Seba Kaapstad "Thina (Mello)"
It feels like Seba Kaapstad are the future of music. I’ve assumed for a while now that the “next big sound” would be one that includes influences from around the world. Enter Seba Kaapstad. A heady mixture of soul, electronics, jazz, African music-all made by a group of musicians hailing from South Africa and Germany. But, as the PR for Thina (Mello) says “they set out to demolish the musical boundaries between genres, and in this way also help bring people on all continents a little closer.” So check out the smooth sounds of the standout lead-off track “Thina.”
Aseethe "Throes (Thrill Jockey)"
If’n you are in the mood for some doom-y, gloom-y, riff-fueled metal sounds-then look no further than Aseethe. Throes (Thrill Jockey) is exactly what you want (assuming you want I said you might want). The trio is in sharp form here, with the drums leading the squelchy guitars and inhuman howls forward (but in a good way, not in like a teen’s first band way). Check out the powerful “No Realm.”
Dommengang "No Keys (Thrill Jockey)"
Oh man, do I like this new Dommengang record! No Keys (Thrill Jockey) is full of some jammy, throwback psych rock that wouldn’t be out of place on a comp of unknown psych bands from the ‘70s (if it wasn’t for the sonic fidelity that the future can afford a band). Recorded live in studio with minimal overdubs, this is the one baby. Groovy! Right on! Peace, man! Um… you get the idea. So dust off your love beads (how did they get so dirty anyway?) and polish your mood ring, because you are gonna need it. Bliss out to the righteous jam that is “Kudzu.”
Charly Bliss "Young Enough (Barsuk)"
I’m gonna assume that you, like a lot of people, fell under the Charly Bliss spell after their debut Guppy was released. Their ‘90s-esque candy-coated college radio sound was a breath of fresh air. Well, get ready to fall in love with their follow-up, Young Enough (Barsuk). Mixed into the Veruca Salt-esque sound of their original vibe is an unabashed pop slant. Are their still guitars? Yes. But are there synths? Yup. New wave-ish production? Uh huh. But what about Eva Hendrick’s singular vocal delivery? Front and center here. It’s like a combo of New Order, The Eurythmics, and The Breeders. Like the kids say, this record “slaps” (I’m so, so sorry. I feel so dirty now.) Check out the vibey “Capacity.”