New Music - June 27
So much new music it was almost an Impossible Mission to pull it all together
School’s out for summer! After a massive heat wave, we’re getting a bit of a reprieve in the Big Smoke this week. It’s also Pride Weekend in Toronto, so to everyone celebrating—have a safe and wonderful time. I missed a couple of songs in my haste to get last week’s column out, so this edition includes a rather large batch of new music. Hope you enjoy!
You can follow along with the attached Spotify playlist.
Early last year, SPRINTS released their debut album, and it became an immediate favourite. The rest of the year was a bit of a roller coaster for the band, with a lineup change and tour issues thanks to some jerk fans. Earlier this week, we got our first taste of the Irish band’s new sound with the release of “Descartes,” which—unsurprisingly—sticks close to their guitar-heavy punk roots. Karla Chubb’s lyrics and vocals remain a highlight, and the anger cuts through the speakers with ease.
Muse are back with their first song in over three years—here’s the very heavy “Unraveling.” It starts in classic Muse fashion, then shifts aggressively in only the way they can manage. It’s a blast. Feels like Matt Bellamy has been spinning someone’s Bring Me the Horizon records. No North American tour dates yet, but plenty of stadium and festival stops worldwide.
I’ve never been in love with The Black Keys, but their new single “A Man on a Mission” is aces as far as I’m concerned.
It’s nice that Benson Boone can laugh at himself—the video for “Mr. Electric Blue” is wonderful. His album dropped last Friday, and there’s a big part of me hoping he’s not a one-hit wonder. We need more artists who don’t take themselves too seriously.
With the release of her fourth album, if I told you Lorde was 30, you’d probably say that sounds right. It’s been 11 years since she won her first Grammy with the diamond-selling “Royals,” and she’s just felt like a constant presence. The crazy thing? She’s only 28. It’s been great hearing her evolve over time. With Virgin, it feels like a bit of a rebirth. After last year’s incredible duet with Charli XCX (“Girl, So Confusing”), there was a chance we’d get party Lorde. While we’re not quite there, this is definitely her most personal work yet. Here’s “Shapeshifter.”
Cut Copy are back with their new single “When This is Over.” If you're a fan of the Australian band’s electronica, you won’t be disappointed. The new album arrives in September, and a U.S. tour kicks off in November. Closest stops to Canada? Buffalo for those in the East, Seattle for our friends in BC.
London DJ and producer Four Tet released an excellent single last week, and if I closed my eyes, it brought me right back to lounges, dance floors, and beach bars. That’s the feeling of “Into Dust.” Don’t you just love when a beat or melody lets you escape to a different moment? Not necessarily a better time—just one that makes you smile.
It’s been a while since I featured music from Honduras, so let’s visit Central America with songstress Isabella Lovestory. Her sophomore album Vanity is full of electric dance anthems. Take “Putita Boutique” for a spin.
Chicago’s Ghost Days bring us “Say a Prayer,” a trip down synth memory lane. There was a time when synth-heavy music screamed 80s, but now—with so many modern takes—it just feels like music. If you like synth pop from any era, this one’s for you.
The Beths dropped a new single from their upcoming album Straight Line Was a Lie, out August 29. “No Joy” delivers that classic Beths sound, and the video is a psychedelic trip. As a longtime fan of the New Zealand band, I’m excited for what’s next.
The Beaches continue to build excitement for No Hard Feelings. Every single just keeps getting better. “Touch Myself” is a fantastic indie pop song, and its release just before Pride feels perfect.
Brooklyn-based Lathe of Heaven fully embrace post-punk and new wave like they just woke up from 1983. “Aurora,” the first single off their new album, channels A Flock of Seagulls—if fronted by someone other than Mike Score. It’s an instant repeat listen and a must for your summer playlist.
Australian band Royel Otis are prepping for their sophomore album in August. Their second single, “Car,” has definitely piqued my interest. I adored “Sofa King,” and this is more of the gangly indie pop we’ve come to love.
New York City is a great music town (well, great for everything). My buddy and Batman fan Max messaged me this week — “Don’t mess with the Zohran.” That has nothing to do with this next video, but it made me laugh. NYC band Anamanaguchi released a really fun video for “Magnet,” splicing in Batman film scenes to create a wild piece of art. Might not be Max’s favourite song this week, but it’ll definitely be his favourite video.
