Hello! We’re already at the end of October, and the New Releases keep a-coming. Double digits again this week, with eleven recommendations to plop down in front of you. Plop!
A one track single that came down the turnpike this week comes from Richmond, Virginia’s James Goodson. As Dazy, he released one of my favourite records of the year last March. Dazy is back with Forced Perspective and Goodson’s knack for a catchy hook is still in full force. One of the great writers working in Pop today, and deserves way more recognition.
Seattle’s venerable Sub Pop Records has a proper Singles Club that releases 7” vinyl records containing one song on each side. Their November release comes from local SynthPop band led by the duo of Alexander Attitude and Kendra Cox. Telehealth’s Mindtrap b/w Bitter Melody is upbeat and lively NerdPop. The A-side features catchy wordplay and energetic drums whilst the flip side is a midtempo lyrical gem that speaks to the search for validation in these disassociated times.
Olympia, WA, duo Odor Eater is a Synth-based unit led by the enigmatic vocals of Harley Moore. Their second EP, Fairytale, which is released by St. Louis label Rotten Apple, has the cool detachment of early 80’s SynthPop. Think Gary Numan/Tubeway Army or early Depeche Mode, if they were fronted by PJ Harvey.
Rocket is a new quartet from Los Angeles that has been releasing singles these last few months. They’ve compiled their first five, and added two more, to their debut EP, Versions Of You. Uplifting guitars and the warm voice of Alithea Tuttle makes for a euphoric experience.
My BandCamp Wishlist is batting at an MVP level this week, with many of my recommendations coming from this handy little folder. Baton Rouge, Louisiana is where the duo known as SPLLIT is from and their latest album, Infinite Hatch is a Zappa-influenced weirdness, with challenging time signatures and progressions, mixed with straight Pop wonder.
Another entity that bats above league average (musically speaking) is the country/continent of Australia. You can always rely on the Aussies to come through with great Rock & Roll. One such Aussie is Jake Robertson. As Alien Nosejob, he is of the Bedroom Producer, multi-instrumentalist variety. Less than a year ago, I was introduced to him via his album, Stained Class. He’s back already with another full-length. The Derivative Sounds Of…Or…A Dog Always Returns To Its Vomit takes its Kinks-infused Poppy wonder through 80’s College Rock on thirteen tracks.
If I am not very much mistaken, the next recommendation is my first to be from the Northwest Territories in Canada. PIQSIQ is a duo of female First Nation throat singers that incorporate looping and layering of vocals to create a mysteriously idyllic sound. Spectral Harmonies is nine tracks of new compositions using nothing but my favourite instrument, The Human Voice. Immerse yourself in the gorgeousity.
Also coming from my homeland is French Singer/Songwriter Klô Pelgag. Hailing from Montreal, the Chanteuse is following up her successful 2020 album Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs with a four-song EP. Sieste sur l’oreille droite is a delicately beautiful collection of mesmerizing melodies..
Not much this week from the Hip-Hop world, but I do have this one that needs to be shouted out. Uber Magnetic is the duo of Roughneck Jihad and Junior Disprol, and they share the mic on their self-titled full-length debut. Conscious rhymes and terrific production, paired with terrific turntablism from DJ Jaffa, DJ Krash Slaughta and Sir Beans OBE make this a winner.
One of my favourite male voices in the world today is Bristol’s Joe Yorke. His smooth and soulful falsetto brings to mind Jimmy Somerville, and his fierce honesty shines through on his most recent album, Hopeless. It’s a terrific follow-up to his April album with The Co-Operators, A Distant Beat. Lead-off single Man is a Rocksteady bop that takes the gender to task; “I don’t want to see another sister suffer at the hands of a man, no more. ‘Cause I am not a man, if that’s what a man is.” Young’s soaring voice takes you to the highest highs.
My Feature Pick for this week comes from an Artist I discovered last year and she becomes the first Artist to be chosen more than once as my Feature Pick. Marina Herlop is a pianist, vocalist, composer and producer from Barcelona. Her 2022 album Pripyat was a big success, and her newest, Nekkuja is a luscious collection of seven tracks incorporating Herlop’s gorgeous voice, harp, and ambient Electronics. Delicious.
I’m told that there will be a new song coming from The Beatles’ camp next week. In fact, it’s a very old song that has been given fresh life, thanks to film producer Peter Jackson.
One of my guiding principles, while writing about New Music, is to stay away from Posthumous releases, based on the notion that “Dead people can’t make New Music.” As such, you won’t find a recommendation from me for this “new” song. I’ll listen to it, probably once. But I feel nauseous about the whole thing.
I’m going to take care of myself. I’m hoping you all are doing the same. Talk soon!
New Music Jason’s Picks 
Lots of great music here Jason. Really liking the ones by Dazy, Telehealth, Rocket and Alien Nosejob (marvelous name for a musical act!), and SPLLIT’s “Infinite Hatch” is a fascinating psychedelic trip. Will listen to the rest as time permits.
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Thanks Jeff!
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As promised, I’ve listened to the rest of your featured albums, and Joe Yorke’s “Hopeless” and Marina Herlop’s “Nekkuja” are both wonderful.
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I wasn’t sure if Joe Yorke would be a little cheesy, but his voice is too good.
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Yes it is. His vocal style is somewhat reminiscent of James Blake, yet also different.
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