Gøggs–Pre Strike Sweep
Genre: Punk Rock, Post Punk, Noise Rock
FFO: Ty Segall, Fuzz, Ex Cult
Enter Gøggs: one of the many collaborative efforts performed by Californian multi-instrumentalist Ty Segall, and my personal favorite.
The project consists of Segall on guitar, Fuzzmate Charles Moothard also on guitar as well as behind the kit, bassist Michael Anderson, and Ex-Cults‘ Chris Shaw handling vocal duties.
The quartet offers a sophomore full of explosive, noisy, reverb-soaked punk rock utilizing the fuzz as a weapon and refusing to hide behind it.
Gouge Away–Burnt Sugar
Genre: Hardcore Punk, Punk Rock, Post Hardcore, Post Punk, Noise Rock, Grunge
FFO: Nirvana, Bikini Kill, Jesus Lizard
Florida-based hardcore punk outfit Gouge Away quite possibly deliver the most fiery, passionate, and angry punk rock I have heard in a long time.
With their sophomore LP Burnt Sugar, the quartet maintains the same unrivaled, emotionally explosive bursts but channel their overall sound to a more layered, grungy, nostalgic punk sound with strengthened, less predictable songwriting.
JSMN–Velvet
Genre: R&B
FFO: D’Angelo, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean
Detroit artist Christian Berishaj (better known as JSMN) presents a new, 14-track gem that pushes the boundaries of his vocal capabilities, and features production that shies away from the both spacey and atmospheric backdrops found in earlier releases.
Velvet features a far more groove-oriented ambiance filled with funky, bass-driven instrumental performances. The album has more of a nostalgic, dancey feel and a more soulful take on songwriting.
Old Faith–Old Faith
Genre: Post Rock
FFO: Mogwai, Caspian, This Will Destroy You
Greensboro, North Carolina’s Old Faith is an inspiring post rock quartet that bleeds powerful emotion into instrumental movements free of vocals and lyrics of any sort. The group originally formed under the name Bombardier and released two beautiful, captivating EPs before their passion and interests towards the project seemed to dry out.
When the drummer’s father (whom the band refers to as ‘Buck’) passed away, the quartet’s vision and purpose was re-ignited and the emotional connection the band collectively shared with ‘Buck,’ is powerfully felt in all seven of the tracks that encompass Old Faith.
Experience this beautiful release by streaming it below.
Orions Belte–Mint
Genre: Indie Rock, Jangle Pop
FFO: Mac DeMarco, Diiv, Hoops
Norwegian trio, Oriens Belte, create a very unique sound on their debut LP.
Mint takes listeners on a peaceful boat ride through multi-colored waters of pristine guitar melodies and groovy basslines.
This group does not need vocals or lyrics to tell their story and serve as another strong instrumental outfit of this week’s latest pop/rock releases.
Sextile–3
Genre: Post Punk, New Wave
FFO: New Order, Depeche Mode, Cold Cave
California’s Sextile has always stood out like a soar thumb in a sea of bands worshiping Joy Division, The Cure, and other legendary acts known to mesh post punk with goth rock. The quality of their art had always seemed authentic and up to par with the era they were paying homage to.
After the group mostly dissolved with only two member’s remaining, I began to grow concerned the group would inevitably embrace a bright, poppy, mostly electronic direction (IE Death of Lovers).
I was correct in my assumption, but incorrect with how well Sextile would pull it off.
The 3 EP boasts five tunes that nail the new wave era flawlessly without sacrificing strong songwriting.
The Spirit of the Beehive–Hypnic Jerks
Genre: Indie Rock, Psychedelic Rock
FFO: Animal Collective, Temples, Wild Pink,
Philadelphia psych rockers The Spirit of the Beehive demonstrate a desire to grow and experiment on their most recent offering. Hypnic Jerks offers listeners a wide spectrum of mood shifts throughout its ten tracks incorporating various complimentary shifting soundscapes.
Be sure to stream below!
Subsonic Eye–Dive Into
Genre: Indie Rock, Dream Pop
FFO: Pity Sex, Alvvays, Japanese Breakfast
Hailing from hazy, rainy Singapore, Subsonic Eye implements infectious indie pop tunes with a spectacularly skilled and charming vocal performance by front woman/synth player Nur Wahida, and fuzzy, atmospheric guitar work.
The quartet’s sophomore effort builds upon their previously established sound and flows gracefully from start to finish leaving listeners in a pure state of euphoria.
Listen below!