Inhaler covering Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” is my jam. I’ve been enjoying their new album, and their stop at Triple J’s studio during their Australian tour produced this stellar version of the Drive soundtrack standout. [Not on the Spotify Playlist.]
Another great cover: Pierce the Veil put their own spin on Radiohead’s “Karma Police.” It’s heavy, angst-filled, and excellent.
If I find some new Dutch music, I’m going to share it—especially when it comes with a wild video. That’s the case with Sowulo’s “Asterofan.” Pagan, Viking, whatever—let’s grab some stringed instruments and make some GD music already!
Durand Jones and the Indications' new album Flowers has been described as retro-R&B, and I can't think of a better way to put it, so let’s go with retro-R&B. It’s one of the easiest new albums to listen to this week — perfect for pre-party cocktails on Friday or Sunday afternoons reading sessions. Several gems on here, but my pick is “Really Wanna Be with You.”
In this week’s Ben Folk Corner, we turn to Toronto’s Great Lake Swimmers, who’ve just released “Wrong, Wrong, Wrong.” It’s such a great song. They’re not on the schedule for the Winnipeg Folk Festival, but this has gotten me excited for the festival anyway.
Oh, my goodness — Sarah McLachlan is back! Her new album Better Broken is out in September, and the title track dropped yesterday. It’s classic Sarah, hitting all the emotional notes fans will love.
Freedom Fry, the indie pop duo from Los Angeles, return with the sweet single “Where We Are.” Give it a spin—let’s show them some love.
So Bruce Springsteen has just released Tracks II: The Lost Albums, an incredible 80+ song collection of unreleased songs from the 1970s to the 2010s. It’s funny with Bruce, because over the course of my life he has popped in and out of my musical conscious. From the popular “Hungry Heart” to the insightful “Streets of Philadelphia” to the necessary “The Rising”, while he wasn’t always top of my mind, he was always constant. When I listened to the album it was like I was taken on a journey through sounds of my life and I was just left there smirking and shaking my head a little bewildered. That’s why we’re so lucky to have Bruce. There are many treasures on his latest release including, “The Great Depression”.
Happy Anniversary
It’s kind of odd that when we talk about the best debut albums of all time, Nelly’s Country Grammar rarely comes up. I’m not saying it’s the best, but it definitely struck a nerve. Released on June 27, 2000, Nelly brought the St. Louis sound to the forefront of hip-hop. With singles like the title track, “Batter Up,” and “Ride Wit Me,” the album was everywhere for almost two years. It spent five weeks atop the charts and sold over 10 million copies. A couple of years later, Nellyville cemented his status as one of the biggest artists of the decade, but it all started with Country Grammar—25 years ago today.
Goodbyes
Bobby Sherman passed away this week after a battle with kidney cancer. The 60s teen idol scored several hits — including “Little Woman,” which reached #3 in 1969 — and released over 100 songs. After appearing in an episode of Emergency! in 1974, he left the entertainment world to become a paramedic. He later worked with the LAPD, giving CPR classes and serving as a Reserve Police Officer into the 2010s. He also co-founded a foundation with his wife Brigitte to support students in Ghana with education and music programs. Many teen idols fade quietly; few leave legacies as impactful as his. Sherman was 81.
Film and TV composer Lalo Schifrin died yesterday after complications with pneumonia. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Schifrin was best known for the “Mission: Impossible Theme”, for which he won two Grammys, but he worked on many projects you would know including Bullitt, The Amityville Horror, Rush Hour, Planet of the Apes, Starsky and Hutch, and many others. My personal favourite is “Shifting Gears” from the Bullitt Soundtrack, which is about as cool as it gets. Because his works were so well known, many artists including Cypress Hill, NWA, Portishead, and The Go! Team sampled his work. It’s safe to say we’ve all enjoyed at least some of his work through the years. Thanks for that maestro! Schifrin was 93.
Enjoy the long weekend if you have one, happy Pride, and if any special lady is celebrating out there, big hugs and kisses from me!