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.”
Greg Farley "Taker Easy (RTP)"
You know who Greg Farley is, right? Why, he’s the fiddle player for The Felice Brothers! Except when he’s not, of course. Take, for instance, right now, on his debut solo LP Taker Easy. Unlike the Bros., Greg’s music is plugged in. Messy americana rock, for when Springsteen isn’t working class enough for you. These are songs about working at the Quarry, about contemplating car purchases, about love lost and love found. A little War On Drugs, a little Mellencamp, and a lot Farley. Check out the dusty shuffle of “Make It Out.”
Kero Kero Bonito "Time ‘n’ Place (Polyvinyl)"
Oh boy. Get ready to have a blast listening to Kero Kero Bonito. Time ‘n’ Place certainly isn’t the first recording of the London-based band, but its the first one for our buds at Polyvinyl. Mixing their love of J-Pop, K-Pop (sorry L), video game music, heavy metal, noise, and everything in between, their sound is a bubbly, beguiling mixture that couldn’t sound more current if it tried. Vacillating between teen-pop and Deerhoof-esque weirdness isn’t an easy task, and the band does both (sometimes in the same song, sometimes at the same time!) effortlessly. Check out the lead-off track “Outside.”