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.”
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.”
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.
Bec Sandridge "Try + Save Me (Gaga)"
Woah. Is there anything more fun than discovering a new artist on their fully formed debut? Going from not existing in your mind to new favorite. It’s the best. Well let the debut from Bec Sandridge Try + Save Me (Gaga) wash over you and turn you into an instant fan. Synth-heavy, bass pounding electro-pop, accompanied by her theatrical, singular vocal style. For a little idea on what is in store, think Kate Bush meets B-52s meets modern pop music. Yeah, this is a total blast-full of perfect production, epic builds, and… you know what? Just check out the driving “EYES WIDE” and learn for yourself.