Here’s a rundown of new releases on DSPs and physical releases in record shops this week.
Kendrick Lamar – Mr Morale & The Big Steppers
The fifth album from Kung Fu Kenny is here and it’s got FEELINGS. 73 minutes, 2 sides, 18 tracks. Portishead’s Beth Gibbons, Ghostface Killah, Kodak Black, Sampha, Baby Keem all feature but this is a Kendrick rap album, admissions of writer’s block, racial guilt, grief, generational trauma, therapy, a song about accepting a trans member in the family, Lamar singing and there’s even a mini musical-play with actor Taylour Paige (Zola / Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) about relationship gender stereotypes. Musically, it might be his most eclectic and darkest yet. There’s a lot to listen to.
The Smile – A Light For Attracting Attention
Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood and Sons of Kemet’s Tom Skinner’s new band still sounds a lot like Radiohead, albeit with more emphasis on the music, orchestra sounds and contemporary jazz.
Florence & The Machine – Dance Fever
Florence’s fifth album was inspired by the desire to dance with others during lockdown along eith choreomania—a Renaissance phenomenon in which groups of people danced wildly to the point of exhaustion, collapse and death.
Kevin Morby – This Is a Photograph
The seventh album from the North American songwriter expands his sonic vision and is the follow up to 2020’s excellent Sundowner.
Cormac Begley – B
The first solo Bass Concertina album of any musical genre, says the talented Kerry musician. “B” stands for Bass, Baile (meaning home), Beaglaoich, Baile an Rua Bhroic, Blueprint, Begley and a host of insults beginning with the letter ‘B’!
Ye Vagabonds – Nine Waves
Folk brothers Diarmuid and Brían Mac Gloinn’s second album out on Rough Trade’s River Lea label today, recorded in the Dublin Mountains at Hellfire Studios, produced by John ‘Spud’ Murphy. Features Kate Ellis (cello) and Caimin Gilmore (double bass) of Crash Ensemble, Ryan Hargadon on sax, Cormac Begley (concertina), Alain McFadden (harmonium).
Melts – Maelstrom
Debut album from the Dublin five-piece synth psych-rock / post-rock band, which was produced by Daniel Fox of Gilla Band.
Mallrat – Butterfly Blue
Australia pop artist’s debut album.
oliveyolive – Life Of Colour
Irish electronic producer’s debut album, features Hare Squead’s Tony Konstone and Daire Patel. “The concept of a life in colour and seeing the beauty in everyday life comes from the famous Japanese Philosophy Wabi Sabi. The record is described in one phrase – euphoric therapy.”
The Black Keys – Dropout Boogie
Eleventh studio album from blues-rock duo features ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbon.
Leikeli47 – Shape Up
Brooklyn-born Los Angeles–based rapper. “The only thing I need validated is my parking.”
IMLÉ – Fáilte Isteach
IMLÉ are based around the duo of MC Muipéad – an Irish Language rapper from Connemara and Cian Mac Cárthaigh a Dublin based musician & producer, with collaborators Karl Odlum, íona Sally Hartman and Conamara native Róisín Seoighe,. This is their second album draws from hip-hop, indie, R&B, trip-hop and dance.
The Blizzards – Sometimes We See More In The Dark
Fourth studio album from Bressie and power pop band.
Mama’s Broke – Narrow Line
Canadian folk duo’s new album ahead of an Irish tour with Rufous Nightjar (Branwen Kavanagh, Anna-Mieke Bishop and Zoé Basha) this June.
Moderat – More D4TA
First album in six years from the German electronic collaboration of Apparat and Modeselektor.
Gentle Sinners – These Actions Cannot Be Undone
James Graham of The Twilight Sad and Arab Strap frontman Aidan Moffat’s collaborative album on Mogwai’s Rock Action label.
TSVI & Loraine James – 053 E
London-based Italian beatmaker TSVI teams up with prolific IDM Loraine James for a five-track EP.
They Hate Change – Finally, New
Tampa Bay production/rap duo debut album on Jagjaguar.
Ethel Cain – Preacher’s Daughter
“The introspective singer explores identity and religion amid a backdrop of seedy Americana on this rich, haunting debut,” says The Guardian.
Obongjayar – Some Nights I Dream of Doors
Nigerian-born, London-based artist who collaborated with Little Simz releases his debut album.
TOPS – Empty Seats EP
Montreal-based group’s new EP. ‘Janet Planet’.
Abbacaxi – Endless EP
6-track release of electronic music with disco and house influences from Thomas Garnett.
Dean Blunt – Freestyles (SS22) EP
New EP from the esoteric UK musician covers PJ Harvey and Queens of the Stone Age.
Bear’s Den – Blue Hours
British folk rock band’s fifth album on Communion Records.
