Active Bird Community "Amends (Barsuk)"
Amends is the Barsuk debut for the young Brooklyn-based band Active Bird Community. This is a record full of big ideas and bigger execution. Their music is full of operatic drama, with big changes is volume, timbre, and energy. Also, there are occasional horn parts. Its like if Beirut made an album of Weezer covers (strictly the first two albums, of course). Check out the big chords of “Baby Its You.”
Elise Davis "Cactus"
The follow up to her critically adored album from 2016 The Token, Cactus is the sophomore effort from Elise Davis. A little bit country and a little bit rock and roll… Ok… mostly country. But country in a Lucinda Williams/Dolly Parton way-which is one of the top three country ways to be. A bit folky, delicate vibes, and all paired with Elise’s strong vocal skills matched only by her skills as a songwriter. This is one for late-night drives in the… well, country. There you are, feeling kind of bad about yourself, and Elise is right there with you making sure you know you aren’t the only one with such heavy emotions. Suddenly, you feel better. So keep your eyes on the road and check out the bachelorette life of “Lone Wolf” or the twangy shuffle of “Hold Me Like A Gun.”
School Damage "A To X (Chapter Music)"
A To X (Chapter Music) is the sophomore album from Melbourne’s School Damage. Spindly early new wave pop mixed with modern punk-lite. Imagine a world where Shopping teamed up with White Fences and Cate Le Bon and you are starting to get the idea behind this energetic sound. Guaranteed to get you chair dancing (because you are likely sitting when you read this) and face smiling (because, like me, you probably haven’t figured out how to make any other part of your body smile). Get ready to bounce along to “Assimilate.”
Mogwai "Kin OST (Temporary Residence)"
Mogwai have recorded the soundtrack to the sci-fi movie Kin. The music sounds exactly like what you think Mogwai making music for a sci-fi movie would sound like: moody, experimental, gorgeous, and 100% Mogwai. In fact, if it wasn’t for the fact that it says “OST” on the cover, you’d likely think you lucked out and Mogwai just released another super album. I mean, they did, so… Check out the end credit music for the movie “We’re Not Done.”