These final Summer days seem to be flying by, as it only seems like yesterday we were celebrating the start of August with some fresh releases. A week into the month, and the Caustic Factory is blowing smoke out of chimneys and revving up our machinery for an exhilarating New Music Friday. For this week, we have a wide range of releases that range from poetic Americana to cross-generational Hip-hop collaborations. Whether it is a relaxing weekend inside, avoiding blistering heat, or a full sprint to soak up the last bit of summer, a ripe new LP is waiting to be plucked off the branch and soundtrack your life.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music below, and be sure to check out our Caustic Spotify playlist to stay updated on the latest releases.
T. Hardy Morris – “Poets In The Mist”
Artificial Tears
For the first time in four years, we are proud to be able to report that former Dead Confederate member, T. Hardy Morris, has returned with a new solo album. Artificial Tears is brimming with energetic, twangy balladry with captivating songwriting that lands somewhere between folksy charm and off-kilter novellas. “Poets In The Mist” will get your toes tapping and heart racing as glistening acoustics, thudding drums, and potent songwriting collide.
Halestorm – “WATCH OUT!”
Everest
Modern hard rock icons Halestorm emerge from the shadows with an emotionally expansive effort that exemplifies the nuances that make Halestorm one of rock’s most beloved members. Everest is a monstrous climb through throat-scratching vocals that range from soft balladry to explosive howls, sometimes within the same song. “WATCH OUT!” is one of the more aggressive tunes Halestorm offers on their latest album. With lyrics meant to be screamed in a crowd, and an arrangement that follows the lead of the warping vocals.
Big Freedia – “Praise Dance”
Pressing Onward
Legendary bounce musician Big Freedia is changing up their sound while maintaining their infectious and palpable energy. Pressing Onward is a gospel-inspired effort with colorful examples of Freedia’s artist evolution as the artist employs soaring choir sections and modern dance elements. “Praise Dance” carries a purity with it that makes the tune irresistible. A stunning choir arrangement crashes into Freedia’s booming vocals with a fervor that touches the soul.
The Black Keys – “Down to Nothing”
No Rain, No Flowers
Amid public turmoil after seeing the cancellation of their 2024 tour, The Black Keys fearlessly march back into the studio to record No Rain. No Flowers, the highly collaborative, aptly titled follow-up to 2024’s Ohio Players. The 13th studio album from the duo finds The Black Keys reaching out to generational songwriters and producers for a soulful example of their artistic freedom. “Down to Nothing” is a moving highlight from the new LP with subtle grooves that juxtapose the longing in the vocal performance.
Hayes Carll – “What Will I Be”
We’re Only Human
Hayes Carll has always landed somewhere between tradition and individuality, and on his latest effort, the artist continues to blur those lines. We’re Only Human is brimming with rootsy vulnerability as Carll releases another stellar collection of whimsical storytelling, infectious twang, and emotional honesty. “What Will I Be” sets the expectations for the LP high with Carll’s rugged, soulful vocals delivering raw lyrics over a sky blue arrangement.
JID – “VCRs”
God Does Like Ugly
The long-awaited LP from modern Hip-hop wordsmith and vocal acrobat JID has finally arrived, and JID continues to prove to be one of the most refreshing voices in the contemporary genre. God Does Like Ugly is 15 sprawling tracks with neck-breaking mood shifts that are tied together by the artist’s animated vocals and poetic storytelling. “VCRs” is a slower moment on the LP, with JID detailing the complexity of his hometown of Atlanta over an ambient arrangement that emphasizes the nuances of the artist’s masterful pen.
Thee Oh Sees – “COFFIN WAX”
ABOMINATION REVEALED AT LAST
Thee Oh Sees march their prolific streak onward with yet another reality-altering example of their noise rock bliss. ABOMINATION REVEALED AT LAST is a warped, electro-infused piece of modern punk that explodes out of the gate with an earth-shattering blow of searing guitars, hyperactive melodies, and a knack for unpredictability. “COFFIN WAX” is a murky, sludge-riddled, fast-paced highlight with crashing drums and space-aged melodies, giving the song the feeling of watching a war from the future.
