Posts

Showing posts from September, 2024

Rolo Tomassi - Live at Electric Ballroom (2024)

Image
Live at Electric Ballroom showcases Rolo Tomassi at their most dynamic, delivering an intense and emotional performance from their February 2023 headline show in London. The album captures the band's remarkable ability to switch between serene melodies and crushingly heavy sections, as seen in tracks like "Almost Always" and "Cloaked" . Their blend of atmospheric post-hardcore and progressive metalcore, with moments of mathcore intensity, is perfectly suited for the live setting. The band's chemistry and energy are palpable throughout, amplified by a captivating light show and a highly engaged audience. Aftermath , an audience favorite, offers a standout moment of melodic sing-alongs amidst the chaos​ ( Metal Anarchy ) ​ ( chorus.fm ) ​ ( Distorted Sound Magazine ) . Genre : Post Metal Country : UK Final Verdict: 74% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 17th / 698 Highlight : A Flood Of Light (Live) Made me think of: Deafheaven Architects Code Orange #newalb...

Voces8 - Nightfall (2024)

Image
Nightfall by VOCES8 is a transcendent collection of choral music that beautifully explores themes of twilight and reflection. The album blends classical works with contemporary arrangements, featuring pieces by composers like Max Richter, Sigur Rós, Ludovico Einaudi, and Koji Kondo. Highlights include haunting renditions of "On the Nature of Daylight" and "Zelda’s Lullaby" . The group’s vocal harmonies are flawless, creating an ethereal atmosphere throughout. The album also features contemplative psalm settings by South Korean composer Jung Jaeil. Nightfall is a meditative journey, perfect for lovers of classical and choral music​ ( AllMusic ) ​ ( SpeedyHen ) ​ ( Decca Records ) . Genre : Choral Country : UK Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 38th / 697 Highlight : Zelda's Lullaby (Arr. Clements for Vocal Ensemble & Harp) Made me think of: The King's Singers The Sixteen Stile Antico #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #...

Mickey Guyton - House On Fire (2024)

Image
Mickey Guyton’s House On Fire , her sophomore album, is a dynamic blend of country, pop, and R&B. Showcasing her powerful vocals and personal storytelling, the album touches on themes of love, motherhood, and identity. Tracks like "My Side of the Country" offer a danceable country-pop sound, while "Scary Love" is a deeply emotional tribute to her son. The title track "House On Fire" stands out with its explosive chorus and emotional intensity. Collaborations, such as the soulful duet "Nothing Compares to You" with Kane Brown, further enrich the album’s versatility. Guyton continues to break genre boundaries while staying true to her country roots​ ( Entertainment Focus ) ​ ( BroadwayWorld ) ​ ( Entertainment Focus ) . Genre : Country Pop Country : US Final Verdict : 64% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 316th / 696 Highlight : Nothing Compares To You Made me think of: Maren Morris Kacey Musgraves Carly Pearce #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease...

No One Is Innocent - Colères (2024)

Image
Colères , No One Is Innocent’s latest album, captures the band’s fierce political and social rage, drawing on their trademark blend of hard rock and metal with elements of fusion. Known for their anti-establishment lyrics, the band tackles themes such as social injustice, political hypocrisy, and corporate greed. With anthemic tracks like "La Peau" and "Silencio," this album is as aggressive as it is timely. Sonically, Colères pushes forward with sharp riffs and intense vocals, reminiscent of bands like Rage Against the Machine and Trust. This record cements No One Is Innocent as a voice of resistance in French rock​ ( Music Waves ) ​ ( Season of Mist ) ​ ( Linkfire ) . Genre : Alternative Metal Country : France Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 151th / 695 Highlight : Kids Are on the Run Made me think of: Noir Désir Trust Lofofora #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #AlternativeMet...

