Here’s a rundown of new releases on DSPs and physical releases in record shops this week.
New Albums
The Scratch – Mind Yourself
The Dublin trad-folk-metal band’s second album is produced by James Vincent McMorrow. The first single ‘Trom II (A Slip In The Wind)’, a song which builds slowly over its six-minute and a half running time, adjourning the band’s established energetic high tempos until its crescendo. That track was followed by the much heavier tracks ‘Blaggard’ and ‘Cheeky Bastard’. Making of short doc.
Actress – LXXXVIII
‘LXXXVIII’ — the roman numerals for ‘88’, which is both a reference to a previous Actress release of the same name and also a nod to the concept of infinity, emphasising how everything is connected within Actress ‘practice’ — pays dividends to meditate on an instrumental facet of its creation: game theory. Indeed, deep strategic thinking – more readily associated with economics and chess than artistic practice – was fundamental to Actress’ process as ‘LXXXVIII’ was channelled into existence. ‘Push Power ( a 1 )’
Lol Tolhurst, Budgie & Jacknife Lee – Los Angeles
A collaboration between ex-The Cure man Lol Tolhurst, former Banshee, Creature and Slits’ drummer, Budgie and producer Jacknife Lee with guests LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy, Bobby Gillespie, The Edge and more. ‘Los Angeles’ with James Murphy.
Joy Anonymous – Cult Classics
Joyous euphoric soulful electronica in the vein of close pal Fred Again.. from the English dance duo. ‘Joy (Head To The Sky)’
Four Tet – Live at Alexandra Palace London, 24th May 2023
Does what it says in the title. One of the immersive Squidsoup immersive light shows. Bandcamp.
The Line – Red Blood Cells and Righteousness
The Line is the pseudonym of Meltybrains? musician, sound artist and sound lad Brian Dillon. Th LP features collaborations with God Knows + MuRli, Loah and Fehdah, Sorcha Richardson, Dan Fox (Gilla Band), Caoi de Barra (Wyvern Lingo), Lullahush, Eoin French (Talos) and Meltybrains? members Micheal Quinn and Ben Bix.
girlfriend – To Be Quiet
The four-piece alt-rock band girlfriend. released their debut album on Halloween 2023. See full article.
Laurie Shaw – Neck Of The Woods
The Kerry-based singer-songwriter and all-rounder Laurie Shaw has released an album all about the town of Ballina, County Mayo. Full article.
bar italia – The Twits
London based three-piece release their second album of the year. ‘My Little Tony’
Hailu Mergia – Pioneer Works Swing
Live album from the Ethiopian jazz musician.
Hilary Woods – Acts of Light
Written, recorded, mixed and produced over a span of two years between the west coast of Ireland and Dublin, Woods recorded the choristers of the Palestrina choir in the Pro Cathedral Dublin, together with the voices of Galway City Chamber Choir. Strings were recorded by Jo Berger Myhre in Oslo, whilst field recordings were recorded nomadically throughout her time spent travelling through the north west of Spain.
Kevin Abstract – Blanket
Ex-Brockhampton artist releases a fourth solo record with a rock persuasion.
Jockstrap – I<3UQTINVU
Remix album entirely done by the experimental pop electronic duo’s Taylor Skye.
Albums also released today:
- Black Grape – Orange Head
- Cold War Kids – Cold War Kids
- Crystal Fighters – Light+
- JD Twitch – Poly-Phonic Cosmos (Optimo)
- Kevin Drew – Aging
- Laura Veirs – Phone Orphans
- Majid Jordan – Good People
- Marnie Stern – The Comeback Kid
- Matmos – Return to Archive
- Robert Glasper – In December
- Spiritual Cramp – Spiritual Cramp
- Tara Clerkin – Trio On The Turning Ground
- Tkay Maidza – Sweet Justice
- U.S. GIRLS – Lives
EPs also released today
The Alchemist – Flying High 2
Latest in a prolific run from the producer features Action Bronson, Conway The Machine, Curren$y.
All Tvvins – Your Country
5-track EP from Dublin-based anthemic alt-rock duo of Conor Adams and Lar Kaye on Faction Records.
Big Sleep – Isn’t It Sweet
5-track EP from Irish/Italian indie pop band with R&B and alternative strands.
Shit Robot – 5 Songs EP
5-track EP from producer Marcus Lambkin on DFA Records.
Holly Munro – Up Against Your Nature
Irish singer-songwriter whose debut song ‘Give Yourself Love’ is an impressive song you should hear.
- King Creosote – I Des
- Mall Grab – Mouse EP
- Snail Mail – Valentine (Demos) EP
