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.”
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.”
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.”