Hiss Golden Messenger "Terms Of Surrender (Merge)"
The songs M.C. Taylor wrote for the latest Hiss Golden Messenger record Terms Of Surrender (Merge) were not originally written for a record. They were written for himself. A catharsis of sorts. It was only after he started writing these songs and playing them with other people that he realized that maybe they were too good to keep to himself. We are thankful he felt that way because we think they are too good for us to never hear, that’s for sure. For a record that started out as a personal collection of songs, there is a through-line on this record as strong as anything, and that through line is love. So if you are the kind of person that doesn’t love love then… well… this record is the least of your problems. Featuring the likes of Phil Cook, Jenny Lewis, and other guests, this is one Americana-tinged, rocking good time. Check out the joyous first track “I Need A Teacher.”
Chelsea Wolfe "Birth of Violence (Sargent House)"
Its (relatively) easy to release a summer album. Some good time vibes, something easy to party and rock out with-and you have yourself a summer album! But what, dear reader, of the fall album? Well that is a trickier apple to bob for. Leave it to office favorite Chelsea Wolfe to release what might be the perfect autumnal album. Stripped of much of the loud, sinister sounds she’s been known for recently, Birth Of Violence (Sargent House) is a stunningly beautiful record. Acoustic guitars; haunting, stripped back production; and Chelsea’s gorgeous vocals–along with her knack for songwriting–are the stars here. The whole thing just oozes a chilly beauty (like a candy bar left in the freezer–except good for you!). Now if all this doesn’t sound like the perfect fall release to you, then I suggest you check out the first single from the album “The Mother Road” and see (with your ears, that is) exactly what I mean.
James Levy "Somebody"
Hot off the heels of producing the final two singles from the late, great Charles Bradley-NY musician, producer James Levy is back to his own sounds with the release of Somebody. Oh wait, did I say NY musician? That’s not exactly true anymore, as is evidenced by “NYC,” the excellent first song on this album. See, that song is a breakup song. In fact, the whole thing is a breakup album. But who is James breaking up with? Why NY of course! He’s up and relocated to Nashville. It makes sense then that this album teeters between a NY singer/songwriter sound and a Nashville roost/americana rock sound (and seeing as how its produced by ex-Avett Brother James Defiglia-that totally makes sense). So check out what Rolling Stone Country called “one of the 10 Best Country and Americana Songs To Hear Now” and check out the aforementioned “NYC.”
TRØN & DVD "Manhunt (Kiam)"
The brothers Van Dunk are back! You probably know them better as TRØN and DVD, and get ready to get to know them even better than that on the follow-up to their full-length debut. Manhunt (Kiam) finds their skills stronger than ever, furthering the themes they toyed with on 2017’s Afraid Of The Dark, but with an angry maturity that I guess everyone has been experiencing over the last few years. Their rhymes are as strong as ever, their beats even more blistering than ever before. And if you can be judged by the company you keep, then get ready to be impressed with this lineup of guests! Labelmates Jennifer O’Connor and Amy Benunartea, as well as Coheed and Cambria’s Travis Stever, underground rapper SB The Moor, and others. Oh, and also REDMAN!!! Yeah, I saved the best for last. Check out the 1st single from the album, “Me Time.”