Oxford – New Music Jason’s Picks

The New Music I’m Listening To Surreptitiously This Week, April 20 – 26, 2024:

A great and grand hello to each and all of you! I hope you’ve got your listening ears on, for I have found nine new titles to share with you. Dig it!

I’m so amazed at the development of Thom Yorke as an Artist. From being the mopey frontman of Radiohead, through his Electronic experimentation both with the band and on his own, and now as a Composer for film. His latest project is Music for an Italian film. Confidenza is a Drama, based on a novel written by Domenico Starnone. Yorke’s Soundtrack was created with the participation of the London Contemporary Orchestra, and his drummer from The Smile, Tom Skinner. It is ponderous and gripping.

Miranda Winters is known as the vocalist from Chicago’s Melkbelly. After quietly making her own material, she has assembled a quartet and christened it Mandy. The material on Lawn Girl has been years in gestation and it is a confident debut in a noisy, yet melodic mode that conjures Liz Phair and The Breeders.

Busted Head Racket is an Artist that Newcastle, Australia’s Arden Guff started as a solo bedroom project that has become a trio. They recently spent time opening for Snööper on their Australian tour. Their third album, Go! Go! Go!, is urgently uptempo, with retro synth and plundering bass.

A few hours south of Newcastle puts you in the heart of Melbourne, which is bursting with New Music. Parsnip is a four-piece Rock group that incorporates saxophone, slide guitar and Hammond organ alongside charming harmonies on their second album, Behold.

Leeds, in the North of England, has become the latest hotbed for exciting new music in the UK. Yard Act and English Teacher are only two examples of the vast scene. On the Trip-Hop tip we have Locust Toybox. It is the solo project of producer and animator David Firth, and his latest album, Pleased To Be Eaten, is upbeat and Ambient, and is a head-nodder.

Someday I’ll make it to Brazil. There’s something about the culture and the music that is calling me. An Artist that I have previously recommended from Belo Horizonte is back again with a new album. VHOOR is a 26 year-old DJ and Producer that is firing up the dancefloor at My Imaginary Nightclub. Resenha is loaded with catchy beats and magical ear worms.

Jane Paknia is a Singer-Songwriter from New York who dwells in the land of dreamy SynthPop. Her debut album, Orchid Underneath is replete with lush bass and warm breathy vocals and just enough quirk to get by.

Deerhoof is a band I’ve only just started listening to, despite their being active for over thirty years. Their mainly Japanese-language album Miracle-Level that came out last year was my entree. Greg Saunier is a Composer, and is the drummer for Deerhoof. He has just released his first solo album. We Sang, Therefore We Were is a Psych-Rock journey with steps in Country, New Wave and Prog. Adventurous and fun.

*Greg Saunier – We Sang, Therefore We Were*

My Feature Pick for this week comes from a Poet and Musician from North Carolina. Shirlette Ammons shows off her soul on Spectacles. The eleven tracks run through Funk grooves, Hip-Hop and Pop elements. Ammons’ lyrics bring you into the life of a queer Black Woman with emotional resonance.

Did that hit the spot? It really has been a strong year for New Music, don’t you think? And there is no end in sight. I’m glad to have you with me on the journey.

Take care of yourself!

The New Music I’m Listening To Transcendentally This Week, January 20 – 26, 2024:

Apologies for the delay in today’s post, I spent the morning on a field trip with my sixth grade daughter, feeding birds from our hands.

What a tremendous week it is for New Music. The heavy hitters are back, and there’s a panoply of great Music of all stripes. Eleven New Releases in total to duly dig.

Australian Jazz-Funk Ensemble Hiatus Kaiyote has released their first new music in over two years. Everything’s Beautiful is the name, and also an apt description for the new single. Lead singer Nai Palm is a warm and bold presence throughout the track, which is sadly only just shy of three minutes, and comes to an abrupt conclusion. Fellow nerds will be pleased to see Mario Caldato, Jr. (Mario C!) on the mix.

*Hiatus Kaiyote – Everything’s Beautiful*

A single from a new collaboration between Open Mike Eagle, Video Dave, and STILL RIFT came out this week. Previous Industries brings these MC heavyweights together on Showbiz b/w Braids. Production from Child Actor and Quelle Chris make this a hotly anticipated project for a full-length around these parts.