Pale Waves - Smitten (2024)

Image
Pale Waves' fourth album, Smitten , marks a dreamy return to their 80s-inspired synth-pop roots while evolving with a more refined, personal sound. Lead singer Heather Baron-Gracie explores the highs and lows of queer love with heartfelt lyrics that capture both the thrill of new relationships and the bittersweet realities of romance. Standout tracks like "Glasgow" and "Gravity" blend shimmering guitars with emotional vulnerability, showcasing the band’s matured, autobiographical approach. While some critics found its lyrics saccharine at times, the album's infectious energy and crisp production offer an immersive indie-pop experience​ ( Kerrang! ) ​ ( The Skinny ) ​ ( Wikipedia ) . Genre : Indie Pop Country : UK Final Verdict: 69% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 57th / 694 Highlight : Perfume Made me think of: Avril Lavigne Wolf Alice Maggie Rogers #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #IndiePo...

Katy J Pearson - Someday, Now (2024)

Image
Katy J Pearson’s Someday, Now , her third album, marks a bold step forward in her sound, blending her indie folk roots with shimmering 80s-inspired synth-pop. Produced by Bullion, the album embraces a more confident, experimental direction, with infectious melodies and textured electronic elements. Tracks like "Save Me" showcase vulnerability mixed with pop sensibilities, while songs such as "Constant" and "Maybe" offer deeper sonic layers with brass and synths. Pearson’s voice, as always, remains a focal point, delivering poignant, heartfelt lyrics. Someday, Now is a confident leap, balancing personal introspection with a bolder musical approach​ ( Clash Magazine ) ​ ( Stereoboard ) . Genre : Art Pop Country : UK Final Verdict : 59% (Pleasant Album) Yearly Ranking: 549th / 693 Highlight : It's Mine Now Made me think of: Aldous Harding Laura Marling Lucy Dacus #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #m...

Joan As Police Woman - Lemons, Limes and Orchids (2024)

Image
Lemons, Limes and Orchids , Joan As Police Woman’s 12th album, is an intimate blend of jazz, soul, and experimental textures. Recorded live, it features contributions from musicians like Meshell Ndegeocello and Chris Bruce. The album contrasts emotional highs and lows, as Wasser's sultry, expressive vocals weave through themes of love, loss, and humanity’s struggles. From the Motown-inspired "Back Again" to the jazz-infused title track, Lemons, Limes and Orchids showcases Wasser's ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a deeply engaging listening experience ​ ( The 13th Floor - ) ​ ( Silent Radio ) . Genre : Singer Songwriter Country : US Final Verdict: 64% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 270th / 692 Highlight : Lemons, Limes and Orchids Made me think of: St. Vincent Cat Power Fiona Apple #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #SingerSongwriter #JoanAsPoliceWoman #US #LP #Album #release  

Pom Poko - Champion (2024)

Image
Champion , Pom Poko’s third album, is a vibrant, inventive mix of noise pop and post-punk, with the band further refining their signature sound. The album balances frenetic, math-rock-inspired instrumentals with catchy, pop-tinged melodies, exemplified in tracks like “My Family” and “Go.” Ragnhild Fangel Jamtveit’s vocals are more prominent, and the group explores more reflective themes, from familial bonds to personal growth. The album's dynamic range, from explosive moments like “Big Life” to delicate tracks like “Bell,” showcases their versatility while keeping their fun, unpredictable energy intact​ ( PopMatters ) ​ ( Picky Bastards ) ​ ( The Arts Desk ) ​ ( POST-TRASH ) . Genre : Noise Pop Country : Norway Final Verdict: 61% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 460th / 691 Highlight : Big Life Made me think of: Deerhoof The B-52’s Yeah Yeah Yeahs #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #NoisePop #PomPoko #Norway #LP #Al...

Circuline - C.O.R.E. (2024)

Image
Circuline's C.O.R.E. (Circuline Original Reimagined Evolving) is an ambitious return to the progressive rock scene, featuring a lush, multi-layered production. Tracks like "Tempus Horribilis" and "Transmission Error" blend complex rhythms, soaring vocals, and intricate guitar work to create mini epics within each song. The album reflects a balance between technical brilliance and emotional depth, with standout contributions from Natalie Brown on vocals and Andrew Colyer on keys. Filled with dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, C.O.R.E. is both an homage to prog's past and a bold step forward​ ( DPRP ) ​ ( Get Ready To Rock ) ​ ( Circuline Music ) ​ ( Prog Rock Central ) . Genre : Progressive Rock Country : US Final Verdict : 66% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 170th / 690 Highlight : Transmission Error Made me think of: Yes The Flower Kings Riverside #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Progres...

