STRFKR "Being No One, Going Nowhere"
Oh man, are STRFKR ever back (not that they really went anywhere, but you gotta start a blurb somehow, right?)! Being No One, Going Nowhere (Polyvinyl) is a groovy, synthy, poptastic good time. More of a dance-pop release than their previous band-oriented release Miracle Mile, we find the band focusing their gaze to things like Italian disco of the ‘70s, synth-y new wave of the ‘80s, and alt-electronica of the modern era a la Phoenix and MGMT. The whole party is driven forward by infectious bass lines, downtown beats, and a M83-ish collection of perfectly produced synth sounds. Check out the disco-prog strains of the laid back bounce of “Never Ever.”
Lambchop "FLOTUS"
If you’re sick of Lambchop releasing subtle masterpiece after subtle masterpiece, then FLOTUS (Merge) is probably gonna make you mad. (Frankly though, I think it’s weird that good music makes you mad.) If, however, you can’t get enough of their experimental beauty, then get ready to fall in love. Expanding on the electronic, auto-tuned direction they’ve been playing with of late, this time around all that is coupled with lush strings, delicate arrangements, and Kurt Wagner’s unmistakable voice (auto-tuned or not, there’s no mistaking him). The weirdest country band in the world keeps getting weirder, and we should consider ourselves lucky that they are doing so. Thanks Lambchop! You’ll be thanking them to when you check out the Krautrock meets Peanuts music sounds (trust me, it’s an awesome combo) of “NIV.”
Choir Boy "Passive With Desire"
What started out as an intended insult from a blogger eventually turned into a band name! Someone in the Ohio DIY/punk scene described Adam Klopp’s vocal style as “choir boy” and Adam knew it was kind of right. Raised Mormon, and having learned to sing in the church choir, there was little to disagree with, and so Choir Boy the band was born. With sophisticated ‘80s new wave vibes, angelic Antony-esque vocals, and a concentration on bringing the lushness of full band arrangements to bedroom recording, Passive With Desire (Team Love) is a relic from a time that never really existed. A time when Kate Bush and Leonard Cohen were making synth-pop together, and implementing a kid’s show vampire aesthetic throughout. Check out the 1st single from the album, “Hellmouth” (and if you have time, watch the video for that tune for verification of that last vampire point.)
Ken Thomson "Restless"
Ken Thomson is a busy, busy classical musician. Besides being a member of the Bang On A Can All-Stars, he also has his jazzy Slow/Fast moniker, as well as his Lincoln Center marching band Asphalt Orchestra. On top of all that? No, not a cherry! Restless (Cantaloupe) is a gorgeous collection of pieces (that’s right, we are talkin’ classical here, so we get to say classy things like “pieces” and maybe even “li’l opera binoculars”). These compositions by Thomson, performed primarily on piano and strings, are filled with beautiful passages, and at times disjointed and dissonant. This is the good stuff here (honestly, how often is Pitchfork gonna review and give 7.9 to a classical album?). Thoughtful modern classical music, with great attention paid to texture and ambience. Check out the playful “Forge.”