*Showbiz Industries – Showbiz b/w Braids*

A solo bedroom project from Kalamazoo, Michigan has grown a band around itself for its new 5-track 7”. Silicon Heartbeat is the SynthPunk Sci-Fi creation of a person known only as Brian, and with Matt, Lisa, and Greg (he’s on bass and “counting”) they’ve turned the energy up to eleven on 2889. End Of The World scenarios, hating on creeps, modern anxiety, and a Kraftwerk cover for good measure. Doubleplusgood!

A small label from Poland is quickly becoming one of my favourite, most reliable arbiters of new Punk acts both from nearby and around the world. This week I’m tickled that Syf Records has released a new EP from a solo Artist from Montreal, Canada. WHITE KNUCKLE is the noisework of Trevor Bushey, and ICSTQ is five tracks of wobbly guitars and synth drums. Dance, MFers, Dance!

A trio from London that released their proper debut back in October has returned with a three-track EP. Vanishing Twin is multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Cathy Lucas, Drummer Valentina Magaletti, and Bassist Susumu Mukai. Life Drummer is part of Sub Pop Records Singles Club, and begins with the uptempo and sharp title track, before exploring more dreamy landscapes.

Australia is always punching above its weight category in terms of frenetic Punk Music. A band from Brisbane that is made up former and current members of The Chats, The Unknown and Headlice. Rick N The Sickos released their debut album in 2021, and it is finally being released. RNTS is fourteen tracks of down and dirty, dumb Rock and Roll to bang your head to. Brain damage mandatory.

I haven’t seen much in the way of Modern Jazz lately, so I was pleased to come across a pianist and composer from the UK. Joe Webb is based in London, and his prowess is on full display on the new EP, Collbanc. Joined by Will Sach on bass and Sam Jesson on drums, Webb performs an eager and energetic piano, with delightful melodic steps and creative bounds.

A Hip-Hop MC from Soweto is claiming that he is retiring from the game. I hope it’s untrue, because I’ve been a fan of Priddy Ugly for a few years now, and he is one of the most consistently engaging rappers around. His “last” album, DUST shows the MC at the top of his game, with his unique delivery and gift of gab. Here’s hoping we’ll have more Music from him.

An ElectroPop act from New York that has been active for over a decade is back again with another full-length. TORRES is a duo that performs the compositions of Mackenzie Scott. What an enormous room is their sixth album and features Scott’s thoughtful and enigmatic voice. Double-tracked vocals give the album special presence.

My brain likes to make large leaps in judgement. When I saw the name Ty Segall, my brain immediately decided that they were a Country Artist and dismissed them as such. It was a grand mistake, and one that I’m pleased to have corrected. Ty Segall is a thoughtful and esoteric songwriter from Los Angeles. His latest album, Three Bells, offers shades of Mathy Rock and Prog. Psychedelic, but only on the correct drugs.

It’s a surprise to no one, my Feature Pick this week is from the Post-Radiohead Sad Rockers The Smile. Thom Yorke and co. have followed up their May, 2022 debut with a swiftly produced wonder. Wall Of Eyes is beautifully-produced, and adds to the Artists’ rich history of exploring new sounds and finding gorgeous resolution. Yorke’s falsetto is yearning and warm, and Tom Skinner’s drum work, and Jonny Greenwood’s guitar play lay a majestic canvas.

Are you still with me? I hope you found at least something to your liking. I know I did. Maybe I’ll see you again? Take care of yourself!

Upcoming New Releases (The Piña Colada Song) – Week Ending Friday, January 26, 2024:

We are receiving a veritable deluge of snow around here, and keeping pace with the snow is the blizzard of New Music coming our way.

The Post-Radiohead project The Smile releases their second album on Friday. I’ll be sure to discuss it when it comes out, because I’m an old-head, and they seldom disappoint.

The Smile – Wall Of Eyes

There’s an excellent roster of Artists putting out albums this week, including Future Islands, Ty Segall, Alkaline Trio, Gruff Rhys, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Benny The Butcher.