Jamie XX - In Waves (2024)

Image
In Waves , Jamie xx's long-awaited sophomore album, blends UK garage, house, and disco with emotional depth. Tracks like "Waited All Night" showcase delicate vocals from his xx bandmates, while collaborations with artists like Honey Dijon and Panda Bear bring vibrant, soulful energy. The album celebrates the joy and nostalgia of the dancefloor while reflecting Jamie's personal introspections during the pandemic. With rich, multi-layered production, it offers both club euphoria and introspective calm​ ( Clash Magazine ) ​ ( Metal Injection ) . Genre : Electronic Country : UK Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 201th / 689 Highlight : Falling Together Made me think of: Four Tet Floating Points Nicolas Jaar #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Electronic #JamieXX #UK #LP #Album #release  

Ulver - Locusts (2024)

Image
Locusts , Ulver's 2024 release, continues their evolution into synthpop and art pop, diverging from their early black metal roots. The album showcases haunting electronic soundscapes with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and melancholic beauty. Each track is meticulously produced, featuring minimalistic yet powerful instrumentation that reflects the band's avant-garde approach. Vocally, Kristoffer Rygg's performance carries emotional weight, adding depth to the intricate layers of synths and ambient textures. While Locusts may surprise long-time fans of their black metal era, it stands as a compelling testament to Ulver's genre-defying creativity. Genre : Art Pop Country : Norway Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 185th / 688 Highlight : A City in the Skies Made me think of: David Sylvian Donald Fagen Swans #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ArtPop #Ulver #Norway #LP #Album #release  

Purple Disco Machine - Paradise (2024)

Image
Paradise is Purple Disco Machine’s third studio album, a vibrant blend of nu-disco, funk, and house grooves. The album features collaborations with major artists like Nile Rodgers, Chromeo, and Sophie and the Giants, providing a mix of upbeat dance anthems and laid-back tracks. With its infectious melodies and nostalgic yet fresh production, Paradise captures the essence of disco while bringing it into the modern era. Tracks like “Heartbreaker” and “Something On My Mind” showcase this fusion, making the album both dancefloor-ready and ideal for easy listening. The collaboration-heavy album maintains a seamless, cohesive vibe while offering diverse sounds and moods​ ( EDM Identity ) ​ ( We Rave You ) ​ ( Radio FG ) ​ ( RCA Records ) . Genre : Nu Disco Country : Germany Final Verdict : 88% (Excellent Album) Yearly Ranking: 2nd / 687 Highlight : (all added to my 2024 best of) Beat Of Your Heart Honey Boy (feat. Nile Rodgers & Shenseea) Paradise Bad Company Made me think of: Chromeo ...

Manu Chao - Viva Tu (2024)

Image
Viva Tu marks Manu Chao’s first studio release in 17 years and continues his vibrant, multicultural fusion of Latin rhythms, reggae, flamenco, and folk. With songs sung in multiple languages, the album celebrates community life and resilience while addressing political themes such as anti-capitalism and environmentalism. Collaborations with artists like Willie Nelson on "Heaven's Bad Day" and French rapper Laeti on "Tu Te Vas" highlight the diversity of sound. Despite its somber reflections, the album retains Chao’s signature joyful energy, making it both a personal and political statement​ ( World Music Central ) ​ ( Financial Times ) ​ ( Rolling Stone India ) . Genre : Latin Alternative Country : France Final Verdict : 63% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 360th / 686 Highlight : La Colilla Made me think of: Calle 13 Bomba Estéreo Ska-P #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #LatinAlternative #ManuC...

