High Disciple "High Disciple (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)"
Not every band is difficult to describe. For every one that defies genre placement, there is a band as blissfully specific as High Disciple. They are a dub band. A space-y, surf-y reggae-y dub band. Comprised of Chris Daly from Jets To Brazil, Larry DiGiovanni from Dub For Light (I told you! DUB BAND!) and guitarist Scott Saing Hilaire, their self-titled debut on Ernest Jenning Record Co. is some sweet, jammed up dub music. You will slowly nod your head, you will marvel at the ease at which they grab a hold over you, and you will likely just start the record over once it’s done. Check out the laid-back funk of “Tranquility.”
Maps & Atlases "Lightlessness Is Nothing New (Barsuk)"
Lightlessness Is Nothing New (Barsuk), the new LP from Maps & Atlases, is something of a reboot from the band. Gone are the math rock leanings found on their earlier albums, and in its place is a bright, joyful synth pop. This change came about as frontman Dave Davison tried to assuage his grief over the recent loss of his father. But rather than wallowing, Dave is instead reminding himself (and thus the world) of al the great things left here. And if ever there was a time that people needed reminding that there is joy left, it’s now. Like a bouncy, lighter version of Erasure mixed with ‘80s Bowie, Lightlessness… has something for everyone, as is evidenced by the hummable hooks of “Fall Apart.”
E "Negative Work (Thrill Jockey)"
We make no secret our love of Thalia Zedek around the BRM office. So when Thalia is releasing music in any capacity, we are always very excited. So word of a new album from E, Thalia’s trio with Jason Sidney Sanford and Gavin McCarthy (I wonder how Gavin feels being in the band E as the only member of the band without the titular vowel in his name?). Negative Work (Thrill Jockey) is not only the name of their new LP, but also the ethos behind the LP. Recorded and mixed in 4 days at Machines With Magnets, they took full advantage of their trio status, and gave each of their individual tracks the room to breathe and shine on this energetic, idiosyncratic band. (get it? negative space?) Check out the first single from the album “Untie Me.”
Hatchie "Sugar & Spice EP (Double Double Whammy)"
Sometimes a bit of music is released EXACTLY when it should be. Case in point? Hatchie’s debut EP for Double Double Whammy Sugar & Spice. Here it comes, right when its getting nice outside (assuming it actually is gonna be nice outside). Harriette Pilbeam’s music is a tonic for these hard times (also, if I did my googling right, it’s the middle of winter in Harriette’s Australia, so she did this for YOU!). Dreamy, positive, jangly, you couldn’t ask for a better antidote for the turdstorm that 2018 is turning out to be. At times the sounds are a little like if Best Coast was covering Kylie Minogue covering The Cure. I know, that’s a little confusing. But these sweet sounds are anything but confusing. In fact, in a perfect world, “Sure” will be THE summer hit. But as I alluded to earlier (see: turdstorm) its not a perfect world. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t be your summer hit. Check it out!