Future Islands – Say Goodbye

My BandCamp Wishlist is flush with seven titles awaiting release, and among them I’d like to spotlight Aussie Garage Punks Rick N The Sickos. The band features former members of The Chats, and their debut RNTS comes out on Friday.

Rick N The Sickos – I’m A Sicko

Come on back Friday, if you are so inclined. I’ll have a nice pot of coffee and a bowl of something green to smoke. I’d love for you to join me! Take care of yourself!

The New Music I’m Listening To Aeronautically This Week, January 6 – 12, 2024:

Well, hi there! I hope everyone is doing well and taking good care. I, for one, am in such a great mood. I’ve got more than a handful of New Music to swim around in. Eight titles, of many styles. The temperature is perfect, won’t you join me?

A single to start this week’s findings comes from the Post-Radiohead unit known as The Smile. They are set to release their sophomore record at the end of the month, and their third teaser from the album is Friend Of A Friend. A thoughtful midtempo track in a jaunty 5/4 led by bass and piano and ornamented with horns and strings. Thom Yorke’s falsetto vocals dissolve into disorienting double-tracking at 1:45 that send the listener into Dream World.

The Smile – Friend Of A Friend

Another single this week comes from Toronto’s Wax Valley Records and it’s a burner🔥. DJ Joshua Carpenter brings Soca rhythms and mashes them with fiery guitar samples on Mr. Fete. Autotuned vocals and ecstatic drumming give it all a sense of urgency.

In the last couple of years I’ve been quite taken with a Subgenre of Punk that is known as Egg Punk. It’s essentially high-energy Synth Punk that uses vintage instruments in a gritty, lo-fi setting, sometimes utilizing vocal effects. Last year’s NMJ Prize Longlister Super Snööper from Nashville’s Snooper is a great example. So, too is the latest EP from Schleswig, Germany’s KLINT. Stark jumps out of the starting gate with Before New Dawn with its jittery beats and synth arpeggios. Six energetic tracks follow to get down to some serious but friendly moshing. Don’t forget to pick up your comrades when they fall.

My steady stream of Polish Egg Punk continues, thanks to the great microlabel Syf Records. BZDET is a band I’ve recommended a couple of times over the last couple of years and they’re back again with a new album. W PRACY is twelve tracks with bubbling guitar at the fore, and synthesized vocals. Funky bass riffs are making it a surprise hit with the Goth Kids who used fake ID to get into My Imaginary Nightclub.

A band from Leeds, UK (in fact, the “best band in the world, based in Leeds”) got my attention this week. A cassette Label from Leeds called Devil Town Tapes has just re-released Lots Of Hands third album, fantasy, which apparently came out last July. Nevertheless, I’ve found it now, and I’m glad. The thirteen tracks reveal a melancholy tone, with jangly guitar. Shiny production elements such as the incorporation of strings and synthesized elements make this a rewarding listening experience.

A dreamy Pop outfit that skews Experimental from Atlanta, Georgia has caught my ear. The introspective and wryly humorous human who goes by the name Burnout leads Psaltery’s EP Burnout Gets The Blues!. Through the four tracks you’re treated to gentle dissonant tones, 60’s-style Bubblegum, and Folky guitar work, all with creative melodies.

A Baltimore duo that doesn’t seem to have any interest in being easy to find online is back with an EP. @ follows up last years debut with five SynthPop songs. The title track of Are You There God? It’s Me, @ begins with the voices of Victoria Rose and Stone Filipzak lamenting, “I can’t feel you anymore, as long as you hide away I can’t see you in my dreams anymore.” Inventive harmonies make this a charming listen.

I’m pleased as punch to be woken up this morning with a new album from Detroit’s Bruiser Wolf. As part of Danny Brown’s Bruiser Brigade, the former Big Wolf is back with his second full-length. Wolf’s unique delivery is resplendent on My $tory Got $tories. With features from Brown, as well as Zelooperz (who also provides the cover art), Trinidad James and Fat Ray, Bruiser guides you through his street life with an earnest sense of humour. Feature Pick? You know it is.

Feels good, doesn’t it? Music is magic! Talk again soon!

