Saba Lou "Novum Ovum (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)"
Saba Lou is back with her second full-length album Novum Ovum (Ernest Jenning Record Co.) which is pretty impressive when you take into account the fact that she was born in this century (and makes even more sense when you learn that her dad is King Khan). A little garage sounding, a little ‘60s sounding (think Nancy Sinatra)-with poetic, labyrinthine lyrics and Saba’s direct vocal styles. This sounds, frankly, like very little else in the world of music while also sounding like someone who obviously grew up listening to the good stuff (kinda like the early Foxygen records). Check out the jangly title track “Novum Ovum.”
Lightning Bolt "Sonic Citadel (Thrill Jockey)"
If you like your metal to be a punishing assault on your senses, then chances are you are already salivating at the thought of a new Lightning Bolt LP. Sonic Citadel (Thrill Jockey) is packed to the brim with riffs-i’m talking a million riffs! Sure, people are calling it the duo’s “poppiest record” but that’s like calling season 2 of Deadwood “the one with the least curses in it.” Is it true? Sure. But… you know… Now don’t get me wrong, there are some differences here from their past work. The distortion on the vocals are turned down to the point where you’ll definitely be able to understand some vocals! But don’t forget, this IS a Lightning Bolt record. Check out the 2019 song title of the year nominee, the head nodding “Hüsker Dön’t.”
Carla dal Forna "Look Us Sharp"
The hazy spot between home-recorded lo-fi pop, experimental electronic excursions, and the ambient and noise music that lies on the periphery of vaporware music can be found Look Us Sharp, the latest album by Carla dal Forna. Like a nervous, jittery Portishead album played at the wrong speed mixed with chamber pop-this is a heady, wondrous collection that speaks volumes to Carla’s musical tastes (after all, the best musicians have the best record collections, right?). You’ll hear swathes of The Cure, ‘90s indie, ‘70s experimental, and all the other great things that makeup music collections. Check out the haunting “I’m Conscious” or the mysterious “So Much Better” and see what I mean.
Bruno Bavota "Get Lost (Temporary Residence)"
If you are in the know, then you know that Bruno Bavota is composing some of the most beautiful, haunting piano music this side of animated movies about snowmen. Seriously, this is THE record to put on when you wanna make your apartment way classier than that near-complete collection of Burger King Return Of The Jedi glasses would have your guests believe. I’m not kidding, I put this gorgeous album on and my apartment started cleaning itself (results may vary, this is not a guarantee of apartment cleaning). This time around, he has started adding effect pedals and processing into his repertoire (thank god for spell check, my first try was… not sick) but what that does is create even more ambience. Check out “Sneaking Behind The Falling Sky” and you’ll see what I mean.