Upper Wilds "Mars (Thrill Jockey)"
Building on the sonic landscape they forged with their 2017 debut, Upper Wilds are back with Mars (Thrill Jockey). The trio, made up of Dan Friel, Zach Lehroff, and Jeff Ottenbacher, are pushing the boundaries they set last time. Guitar Mudyle 2017 was very synth heavy, but this time around Dan is instead sending vocals through a pile of guitar effects to create a noisy, otherworldly sound. Check out the space exploration noise-pop of “Mars.”
Young Jesus "The Whole Thing Is Just There (Saddle Creek)"
Its been some time since art rock has been this art… or this rock for that matter. Joint LA-based quartet Young Jesus on their experimental journeys into riffs, noise, shifts in tone, stretching out, and all around being a very good band. Its like The Sea and Cake teamed up with very early Modest Mouse to cover Miles Davis albums in his Bitches Brew phase. Yeah. It is that good. Polyrhythmic jazz-rock drumming, prog rock bass prowess, dirty, spindly guitars and John Rossiter’s manic vocals. This could be your new favorite band. Start the love affair with “Saganism vs Buddhism.”
YOWLER "Black Dog In My Path (Double Double Whammy)"
Philadelphia’s Maryn Jones has been releasing music in some form since 2004. She’s been a member of the “loud pop outfit” All Dogs as well as psych-folkers Saintseneca. But in 2013 she started Yowler as a solo project “where dark thoughts and too-quiet moments could be placed.” The result is Black Dog In My Path (Double Double Whammy), the second Yowler release. Mostly Jones’ lovely vocals (often multi-tracked) and acoustic guitar, with hints of bass and cello and other assorted band room denizens. Unless its not a ballad, because Maryn is not afraid to rock either. Magically delicate and powerful, these songs are a window into her soul–as the best songs usually tend to be. A little bit like Liz Phair’s early work, a little bit like Elliot Smith-this one packs a punch. Check out the emotional shuffle of “Angel.”
Kinski "Accustomed To Your Face (Kill Rock Stars)"
Judging from the cover of their latest LP, Kinski has fired John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands and gone back to their original lineup. I kid, I kid! 20 years into their career and Kinski show no signs of slowing down. Accustomed To Your Face (Kill Rock Stars) is full of searing guitars and rock riffs, krautrock-inspired rhythms, and all-around blistering energy. This is one album to get up and go to school with! Check out the sub-two minute power of “Guest Girl Vocalist.”