Good day to one and all! I hope everyone is feeling fine, and in the mood for some grand New Music.
I’ve found nine titles to share with you this week, so let’s dive in!
One of my favourite musicians around these days is Melbourne’s Billiam. I’ve been with the “Autism-core” Artist through a string of EPs and also his debut full-length back in September. He’s back with a new single. Where is Jackson Reid Briggs? opens with riffing guitars and fiery drums leading into Billy’s frenetic vocals. The B-side is a raucous cover of Shove’s Shane.
A musician and producer from Antwerp called Youniss has just released a new EP. Do We Try Beyond The Edge? is noisy Hip-Hop with skittish beats, aggressive sampling and anxious rhymes.
Kiran Leonard is an esoteric Singer-Songwriter from England with a whimsical kitchen-sink approach to his sound. His new album, Real Home, includes thirteen musicians and vocalists to create a Chamber Pop atmosphere. Leonard’s voice is captivating and strong.
I am an unabashed Beatles nerd. They were my introduction to mind-expanding sounds, and I know that they continue to inspire new Artists, even some fifty or so years later. Case in point is the new compilation record from Ohio label Burnt-Up Records. Featuring twenty-two DJs and Producers including Chill da God, Chef Mike and Busfoot, Strawberry Phillies Forever-The $4.20 Tape Vol III takes sneaky samples of the Fab Four, chopping them up, and reimagining them as Hip-Hop.
Dust Raps The Blues is an MC from Portland, Oregon who released an album last April that I recommended. He’s back again, this time in collaboration with Producer Sxlxmxn. The Dust And Sxlxmxn Album is eleven tracks of laid back Hip-Hop with a Blues soul.
You would think, with it being the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame that Cleveland would be a hotbed for great new bands. Sadly, that isn’t the case, but I have found one band that is picking up the slack. Cloud Nothings are a three-piece that have been active for fifteen years or so. Their latest album, Final Summer, employs post-Grunge distortion with a carefully-crafted Pop aesthetic.
Somewhere that never disappoints with a plethora of exciting new bands is Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Sure’s Unusual Practice is a Synth Punk quintet, and their latest record is Total Reality. With a full sound that includes horns and percussion, the album is replete with intriguing twists and catchy riffs.
A band from Greece has gotten my attention with their debut album. Tiffany is a snappy Punk ensemble, and i – EYE has the mosh pit cooking. Major adrenaline injection, with an oddball inflection.
Defiance in the face of prejudice in the pursuit of joy is such a rich and powerful stance in Music. Queer Experimental Punk Band Ekko Astral has released one of the finest albums of the year thus far, and it contains this ethos in full effect. The DC quintet’s debut full-length pink balloons comes for the throat. Led by founder and vocalist Jael Holzman, the group has created an album to experience in full. Smart and endearing lyrics, and sharp instrumentation that embraces odd leaps. And rocks. My Feature Pick for this week.
Here’s hoping you found something that brought some joy to your life. I hope I was able to help!
Take care of yourself!
New Music Jason’s Picks 