Escape-Ism "The Lost Record (Merge)"
1990’s Sassiest Boy in America Ian Svenonius is back! Hot on the heels on 2017’s Introduction to Escape-Ism is 2018’s The Lost Record (Merge). Ian has been in more bands than journeyman Lutz Pfannenstiel’s has had teams. But starting last year, he introduced us to his solo identity as Escape-Ism, and seeing as how its been 10 months since his last LP, he’s feeling inspired. Full of sneery attitude, spoken word-ish vocals, hook-y basslines and left-field sonic choices, the sound is somewhere between Lou Reed’s solo work, Sneaks, and well… there isn’t a lot to compare Ian to. Just check out “Nothing Personal.”
Say Hi "Caterpillar Centipede"
It wasn’t long ago that we thought we’d heard the last of Eric Elbogen’s Say Hi. His retirement announcement and subsequent left-field release from his computer/rap project Werewolf Diskdrive might have something to do with that (not to mention all the hot dogs and hamburgers it made us eat…) Well… (wait for it…) say hi to Say Hi again! Caterpillar Centipede is the 12th LP from Say Hi, and everything we’ve come to love from Eric is here. The catchy hooks, the great vocals, the… well… the everything! If Neil Young made a late-in-life turn towards “slacker pop” it would sound a lot like “Every Gauge Is On Empty.”
Teleman "Family Of Aliens (Moshi Moshi)"
Simultaneously vintage and future sounding, Teleman is back with Family Of Aliens (Moshi Moshi)! That’s right, this time they’ve teamed up with Alf, E.T., Chewbacca, and a Dalek… Ok, maybe they didn’t. But that doesn’t mean that the sounds found here aren’t somewhat alien. Bouncy bass, gorgeous synths, processed vocals, and instantly catchy melodies. It’s like OG lineup Liars recorded an album with Air (which I definitely would have bought the day it came out). Check out the funky, vocoder-y “Submarine Life.”
Underground System "What Are You"
Global dance deconstructionists Underground System are here with their first full-length LP. What Are You is a thought-provoking party of an album. Hints of Michael Jackson’s classic solo debut Off The Wall mixed with afro-beat and West African music, and hints of Alternative, post-punk, new wave, and experimental electronic music make this one exciting listen. Led by the energetic vocals of Domenica Fossati and the production mastery of the band’s guitarist Peter Maston, this is sure to get you moving and/or grooving (likely both). Check out the silky bass, hooky guitars, and jazzy flutes of the ‘70s sounding “Three’s A Charm.”