The New Music I’m Listening To With Righteous Intent This Week, June 17 – 23, 2023:

Good day to one and all, my friendly friends! It’s time for your weekly New Music Injection, so roll up your sleeve. I have an even dozen recommendations to impart, so sit tight. It’ll just be a little poke.

The week begins with it not one, not two, but three singles to tickle your fancy. First up is the fantastic vocalist Moses Sumney. His first new music since his terrific 2020 album græ comes via the HBO series The Idol. Get It B4 certainly owes some inspiration credit from Prince, if not for the numerical title alone, then certainly for the sensuous falsetto and emotional production.

Moses Sumney – Get It B4

My second single for the week comes from a reliable, if not prolific Afghani Artist, based in Germany. Farhot released a single in March for the Persian New Year. His new track, Bahar 1402 is a downtempo Hip-Hop beat with minimal samples, enough to tickle the ears in a lovely way.

A song that my son and I heard performed last November has been given official release. The band that makes up 40% of Radiohead, The Smile, has released a new standalone single. I recognized Bending Hectic from its bending guitar lines at the start of the song. The track then gives way to an orgasmic transition that leads to a thundering Rock song. Eight minutes of gorgeousity. If I had a ‘Song of the Week’, this would be it.

An Experimental Hip-Hop Artist and Producer from Columbus, Georgia called quinn has once again gotten my attention. His three-track EP, slaps…well, it slaps. quinn’s fragmented production is a perfect frame for his stream-of-thought delivery.

An Artist that has quickly become a regular visitor to my ears recently is Philip Sanderson. Between his experiments in sound manipulation released under his own name, and as Ice Yacht (and others), the man is busy. His latest is a four-track full-length album inspired by the sound of people on trains. Dilly Dreamers is an immersive experience, at times Ambient, others, leaning to something more rhythmic and guttural.

Ye Olde BandCamp Wishlist came through again with some imaginative and exciting Music. NEON is the fourth release from UK Chamber Group Manchester Collective. The title piece was composed by Hannah Peel, and it stretches across three movements. After that are compositions by Lyra Pramuk and Julius Eastman, before closing with Steve Reich’s thrilling Double Sextet.

A new Hip-Hop album came out this week with a lot of emotional baggage. A rapper from Chicago called Tree has been making records for over ten years, but, evidently it wasn’t selling well enough to stop selling drugs. Well, Tree got busted, and is up for a three-year hitch in the hoosegow. FREE TREE was recorded in a Judge-approved 39-day stay of sentencing. There’s a lot of soul searching here, and worth the listen.

A five-track EP from scenic Stowe, Vermont, is giving me tingles. HERMANN is the ‘nom-de-son’ of Lynn Berğkömit, of whom I can find zero information. However, Rzewski Alexanderplatz is a divine mix of Jazz and Classical idioms performed in an oddly quiet manner.

I’ve learned my lesson to not sleep on New Reggae. When you are talking about a specific style of Music that is identified by its rhythm, it’s the responsibility of the Artist to find unique ways to present the sound. Zion Train is a Dub dj and Producer based in Cologne, Germany. They’ve been recording and performing for 35 years, but they sound fresh as daisies on Dissident Sound. Throughout eleven tracks, it will keep you dancing, only pausing to react to the next tasty sonic manipulation.

Brooklyn NY’s Geese is a five-piece Rock Band that has just released their second album. 3D Country is filled with hard-driving tracks and endearing vocals. Mysterious Love is a standout.

pardoner is a quartet from San Francisco that has been active since 2015. Their latest effort is Peace Loving People, a 14-track album filled with high-energy bops full of disillusioned lyrics that are highly relatable.

Holy Locust is a five-piece acoustic band from New Orleans, Louisiana. This week they’ve released their second full-length. Beneath The Turning Wheel spins a dark and emotional tale, with tight interplay between the musicians. Gorgeous harmonies are abundant on this beautiful record, helping to make it my Feature Pick for the week.

*Holy Locust – Beneath The Turning Wheel*

If I was here with you now, I’d give you a lollipop for sticking with me while I do my thing. The stinging sensation should wear off soon.

Take good care of yourself!