The Tallest Man On Earth "When The Bird Sees The Solid Ground (RTP)"
For the past few months… ok, 5 to be exact, Kristian Matsson aka The Tallest Man On Earth has been releasing one new song a month from his new EP When The Bird Sees The Solid Ground. Well, he’s done doing that, and here you are, all 5 songs at once! If you aren’t already a huge fan of his singular voice/solo guitar sound, then you must not like pretty songs. If, like the rest of us, you like pretty songs, then get ready to fall in love with TMOE’s newest effort. Check out the yearning of “Down In My Heart.”
Cursive "Vitriola (15 Passenger)"
Not since 2006’s Happy Hollow have Cursive’s Tim Kasher, Ted Stevens, Matt Maginn, Clint Schnase, and producer Mike Mogis all appeared on an album together. So forgive us when we say that Vitriola sounds like some CLASSIC Cursive! Along with long-time touring Cellist Megan Siebe and Patrick Newbery on keys, the OCs (you know, like OGs but with the C standing for Cursive) work out their 2018 existential dread via song (as opposed to eating their anxiety-which I’ve gotten very good at. Sorry pants…). Check out the tremendous builds of the first single “It’s Gonna Hurt.”
GABI "Empty Me (Double Double Whammy)"
What a surprise. LVL UP’s label Double Double Whammy is releasing ANOTHER neoclassical-esque album… wait… WHAT? Empty Me is the newest release from GABI (her 1st since 2015’s debut Sympathy). Here we find Gabrielle Herbst expanding on her Kate Bush-adjacent sound. Her soaring vocals over minimal classical arrangements (with neo-New Age electronica hints). This is some gorgeous music-equally amazing at relaxing and lifting one to new emotional heights (like a good meatloaf). Check out the stunning “Sleep.”
maarja nut & rum "Muunduja (FatCat)"
I was having trouble finding the words to describe the haunting new LP from maarja nuut & ruum. Then I found this quote from The Quietus on the bandcamp page for Muuunduja (FatCat):
“There’s a touristy pub in Tallinn centre called Hell Hunt that boasts a painting above the door showing a naked girl, eyes shut and smiling, riding on the back of a grinning wolf. That’s what her music sounds like.”
Then I didn’t feel too bad, because I’m pretty sure that quote means they didn’t know how to describe it either. They could have just said “Estonian Bjork” but that’s kind of reductive (which is why I’m not actually saying it.) Haunting, ethereal swirls of backing tracks building up around maarja’s angelic vocals (all in Estonian). Check out the mountainous builds of “Haned kadunud.”