We have one folksy Caustic for you guys this week. Country music had a slew of releases touching different corners of the genre, from pure folk storytelling to stadium-sized anthems. While the country dominates this week’s list, that is not to discredit the punk-influenced bangers and hypnotic hip-hop. Veteran artists return after a long hiatus, and new acts prepare for upcoming releases already shaping up to be something special. This week’s Caustic is one for the books, so dive headfirst into the weekend with a new favorite song to enjoy the increasingly lovely weather.
Check out Glide’s picks for the best new music of the week below:
St. Vincent – “So Many Planets”
All Born Screaming
St. Vincent’s ambitious new album, All Born Screaming, is a gothic tale. The guitar-rock powerhouse combines her command of the instrument with power-pop tendencies for an expansive LP brimming with theatrical balladry. “So Many Planets” is one of the more lighthearted songs, a cosmic journey about finding yourself—a St. Vincent song wouldn’t be complete without a sleek guitar solo, and “So Many Planets” has one of the most hypnotic on All Born Screaming.
Cris Jacobs – “Poor Davey” (Feat. Billy Strings)
One of These Days
Cris Jacobs’ highly collaborative LP One of These Days is finally here. The 11-song tracklist features head-spinning finger plucking that is the perfect canvas for Jacobs’ vivid imagery and imaginative storytelling. The Billy Strings-assisted “Poor Davey” tells the tale of a demon-possessed boy and the emotional turmoil of a community who can do nothing but watch. Toe-tapping tempos echo from rapid-fire bluegrass guitars for a highlight amongst a solid tracklist.
Justice – “Dear Alan”
Hyperdrama
The mesmerizing electronic duo Justice has returned with a brand new album; it is everything you could’ve asked for. Hyperdrama is an infectious collection of tunes, ranging from funk-influenced grooves to dense, synth-driven textures. “Dear Alan” is on the groovier side. Droning backing vocals add a lush touch to this eerie dance tune, featuring some of the best drum patterns on Hyperdrama.
Wesley Dean – “Tennessee Road”
Crazy Hearts
Wesley Dean created an album that touches every corner of Western music as the artist creates a daring LP with many risks paying off. Crazy Hearts is an entire cinematic universe held within 11 songs. The album transitions from stadium-sized country rock to sentimental and intimate folk storytelling. “Tennessee Road” is an anthem that keeps giving. Angelic harmonies cascade around neck-breaking drums while the lead vocals spin something so simple into a colorful look at modern country.
Iron & Wine – “Sweet Talk”
Light Verse
The complexity of their guitar prowess is juxtaposed by their poetically blunt songwriting on Iron & Wine’s Light Verse. Frontman Sam Beam pens from several perspectives as their guitar chords dance around gentle vocals. “Sweet Talk” is a loving tune amongst a tracklist of dark storytelling. Beam takes the pressure off the listener as he croons about simplicity over bright tones and swaying melodies.
Anders Osborne – “Real Good Dirt”
Picasso’s Villa
The guitar riffs on Anders Osborne’s Picasso’s Villa are heavy and bountiful. The Americana star’s new album is an artsy and honed approach to the storied genre. On this album, Osborne writes from a heavy and vulnerable place, with “Real Good Dirt” being a shining example of his penmanship. Osborne tells a story of self-destruction over distorted riffs for a sizable anthem with quaint lyrics and explosive musicianship.
Raul Midón – “Anything at All”
Lost & Found
On Lost & Found, veteran Raul Midón creates blissful pop in a whirlwind of guitar styles from around the globe. The artist pens moving ballads and pulls from his decades of experience to land on a simplistic yet potent formula. “Anything at All” is an uplifting tune with subtle grooves and Spanish-influenced guitar melodies.
Zoe Boekbinder – “Garden”
Wildflower
Zoe Boekbinder’s first album since 2018 makes up for lost time. Ironically, the album reminds you to take time for yourself, an intimate display of their poetry set to ambient folk guitars. Boekbinder can make the minimal fill the room; “Garden” is the purest example. The nimble guitars are juxtaposed with warping drums and complex harmonies. Wildflower is an intimate walk through the whimsical forest that is Boekbinder’s creativity.
Charley Crockett – “Ain’t Done Losing Yet”
$10 Cowboy
With a silky smooth delivery and a natural knack for storytelling, Charley Crockett has become one of the most exciting voices in Country music. He does so by not conforming to the genre’s expectations, taking tropes from the historic genre and mixing them with his baritone vocals and attention-grabbing writing. “Ain’t Done Losing Yet” only scratches the surface of $10 Cowboy. The waltz-style piano lets Crockett bring us all to a smoke-filled casino where the house always wins, but the losing is just as exciting.
RAT BOY – “SUBURBIA CALLING”
Single
In a stunning return to form, Jordan Cardy’s RAT BOY releases “SUBURBIA CALLING.” The melodic, punk-tinged tune features an infectious hook and jagged guitar tones, forming pop-punk bliss. It is not every day RAT BOY releases new music. Revel in Cardy’s punk-influenced vocals over neck-breaking drums and distorted textures.
Previous Industries – “Pliers”
Service Merchandise
The trio of Open Mike Eagle, STILL RIFT, and Video Dave made their intention to dominate with their debut double single, “Showbiz / Braids.” Without any hesitation, the group is ready to unleash a full-length LP. Service Merchandise is set to be released on June 28, and the latest single, “Pliers,” picks up where the trio left off. Over a harsh yet infectious instrumental, the group takes turns pummeling the sleek melodies with face-melting rhymes and head-spinning cadences.
Blvck Hippie – “Silent Disco”
Basketball Camp
The highly anticipated sophomore LP from Blvck Hippie is shaping up to exceed our sky-high expectations. Basketball Camp is set to be released on June 14, and “Silent Disco” is our latest look at the LP. Emotional crooning gives these indie-rock chords and danceable drums a vulnerable cloak. The soulful vocals and guitar tones give this song a roller-rink feeling. Infectious doesn’t begin to describe the latest single from Blvck Hippie’s upcoming LP.
Crumb – “The Bug”
AMAMA
Crumb’s first LP since 2021 is right around the corner. AMAMA is set to be released on May 17, and the mysterious indie-rock golden child releases “Bug” ahead of the album. The latest single is filled with psychedelic melodies that coil around your ear and change the room’s colors. Sharp drum patterns add an edge to the gentle vocals; “Bug” is Crumb at their best.
Nilüfer Yanya – “Like I Say (I runaway)”
Single
One of the most exhilarating acts to come out of London in the past few years is here with a new single. Nilüfer Yanya scoffs at convention, combining soulful jazz with a pop prowess that looks to redefine the genre. “Like I Say (I runaway)” is an immersive single with dense textures that deliver swinging vocals over an unpredictable arrangement.
Dr. Dog – “Talk is Cheap”
Dr. Dog
After a six-year hiatus, Philadelphia’s Dr. Dog is prepping a brand new album. The self-titled effort will land on July 19, and “Talk is Cheap” is our latest look at the LP. The single combines soul, folk, and psychedelic rock into one expressive tune that begs to be put on repeat. Like catching a phenomenally colorful sunrise, “Talk is Cheap” finds a rare balance in fusing genres to evoke the feeling of levitation.