Charley Crockett – “Destroyed”
Dollar A Day
Charley Crockett has released his second album of the year, and the artist continues to carry the torch of traditional country into modern times. Dollar A Day is a proper, 15-song effort that explores a range of emotions over an even wider spread of country subgenres, ranging from Americana to honky tonk. “Destroyed” is an invigorating highlight with Crockett telling the tale of love at first sight over a jamming arrangement.
DJ Premier & Roc Marciano – “RocMarkable”
The Coldest Profession
Eras are crossed, and prowess is proven as the legendary DJ Premier teams up with modern icon Roc Marciano for The Coldest Profession. The 8-song collaborative album finds Marciano’s grandiose visions navigating slick scratches and spellbinding, nostalgic drum loops, almost as if Marciano’s sleek flows are polishing the grit around Premier’s production to unearth a diamond. “RocMarkable” is an early favorite from the LP with spacious drums that unroll like a red carpet for Marciano’s regal and elegant confidence.
Danger Mouse & MorMor – “Wonder”
Single
Super producer Danger Mouse teams up with singer/multi-instrumentalist MorMor for a hypnotic piece of lush pop balladry. “Wonder” is a punch-drunk single that oozes with intoxicating textures as MorMor’s cloud-like vocals slowly roll over the mountainous synths and drums laid down by Danger Mouse. This single marks the first collaboration between the artists, and for the sake of our ears, hopefully not the last.
Anysia Kym & Tony Seltzer – “Speedrun”
Purity
Vocalist Anysia Kym teams up with modern trope manipulator Tony Seltzer for the announcement of their collaborative album. Purity is set to be released on September 12, and the blazing “Speedrun” is our lead single. Rapid-fire drums rain down over quaint yet energetic vocals for a cacophony of Hip-hop-R&B fusion.
Big Thief – “Grandmother” (Feat. Laraaji)
Double Infinity
As we all anticipate the long-awaited follow-up to Big Thief’s landmark 2022 LP, the band gifts fans with two new singles as we wait. Along with the fantastic “Los Angeles,” the innovative folk band teams up with the legendary Laraaji for the mesmerizing “Grandmother.” The emotional vocal performance is emphasized by psychedelic undertones provided by wonky guitar tones and soaring backing vocals. The band’s new album, Double Infinity, is set to be released on September 5.
Bad Bad Hats & Squirrel Flower – “All Nighter” (Squirrel Flower Version)
Psychic Readings
It is hard to believe it has been ten years since Bad Bad Hats introduced themselves to the world, but the band is pulling out all the stops for the celebration. Psychic Readings is the digital companion piece to Psychic Reader (10th Anniversary Edition), a vinyl reissue of the band’s 2015 debut that will feature remixes of each song on the album from the likes of The Front Bottoms and Hippo Campus. First up is Squirrel Flower’s atmospheric take on “All Nighter.” The remixed version emphasizes the longing of the lyrics through slow-burning melodies and ambient production.
The Lemonheads – “The Key of Victory”
Love Chant
With their first album of all-new original material in almost two decades slowly approaching, the iconic Lemonheads emerge with another new single from the anticipated release. Love Chant is set to be released on October 24, and the acoustic balladry of “The Key of Victory” is our latest single. The new single is a moving performance based around simplicity as a gentle acoustic melody builds the canvas for a heartfelt vocal performance.
Major Stars – “Blackout”
More Colors of Sound
Legendary rock outfit Major Stars have announced their first new album since 2019, and the lead single is hinting at another guitar-fueled onslaught of distorted wonder. More Colors of Sound is set to be released on October 24 via Drag City, and the searing “Blackout” is our first preview of the LP. Warm, lo-fi vocals juxtapose explosive guitar riffs as Major Stars put together an unforgettable lead single for a highly anticipated release.