Thurston Moore - Flow Critical Lucidity (2024)

Image
Thurston Moore’s Flow Critical Lucidity blends avant-garde rock, hypnotic soundscapes, and post-punk influences, creating a deeply atmospheric and experimental journey. The album features striking collaborations, including Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab and bassist Deb Googe (My Bloody Valentine), adding texture and depth to the sound. Highlights like “Sans Limites” fuse delicate guitar lines with poetic vocals, while tracks such as “Hypnogram” and “We Get High” channel Moore’s signature blend of dissonance and melody. While it may challenge newcomers with its abstract elements, it remains a compelling listen for long-time fans​ ( Clash Magazine ) ​ ( No More Workhorse ) ​ ( RANGE ) ​ ( Tinnitist ) . Genre : avant-garde Rock Country : US Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 258th / 685 Highlight : We Get High Made me think of: Sonic Youth My Bloody Valentine Stereolab #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #av...

Seether - The Surface Seems So Far (2024)

Image
Seether’s The Surface Seems So Far (2024) showcases their signature blend of post-grunge grit and alternative metal, packed with aggressive guitar riffs and Shaun Morgan’s raw, commanding vocals. The album strikes hard with tracks like "Judas Mind" and "Dead On The Vine," delivering powerful energy while interspersing moments of vulnerability, such as on "Regret." Lyrically, the album tackles themes of internal struggle and anger, complementing the heavy yet melodic soundscape. While it sticks to familiar post-grunge elements, subtle atmospheric layers and refined songwriting add depth, making this one of Seether’s strongest releases​ ( Sonic Perspectives ) ​ ( The Spill Magazine ) ​ ( Staccatofy ) . Genre : Post Grunge Country : South Africa Final Verdict : 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 92th / 684 Highlight : Try To Heal Made me think of: Three Days Grace Breaking Benjamin Shinedown #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nows...

Nightwish - Yesterwynde (2024)

Image
Yesterwynde , Nightwish’s 10th studio album, is a powerful and cinematic journey that blends symphonic metal with elements of history, mythology, and humanism. Thematically centered around time and existence, the album features expansive orchestral arrangements and Floor Jansen’s commanding vocals. Tracks like "An Ocean of Strange Islands" and "The Antikythera Mechanism" showcase epic soundscapes, while "The Children of 'Ata" experiments with 80s influences and unexpected rhythms. The blend of complex orchestration, driving guitars, and emotive vocals makes Yesterwynde a quintessential Nightwish release, maintaining their legacy as one of the genre's pioneers​ ( Kerrang! ) ​ ( Distorted Sound Magazine ) ​ ( When The Horn Blows ) ​ ( HeadBangers Lifestyle ) . Genre : Symphonic Metal Country : Finland Final Verdict: 71% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 30th / 683 Highlight : The Children Of 'Ata Made me think of: Epica Within Temptation Delain ...

Laurie Anderson - Amelia (2024)

Image
Amelia is Laurie Anderson’s deeply meditative and immersive album, inspired by the final flight of aviator Amelia Earhart. Blending orchestral arrangements with electronic elements, field recordings, and spoken word, Anderson captures Earhart’s emotional journey through the skies. Collaborating with the Filharmonie Brno and featuring Anohni's ethereal vocals, the album moves between serene and haunting moments, invoking both the triumph and tragedy of Earhart’s story. It’s a reflective, cinematic piece that feels like a continuous narrative rather than individual tracks, making it one of Anderson’s most compelling works to date​ ( UNCUT ) ​ ( PopMatters ) ​ ( The Quietus ) . Genre : Spoken Words Country : US Final Verdict : 64% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 270th / 682 Highlight : The Word for Woman Here Made me think of: Philip Glass Laurie Spiegel Kronos Quartet #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #SpokenWords #...

Eihwar - Viking War Trance (2024)

Image
Viking War Trance , Eihwar’s debut album, blends ancient Norse mythology with modern electronic beats, creating a unique fusion of neo-folk and trance music. The title track sets the tone with tribal drums and electronic pulses, while tracks like "Geri and Freki" evoke primal energy with powerful growls and ritualistic rhythms. "Berserkr" is a standout, perfect for cinematic battle scenes, while "Sir Mannelig" offers a softer, acoustic outro. The album is a bold experiment that pushes boundaries, though some tracks can feel repetitive. It’s an immersive journey best experienced live​ ( wallofsoundau ) ​ ( Distorted Sound Magazine ) ​ ( actainfernalis ) ​ ( ramzine.co ) . Genre : Neo Folk Country : France Final Verdict : 61% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 451th / 681 Highlight : Waves of Sand Made me think of: Róbert Erdész Wardruna Nytt Land #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #NeoFolk #Eih...

