Purple Mountains "Purple Mountains (Drag City)"
It’s been 11 years since we’ve gotten new music from Silver Jews’ David Berman. For a bit of a catch-up on what he’s been up to, I’d highly recommend reading this Washington Post feature on him from June 3rd-unless you’re out of articles for the month. If you are, then we have the perfect way for you to see what’s what with Mr. Berman! By checking out his wildly entertaining rebirth as “Purple Mountains”! The self-titled Purple Mountains (Drag City) is everything you could possibly want from a new David Berman project. From the xanax promo that is “That’s Just The Way That I Feel” to one of the best songs ever written about a mom “I Loved Being My Mother’s Son.” Mr. Berman even gives us the gift of finally ridding the world of “Margaritaville” with “Margaritas At The Mall.” Looking for the Randy Newman replacement for the next Toy Story? Check out the surprisingly bright and simultaneously dark “All My Happiness Is Gone”
Umberto "Helpless Spectator (Thrill Jockey)"
If you are in the market for moody, atmospheric, synth-driven tunes then look no further than the cinematic sounds of Umberto. Somewhere between Explosions In The Sky, John Carpenter, YLT’s Sounds Of Science, and Hauschka lies Helpless Spectator (Thrill Jockey). Seriously, check the album out. It sounds like all those things and more. Ok, maybe I’m projecting because those are like all my favorite musical aesthetics. But if you respond to them at all then check out the epic build of “Spontaneous Possession.”
Helms Alee "Noctiluca (Sargent House)"
Everybody: Rock and roll is dead. Nobody likes guitars anymore.
Sargent House: Wanna bet?
Hot off the heels of the release of one of the best rock albums in years is last month’s Brutus release, Sargent House has done it again with the release of Helms Alee’s Noctiluca. The melodic metal-esque band (post-something I’m sure?) are back with more riffs and melodies than this month’s issue of Guitar Player Magazine. The trio’s angular riffage and drum beats combine to sound a bit like if Sleep forgot their weed at home mixed with Sleater Kinney. Yeah. This is a fun one. Check out the dramatic shifts of “Spider Jar.”
M83 "Knife + Heart OST (Mute)"
Are you ready for a new M83 album? Well this is it – sort of – the third soundtrack from Anthony Gonzalez, and let’s give out some bonus points as it’s the first record from M83 with founder Nicolas Fromageau since Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts! What ends up landing on your eardrums is a mainly instrumental album (we did say score didn’t we) with some touches of the M83 we know and love (BUILDING? DID I SAY BUILDING? Check out “La Caverne”), with some more 70’s/80’s disco synths from the Junk-era M83 sounds added to the mix. Sound fun? You get 27 jams to roll through but start with the oh so frightening and danceable “Malaria-Thrash Me”.