There are some absolute crackers among this week’s releases.
Dorothy Carter Troubadour
A reissue of her 1976 debut on which, in addition to hammered dulcimer and psaltery, Dorothy played the flute and sang. She chose songs from all over: Appalachian folk tunes, old and ancient psalms and hymns, Scottish, Irish, French and Israeli melodies, with a few of her own songs for good measure. Even though it was recorded nearly 50 years ago, it is by far the week’s most unique and timeless sounding record.
Los Bitchos Talkie Talkie
A sonic adventure which transports the listener into a world where funk, disco, Latin and Turkish rhythms collide in a euphoric fusion, Talkie Talkie is glistening with charisma, sonic experimentation and a puckish spirit.
Amy Rigby Hang In There With Me
Eleven songs about mortality, aging and youthful missteps refracted through Amy’s insightful lyricism emerge not wistful but resolute even triumphant.
Ty Segall Love Rudiments
An album in four song cycles that kicks off with drums and percussion, then adds a few other percussive and production aspects. It travels a great journey in this configuration — far past the notion of being some kind of solo drums album — with vibes (figurative as well as literal), feels, a theme and a through-line. With no words or singing of any kind
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Wild God
“There’s no fucking around with this record. When it hits, it hits. It lifts you. It moves you. I love that about it,” says Nick.
Wunderhorse Midas
Their second album adopts an unpolished recording process which captures the visceral atmosphere of Wunderhorse’s lauded live performances.
Molly Vulpyne Amortise EP
Four track EP from guitarist and vocalist with punk duo Vulpynes showcases a different side. Intertwined with haunting harmonies and Molly’s signature riffs, her solo work maintains a distinctive edge.
Franciska Modfase
Crumbling tape loops, broken glass sounds, micro-cassette feedback and songs for piano, voice and guitar sit side by side on this tender release by the Danish artist.
Enumclaw Home In Another Life
The record is reminiscent in places of the gritty nostalgia of 90s acts like Afghan Whigs, Dinosaur Jr. and Buffalo Tom.
Aerial M The Peel Sessions
Release of the only Peel session, from 1998, by David Pajo’s band.
Ghostkeeper Cipayak Joy
Minimal synths, playful hi-hat syncopations, and dub-like snare hits radiating into the background are all tightly woven around the voices and beat, and the choruses are lifted by a low, twangy guitar-like sound.
Wasia Project Isotope EP
Formed in 2019, Wasia Project’s mixed British-Asian heritage and classical training have inspired them to have a global approach to pop, which dynamically melds styles and influences that cut across genre lines.
Yannis and the Yaw Lagos Paris London
EP on which Foals frontman joins up with drummer, Tony Allen.
Jana Mila Chameleon
Mila draws from a wild array of sources, entertaining new ideas on every song: dusty Laurel Canyon folk, Nashville country, and driving ‘70s rock.
Jon Hopkins Ritual
A 41-minute ceremonial epic built from cavernous subs, hypnotic drumming and transcendent melodic interplay.
Valley Water The Flowers, Pray For A Garden
Alternative pop band with an album exploring grief and resilience.
Why Bonnie Wish On The Bone
The project of Blair Howerton. “We were trying on musical hats,” says Howerton. “There’s still some country on this record, but I wasn’t thinking about sticking to one thing. Personal experience of learning to be bolder and more assertive and trusting myself has carried over into my music.”
Coco & Clair Clair Girl
An album on which Saint Etienne, Brandy, Everything but the Girl, Lana Del Rey, Club 8, Milky, and Madonna were huge inspirations both sonically and visually.
Jan Esbra Suspended in a Breath
A psychedelic, meditative, and many-layered exploration of solo guitar, Organelle, and loop pedals, all rendered unrecognisable by masterly effects processing.
Tycho Infinite Health
A record about hope for the future and a requiem for the past which sees him return to a more electronic-based production style, “focusing on breaks, drums and rhythmic elements” he says. “Then, using that as the foundation, and having all the instrumentation follow that lead, as opposed to the other way around.”
Light Grey Nightm@res
Mixing pop-punk energy with hyperpop sensibilities and a 2000’s MySpace swagger.
Cold Gawd I’ll Drown On This Earth
Contemporary shoegaze with a muse as vivid as it is varied, from “Loveless” to Drake to post-hardcore to Beach House.
Oasis Definitely Maybe
30th anniversary release featuring previously unheard Monnow Valley versions and outtakes from Sawmills Studios.
