly, acoustic number that highlights the rawness of the vocals as they deliver a stunning performance over blissful melodies.
Adrian Quesada & Trish Toledo – “Hoy Que Llueve”
Boleros Psicodélicos II
Guitarist, songwriter, and producer Adrian Quesada has lent his diverse array of talents and deep passion for Latin music heritage to numerous projects and bands over the years. His extensive catalog extends even further into the Texas soil with Boleros Psicodélicos II. The new 12-song project from Quesada is a sweeping, cinematic look into the marriage of psychedelia and soul, with hints of Latin flair and the artist’s undeniably singular. “Hoy Que Llueve” is a hypnotic highlight that radiates with a prism of alien colors that are splashed across the listener via punch-drunk guitar melodies and soaring vocals.
Willi Carlisle – “Wildflowers Growin’”
Winged Victory
On his fourth album, Missouri singer-songwriter Willi Carlisle tinkers with tradition to properly display his limitless creativity and the individuality he brings to the burgeoning modern folk world. Winged Victory finds Carlisle breaking off into a cappella balladry as easily as he slips into heartfelt acoustic folk, with these sonic leaps being tied together by the artist’s ever-vulnerable and genre-rejuvenating songwriting. “Wild Flowers Growin’” leans to the traditional side of Winged Victory as Carlisle puts a touch of sentimentality into his voice as he croons over subdued, toe-tapping acoustics.
Smut – “Burn Like Violet”
Tomorrow Comes Crashing
On their latest record, Cincinnati DIY darlings Smut prove to be more than the pop powerhouse they introduced themselves as. On Tomorrow Comes Crashing, Smut seamlessly blends their infectious melodies with murky, grunge-inspired guitars, adding a dark edge to their glistening sound. “Burn Like Violet” is an expressive pop-rock anthem featuring blazing guitars that dance in slow motion with a nuanced vocal performance, creating the perfect balance between Smut’s past and their ever-evolving sonic terrain.
Royal Lynn – “WTCH”
BLACK MAGIC
The long-awaited debut album from the young rock-pop hopeful Royal Lynn has finally arrived, and it has already proven to be well worth the wait. BLACK MAGIC introduces Lynn as a no-nonsense pop wizard with the ability to blend firework-style hard rock with bubbly pop sensibilities, all while maintaining a sense of self as she pushes together familiar styles. “WTCH” is an early favorite from BLACK MAGIC, which is dynamically immersive as Lynn seamlessly transitions from her signature angelic growls to unassuming whispers with beautiful ease.
Vandoliers – “Jim’s Barn”
Life Behind Bars
The twangy sonic chameleons, Vandoliers, return with another exhilarating display of their alt-country prowess. Left Behind Bars is a 10-song album that highlights the intricacies that set the band apart from its peers through imaginative storytelling and rollicking arrangements. “Jim’s Barn” takes you through a nightmarish gig as Vandoliers attempt to make the best out of a sticky situation with the help of danceable melodies.
Blonde Redhead & Brooklyn Youth Chorus – “Via Savona (Choir Version)
The Shadow of The Guest
The irreplaceable art-rock trio Blonde Redhead follows up the success of their 2023 LP, Sit Down for Dinner, with a remix LP that breathes new life into these songs. The Shadow of The Guest finds the veteran trio employing lush harmonies and electronic bliss to reimagine select cuts from their acclaimed LP. The choir version of “Via Savona” is an angelic take on the closer from Sit Down for Dinner, in which Blonde Redhead combines forces with a cloud of voices from the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, creating a lovely rendition of the Sit Down for Dinner highlight.
Mac DeMarco – “Home”
Guitar
After an instrumental album and a collection of demos, Mac DeMarco hints at a return to form with the announcement of his new album and the release of its lead single. Guitar is set to arrive on August 23, and the downtrodden ode to isolation, “Home,” is our lead single. DeMarco’s longing for a sense of home is twisted into a lovely, psychedelic ballad with vocals that float above whining guitars.
Golden Apples – “Noonday Demon”
Shooting Star
Philadelphia’s Golden Apples mark their return with a full-length LP and a jangly new single that should have everyone excited for the upcoming release. The project led by Russell Edling has announced Shooting Star, their latest album, which is set to be released on September 19. “Noonday Demon” is our hectic lead, featuring nimble vocals that beautifully juxtapose a chaotic arrangement lined with loose guitars and explosive crescendos.
Lady Wray – “You’re Gonna Win”
Cover Girl
Veteran vocalist and songwriter Lady Wray returns with her latest offering on Big Crown Records. Cover Girl marks Wray’s first solo LP since 2022 and is set to be released on September 26. Along with the announcement of the LP, Wray drops off “You’re Gonna Win,” an uplifting soul performance with psychedelic undertones that sneakily creeps into your ears and sets up shop, selling undeniable grooves and soulful prowess.
MAVI & Smino – “Potluck”
Single
MAVI has been one of the most refreshing and exciting voices in Hip-hop since his debut album in 2019, and it looks like his short yet potent catalog is about to get a little longer. The Smino-assisted “Potluck” is MAVI’s second single in a month. On his latest tune, the artist trades verses with Smino’s bubbly flows as the duo navigate an instrumental that toes the line between conventional and refreshing.
Jonah Yano – “Homerun 2021”
Single
Jonah Yano paved his own lane by mixing folksy storytelling with his deep love for jazz, but on his new single, Yano sounds like he is in a different creative space. The Mk.gee-produced “Homerun 2021” is a pop-leaning exploration of Yano’s range as his smooth vocals skate over experimental guitars and lovely ambiance.
Tchotchke – “Poor Girl”
Playin’ Dumb
The time has finally arrived for new music from Tchotchke, and it is already sounding like a landmark release for the trio. Playin’ Dumb is set for release on September 5 and was produced by fellow pop boundary-pushers The Lemon Twigs. The acrobatic “Poor Girl” is our lead single from the highly anticipated release. There is a jovial energy to the single that bursts through the speakers, thanks to soaring vocals and an animated arrangement.
Thee Oh Sees – “FIGHT SIMULATOR”
ABOMINATION REVEALED AT LAST
The prolific and ever-evolving psych-rock band Thee Oh Sees emerges with a new LP and a punk-tinted lead single. ABOMINATION REVEALED AT LAST is all set to hit your local streaming service on August 8, and “FIGHT SIMULATOR” is our first look into the new album. The lead single sounds like Thee Oh Sees have captured the frustration we all harbor and let it out through bursts of throat-scratching vocals, off-kilter guitar melodies, and heart-pounding drums.
