Buck Meek – Two Saviors
Songwriter Buck Meek may be primarily known for his role in indie staple Big Thief, but also released an excellent debut solo album in 2018. HIs follow-up, Two Saviors, was recorded live to tape in New Orleans, and features contributions from bandmate Adrianne Lenker, who co-wrote the single “Candle.” Much like Big Thief’s music, Two Saviors is a deceptively understated affair, driven by Meek’s distinctive vocals and simplistic acoustic guitar and augmented by piano and organs, performed by Meek’s brother. The focus remains on the songwriting throughout the album, the songs packed with the kind of imagery and details that drove Big Thief to success. Two Saviors is a terrific sophomore album from Meek, who remains one of the most interesting songwriters in the music scene today.
Shame – Drunk Tank Pink
London post-punk band Shame return with Drunk Tank Pink, the title a reference to the shade of pink proven to calm and decrease anger in humans, and subsequently used in psychiatric wards, drunk tanks and more. Singer Charlie Steen actually painted a closet in the color, referring to it as “The Womb” and isolating there for long periods. As you could probably guess, the album delivers an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Following the band’s fantastic 2018 debut, Songs of Praise, the songs have only grown larger, heavier and more anxious on Drunk Tank Pink. Layers of distorted, angular guitars fall atop driving, blown-out bass riffs, the drums crashing beneath. Tempos shift constantly, as Steen’s vocals, a sort of shout-meets-growl, still cut through the sound, seemingly fueling the chaotic energy of the whole thing. It’s another great release from the young band, and one that shows serious growth.
Patricia Brennan – Maquishti
The debut from Brooklyn-based composer and vibraphonist Patricia Brennan is undoubtedly the most unique release on our radar today. Maquishti is an unconventional set of songs recorded solely on marimba and vibraphone, many based on improvisation. Reflective in nature and sometimes bordering ambient, the songs grow and flourish in gorgeous ways, the ringing, soothing nature of the instruments offering a calm tranquil atmosphere throughout. Spanning 12 songs over the course of an hour, Maquishti balances Brennan’s talent and creativity, resulting in an ethereal experience in which listeners can truly lose themselves.
Pinegrove – Amperland, NY
A year after releasing the excellent album Marigold, Pinegrove returns with an unexpectedly ambitious project. Amperland, NY is a scripted, feature-length movie based on a short story written by singer Evan Stephens Hall and directed by Kenna Hynes. The film premiered as a ticketed event on Wednesday, with the soundtrack arriving two days later. Featuring reimaginings of 22 songs from the band’s catalog, it’s a sprawling but satisfying mix that shows how much the band has grown as a live act, and celebrates the quality songwriting they’ve become known for.
Matthew Sweet – Catspaw
Prolific songwriter and producer Matthew Sweet released his 15th studio album, Catspaw. Drawing from 60s and 70s guitar-rock, its 12 songs are packed with energy and hooks, even in slower moments, though seem to consciously tread no new territory. Sweet recorded every instrument on the record besides for drums, stacked layers of guitars providing the primary texture throughout. Perhaps best viewed as a simple, old-fashioned rock album, Catspaw finds Sweet focused and doing exactly what he does best.
Beach Bunny – Blame Game
Having released an excellent debut last year, Honeymoon, Chicago’s Beach Bunny return with four-song EP Blame Game. The songs remain rooted in straightforward power-pop, their strength lying in singer Lili Trifilio’s insanely catchy vocal melodies. Lyrically, the songs tackle subjects of toxic masculinity, relationship struggles and self-care, all delivered through a lens of brutal honesty. Beach Bunny have settled into a sound that isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, but still their own. If the strength of this EP is any indication, they’re certainly a band to watch.