Kevin Devine "Instigator"
I was about to write “if there’s one thing Kevin Devine is know for” but quickly thought better of it. Why? Because KD is known for lots of things. His introspective lyrics. His ability to change from solo acoustic to rollicking rock and roll. His prolific discography. His awesome last name. His bionic heat vision. Ok. Now I’m starting to make stuff up. But I’m not making this up: Instigator (Procrastinate! Music Traitors), Kevin’s 9th studio album (that number at least triples if you include live albums, other projects, EPs, singles…), is everything we love about Kevin. Elliot Smith-esque confessions and vocal melodies, Weezer-y hooks, simple math rock complexities (yeah, I know that doesn’t make sense, but listen and you’ll see I’m right), and all produced by the lovely and talented John Agnello (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.). Check out “No History.”
American Football "American Football (LP2)"
It has been 17 years since Polyvinyl released what would eventually become the classic self-titled debut from American Football. As you probably know, what happened after that is the stuff of rock legend. The band broke up only having played a handful of small shows. It was only after the band didn’t exist that the record went on to become “one of the single most influential rock records of it’s time” (quote from Noisey, but a sentiment expressed by countless media quote makers). Thankfully, the legendary 2014 reunion shows went as well as they did, because (and I can’t believe I’m writing this) American Football are back with a new self-titled LP! (make sense of THAT discogs!) The same emotionally resonant lyrics tugging at nostalgic heartstrings, the math rock syncopation, the swirling emo interplay, and now Mike’s bro Nate Kinsella laying down the bass. Even more surefooted and (of course) mature then the last time around, this is gonna get you just like the first one did. Prepare for a rush of turn-of-the-century emotions with the first single from the album “I’ve Been So Lost For So Long.”
Jeff Rosenstock "Worry."
Believe you me, if we had the technology, you would be watching the video for Jeff Rosenstock’s “Wave Goodnight To Me” instead of my goofy blurbs. Why? Because it perfectly encapsulates Jeff in all his ramshackle glory (#teamglumpet). The empowering pop-punk. The glorious DIY-ness. The self-deprecating sense of humor. And don’t forget the hooks. Those candy-coated hooks! At this point, I think everyone knows the ex-Bomb The Music Industry! frontman’s origin story, so you’re likely just ready to dig in to his excellent new release Worry. (Side One Dummy). Far be it from me to keep you from what you wanna do, so check out the aforementioned “Wave Goodnight To Me.”
Luke Roberts "Sunlit Cross"
It isn’t an easy trick to be an effective, moving musician that generally is known for the classic folk pairing of voice and guitar and also NOT be considered a folk musician. Thankfully, Luke Roberts has traversed those choppy waters and has made a name for himself with his sparse yet expansive sound. At first blush, his resonating voice and sparse arrangements might remind you of Mark Kozelek, but those comparisons are superficial. His sound actually has more in common with Bonnie “Prince” Billy in it’s heartwarming/heartworn wistfulness. Luke has begrudgingly referred to his genre as “redemptive blues,” and though he didn’t want to label, it’s a pretty accurate description of his sepia-toned Americana-esque sound. Dig into Sunlit Cross (Thrill Jockey) with the autumn-in-the-air sounds of “Run.”