As storms tear through most of the U.S., it is a good weekend to stay inside. Avoid the hustle and bustle of late-night crowds and getting caught in the rain by staying in and shifting through Caustic’s fine selection of new releases. This week is no different than the other bountiful Fridays 2024 has given us. This week’s selection is like digging through an old wine cellar for the perfect glass. Each release has a unique flavor that should be paired with something special to enhance the experience.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music below.
Blitzen Trapper – “Long Game”
100’s of 1000’s, Millions of Billions
Blitzen Trapper’s first full-length since 2020 is a triumphant return to form. 100’s of 100’s, Millions of Billions is a captivating outing that blends the band’s country origins with bright pop-rock tendencies. “Long Game” is a catchy, up-tempo ballad with southern rock charm. Bouncy guitar melodies accent the waltz-style vocals for an infectious stand-out on a stellar album.
Of Montreal – “I Can Read Smoke”
Lady on the Cusp
Of Montreal’s new album is brimming with raw examples of his space-aged approach to synth-pop. Lady on the Cusp is an intimate story lined with dream-like arrangements and vulnerable songwriting, combining for some of the best music Of Montreal has released in the past years. “I Can Read Smoke” is a psychedelic pop tune with melodies that evoke the sensation of levitating while employing touches of jazz for a one-of-a-kind song from a profoundly personal LP.
Slash & Iggy Pop – “Awful Dream”
Orgy of the Damned
The guitar icon teams up with a wide-ranging cast as Slash releases a colorful and collaborative LP. Orgy of the Damned has the veteran bouncing between genres as his pronounced prowess bends and twists to reach noise-rock and the blues all at the same time. “Awful Dream” is the Iggy Pop-assisted tune that leans toward the aforementioned blues. Pop’s rugged vocals soar over the southern charm of Slash’s trance-inducing guitar work.
Shellac – “Tattoos”
To All Trains
Just days after the passing of their fearless leader, Steve Albini, his band Shellac returns with their first new album since 2019. To All Trains is delightfully unpredictable, with moments of surf-rock that transition into murky grunge. “Tattoos” seems simplistic on the surface, but deeper musicianship creates the dark tones and masterful guitars. Stadium-sized bass lines round out the guitar-driven track as spoken word-style vocals deliver rude awakenings.
Kerry King – “Two Fists”
From Hell I Rise
Slayer’s Kerry King releases a jaw-dropping solo debut with From Hell I Rise. The 13-song project has King belting relatable lyrics over a brick wall of dense metal tones and mind-melting tempos. The foot is never taken off of the brakes, “Two Fists” is the point in the album where you reach overdrive. Throat-scratching vocals deliver a flurry of nonchalant chaos over drums that sound like a car crash and guitars reminiscent of metal’s history.
Guster – “When We Were Stars”
Ooh La La
Breezy tones and gentle melodies combine for a hallucination of dreamy pop on Guster’s Ooh La La. The 10-track album has the band creating infectious pop tunes of psychedelic proportions. “When We Were Stars” features neck-breaking drums that attempt to keep up with the stadium-sized hook that begs to be screamed in a crowd of fans. The lyrics explore the origins of humanity and are delivered with a gorgeous gusto.
Cage The Elephant – “Same”
Neon Pill
For their first album since 2019, the iconic Cage The Elephant creates a consistently entertaining and experimental LP with Neon Pill. The aptly named album evokes sitting under neon illumination in a shiny diner. The album is filled with songs that sound like hit singles while staying in a pocket of euphoric rock. “Same” is a touching poem to our past selves. The band sheds its past via moving songwriting and infectious melodies.
Mach-Hommy & Georgia Anne Muldrow – “Sonje”
#Richaxxhaitian
Mach-Hommy pens a love letter to his heritage on #Richaxxhatian. The collaborative LP has Mach-Hommy delivering head-spinning rhyme schemes over the off-kilter soul of the instrumentals. “Sonje” is a highlight of a consistently mesmerizing outing. A funky bassline creates a wonky atmosphere, while Mach-Hommy provides intricate rhymes next to Georgia Anne Muldrow’s lush backing vocals.
BADBADNOTGOOD – “Weird & Wonderful”
Mid Spiral: Chaos – EP
The Canadian jazz trio strikes again with a short yet sprawling EP. Mid Spiral: Chaos keeps the band on their streak of constantly evolving. These six songs showcase the many pockets the band can dive into whenever they please. This set has BADBADNOTGOOD implementing touches of classic rock into their face-melting jazz prowess. “Weird & Wonderful” is a modern jazz fusion track that employs wonky tones and infectiously crashing cymbals for a hypnotic highlight from the new project.
Nada Surf – “In Front of Me Now”
Moon Mirror
Veteran punk-tinged rockers Nada Surf have signed to New West Records, and they’re making themselves right at home. The band has announced their new album, Moon Mirror, which will be released on September 13. “In Front of Me Now” is the infectious lead single, with searing guitar tones and dream-like vocal melodies that deliver lyrics of living with regret and pushing ahead despite it all.
Monsters of Folk – “Disappeared”
Monsters of Folk (Deluxe)
It has officially been 15 years since the supergroup Monsters of Folk released their debut, and they’re celebrating with an expansion of the LP. The group consists of Jim James, M. Ward, Conor Oberst, and Mike Mogis. The four-piece adds five more songs to their 2009 self-titled effort, and “Disappeared” is our first look at the deluxe edition. The folk-rock tune is bursting with passionate vocals and blistering guitar work for a single that showcases the pure magic of this supergroup. Monsters of Folk (Deluxe) is set to be released on June 14.
Nxworries – “FromHere” (Feat. Snoop Dogg & October London)
Why Lawd?
The duo of Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge deliver a soulful cut from their highly anticipated LP. Why Lawd will be released on June 14, and the Snoop Dogg and October London-assisted “FromHere” is our latest look at the project. The subtle sway of Knxwledge’s drums provides the perfect platform for London’s soaring falsettos as .Paak’s signature rasp details lonely nights and longing.
Beachwood Sparks – “Falling Forever”
Across The River of Stars
Folk-pop icons Beachwood Sparks have officially announced their first album in 12 years. The long-awaited Across The River of Stars will be released on July 19 and feature their latest single, “Falling Forever.” The dreamy single sets soul-tinged vocals to a hectic twang as the band delivers intimate lyrics.
Cloud Cult – “I Am a Force Field”
Single
Cloud Cult gets nostalgic and sentimental on “I Am a Force Field.” The intimate single is attached to a string of U.S. headlining dates. “I Am a Force Field” is a confessional piece of music that details the worries that time might not heal all. The band set their potent poetry to a stirring string section and crashing drums that juxtapose the eerie feeling of the lyrics.
Dr. Dog – “Tell Your Friends”
Dr. Dog
Philadelphia’s Dr. Dog is preparing to release its 11th studio album, and each single from the project hints at this being a diverse effort. The self-titled album will be released on July 1, marking the band’s first album since 2018. “Tell Your Friends” is our latest sneak peek at the anticipated album. Touching lyrics are delivered with delicate falsettos, as soft piano melodies shape the minimal arrangement.