Alunah - Fever Dream (2024)

Image
Fever Dream , Alunah's seventh album, marks the end of an era with vocalist Siân Greenaway's departure. The album blends 70s psychedelic rock, doom, and bluesy stoner grooves, departing slightly from their earlier fuzz-laden doom sound. Tracks like "Never Too Late" set the tone with energetic riffs, while "Trickster of Time" and "Hazy Jane" infuse elements of cosmic psychedelia and glam rock. The title track slows things down with a dreamlike, melancholic atmosphere, and "I’ve Paid The Price" offers a bluesy, piano-led finale. This album is both a fitting farewell and a strong evolution for the band​ ( Metal Storm ) ​ ( Metal Epidemic ) ​ ( Distorted Sound Magazine ) ​ ( The Razor's Edge ) . Genre : Hard Rock Country : UK Final Verdict: 62% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 402th / 680 Highlight : Fever Dream Made me think of: Witch Mountain Ruby the Hatchet Electric Wizard #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #...

Lesoir - Push Back The Horizon (2024)

Image
Push Back The Horizon is the sixth album by Dutch progressive rock band Lesoir, continuing their tradition of atmospheric, multi-layered compositions. Tracks like the title song and "Under The Stars" showcase the band’s skill at weaving intricate soundscapes with emotional depth, supported by Maartje Meessen's haunting vocals and Ingo Dassen’s textured guitar work. The instrumental "Aeon" highlights their ability to build dynamic crescendos, while "What Do You Want From Me?" adds a harder edge, reminiscent of Tool. With John Cornfield (Muse, Supergrass) producing, this album stands as one of Lesoir’s most polished and expansive efforts​ ( Sonic Abuse ) ​ ( HARD FORCE ) ​ ( Progradar ) . Genre : Progressive Rock Country : Netherlands Final Verdict : 80% (Excellent Album) Yearly Ranking: 5th / 679 Highlight : Aeon (added to my 2024 best of) Made me think of: Mostly Autumn Frequency Drift Riverside #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #album...

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Chain of Light (2024)

Image
Chain of Light , a posthumous album by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, showcases his unparalleled mastery of qawwali in four unreleased tracks from a 1990 recording session at Real World Studios. The album brings his voice back to life, with songs like "Ya Allah Ya Rehman" capturing the transcendence of his live performances. The powerful "Ya Gaus Ya Meeran" offers a rare, mesmerizing vocal display. Restored with pristine clarity, the album highlights Nusrat's peak era, combining devotional depth with experimental harmonic elements. A must-listen for both longtime fans and new listeners​ ( Rolling Stone India ) ​ ( Hyphen ) ​ ( Real World Records ) ​ ( The Express Tribune ) . Genre : Qawwali Country : Pakistan Final Verdict : 62% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 424th / 678 Highlight : Ya Gaus Ya Meeran Made me think of: Ravi Shankar Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Kailash Kher #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Qaw...

Charlotte Wessels - The Obsession (2024)

Image
The Obsession is Charlotte Wessels' bold return to heavier sounds, blending symphonic metal with modern progressive and gothic influences. The album features contributions from her former Delain bandmates and guest vocals from artists like Simone Simons and Alissa White-Gluz. Tracks like "The Exorcism" and "Dopamine" showcase aggressive djent-like riffs and darker atmospheres, while more tender songs like "Soulstice" offer emotional depth. The album stands out for its balance of heaviness and introspection, making it one of Wessels' most dynamic and personal works yet​ ( Distorted Sound Magazine ) ​ ( The Dark Melody ) ​ ( louder ) . Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Netherlands Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 68th / 677 Highlight : The Crying Room Made me think of: Delain Epica Nightwish #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #CharlotteWessels #...