Moby & the Void Pacific Choir "These Systems Are Failing"
Moby is mad as hell, and he’s not gonna take it anymore. These Systems Are Failing (Mute), the debut album from Moby & The Void Pacific Choir, is an overtly political album. The sound of it is a bit of a throwback to his early days with Ultra Vivid Scene and Vatican Commandos, or his late ‘90s alt-record Animal Rights. It would appear that when the going gets tough, Moby turns to hardcore to soothe his savage beast (right there with ya buddy). This time around though, he has added in elements of the electronica he is most famous for. Actual guitars, keyboards; pulsing and distorted, this is the danceable (or at least thrashable) sound of Moby’s disillusionment. Can you blame him? Misery loves company, so check out the Joy Division meets Atari Teenage Riot sounds of “The Light Is Clear In My Eyes.”
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.”
MONO "Requiem For Hell"
MONO has spent nearly 20 years playing and recording some of the most dramatic instrumental post-rock we have ever heard. Requiem For Hell (Temporary Residence) will do little to shake you of that opinion. It is gorgeous. It is instrumental. It is dramatic. Bonus: It is recorded by Steve Albini. The band smartly went back to recording with the analog wizard for this emotional album. Every tune a movie for your mind. So prepare your brain theater for the Explosions In The Sky sounds of “The Last Scene.”