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Home , Adrian Utley, Alex Kapranos, All on My Mind, Always Ascending, Anderson East, Beth Hart

CHILDISH GAMBINO BONZIE TUNE-YARDS RHYE AWAKEN, MY LOVE! SWEETZERLAND MANIFESTO ZONE ON NINE I CAN FEEL YOU CREEP INTO MY PRIVATE LIFE BLOOD GLASSNOTE ROMAN RECORDS BEEVINE RECORDS 4AD LOMA VISTA/CONCORD

Donald Glover is best known as an award-winning Sweetzerland Manifesto marks Joe Perry’s sixth solo The second from Chicago-based and With I can feel you creep into my private life, Tune- Blood is the sophomore offering from Rhye. A collection writer and actor – but he’s always made time for making album outside of his day job as guitarist / songwriter multi-instrumentalist BONZIE, Zone on Nine pulls off Yards is officially a duo. Here, Merrill Garbus is joined of songs based on the aftermath of a love affair, Blood music under his nom de hip hop, Childish Gambino. / producer of . Comprised of 10 new tracks, the sublime feat of feeling both intensely intimate and by long-time collaborator Nate Brenner. The duo alluringly pairs the band’s sultry with the But his latest album, Awaken, My Love! travels beyond they were all written or co-written by Joe (along with otherworldly in scope. A singer-songwriter at heart, produced and wrote the album together (though straight-up sexy vocals and lyrics of frontman Mike beats, rhymes, and life – treading cosmic territory the album’s guest vocalists), except for a cover of “Eve BONZIE might sound like Susanne Vega one moment Garbus still handled the lyrics). Thematically, the Milosh. “We’ve spent the last few years on the road that inspired by future funkists both past and present of Destruction” which features Joe on lead vocals and only to be surrounded by circuit-bent electronics, or twelve new songs tackle race, politics, intersectional translating the Woman album from a bedroom project including Funkadelic, The Isley Brothers, and Flying Johnny Depp on drums. Highlights include “Aye, Aye, a raw Steve Albini production, or a string section the feminism and environmental prophecies head on. But into a full live experience,” says Milosh. “With Blood, it’s Lotus. Tracks like “Me and Your Mama” explode Aye,” which Joe co-wrote with Robin Zander (Cheap next – all without sacrificing melody and lyrical beauty. in the billows of intense subject matter, the album been the opposite process; the music and sounds were burst forth from hip hop towards Black Sabbath fuzz Trick); three collaborations with David Johansen (New Zone on Nine finds BONZIE greatly expanding her arrives as Tune-Yards’ slinkiest and grooviest album really born out of the live environment and are built for grooves and a sense of space that recalls the soul- York Dolls), who sings “I Wanna Roll,” “Haberdasher sonic palette – formed from inspirations as eclectic as yet – a little less frenetic perhaps but, as the amazing performance.” Songs like “Count To Five” and “Taste” space of What’s Going On or the Alabama Shakes’ Blues,” and “I’m Going Crazy”; and rock-and-roll Tchaikovsky, Gil Scott-Heron, Judee Sill, and the score new single, “Heart Attack,” reassuringly proves, the are airtight, brilliantly engineered soul confections sonic masterpiece, Sound & Color, while “Redbone” survivor Terry Reid, who lights up “I’ll Do Happiness,” to Disney’s Mulan – and creating a more intricately sputtery percussion and off-kilter sonics we’ve come with impressive subtleties and grooves that suggest sounds like a would-be Dungeon Family classic. “Sick & Tired” and “Won’t Let Me Go.” Cover art composed take on surrealist pop. And contributions to know and love are still the double-dutch heartbeat the unlikely collision of D’Angelo and Of Montreal. One courtesy of year “1991.” from Adrian Utley of Portishead bring further moments of Tune-Yards’ sound. Besides, even in these dark days, word: “Damn.” of ethereal serenity. Highly recommended! you still need to dance.

JOE BONAMASSA/ TYPHOON STARCRAWLER UMPHREY’S MCGEE BLACK COFFEE OFFERINGS STARCRAWLER THE WORMS HEART IT’S NOT US J&R ADVENTURES ROLL CALL RECORDS ROUGH TRADE NOTHING TOO FANCY

Four years have gone by since the Grammy-nominated, Typhoon’s new album, Offerings, is a musical and lyrical LA’s Starcrawler formed in 2015 when 18-year-old The Worm’s Heart is a complete re-work of The It’s Not Us, the most vibrant, mature expression of jam No. 1 Billboard Blues album Seesaw released by excursion into surreal imagery, eerie soundscapes, and lead vocalist Arrow de Wilde met guitarist Henri Cash Shins’ critically acclaimed 2017 album Heartworms. titans, Umphrey’s McGee’s, growing studio prowess singer-songwriter and blues-rock powerhouse Beth an emotionally jarring narrative. The 70-minute album at their Echo Park high school. Shortly thereafter While recording Heartworms, Shins mastermind, to date. “We’re known as a strong live band, but we Hart and guitar hero . Since then, is about a fictional man who is losing his memory – and, they were joined by the rhythm section of Austin , had the desire for an alternate version, take so much pride in our writing,” says keyboardist they’ve both been on fire… So the time was right to in turn, his sense of self. Offerings is divided into four Smith (drums) and Tim Franco (bass). The foursome an opposite version with the sequence flipped. The Joel Cummins. “[For It’s Not Us] the focus is on that lay down another collection of 10 soul gems that movements that represent the mental phases the main play with squalling riffs and thundering beats, and album’s slow songs would be flipped – re-recorded writing.” The first single “The Silent Type” is powered encompass Hart’s breathtaking vocals and Joe’s character: The realization that something is wrong, their incendiary live shows, fronted by de Wilde’s as fast songs, and vice versa. The reasoning was to by a bombastic beat, funkified rhythms, fiery fretwork, masterfully expressive guitar playing. This time then struggles through the chaos, acceptance, and otherworldly magnetism, are truly captivating. showcase the versatility and strength of Mercer’s and a chantable refrain, that introduces It’s Not Us around, Black Coffee digs deep into the soul catalog, then succumbing to his dreadful fate. Musically, there is Soon the band began attracting some notable fans, songwriting. And while both version are ripe with with a bright and brilliant bang. “Half Delayed” builds where they honor and re-imagine songs from Edgar a sense of impending doom and chaos throughout the including Elton John, Dave Grohl, and Ryan Adams, charms, The Worm’s Heart has a fuzzed-out buoyancy from airy guitar into an iridescent refrain, meanwhile, Winter, , Ike & , Steve Marriot, record that mirrors the character’s fear and anxiety. It’s who produced this eponymously-titled LP. Elements that gives it an edge over Heartworms – especially on the percussive wallop of “Looks” could be the love Ella Fitzgerald, Lil’ Green, LaVern Baker, Howlin’ Wolf, heady, dramatic, yet imbued with a folk melodies, an of the Cramps, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Alice Cooper, newly swaggering “The Fear” and the galloping reggae child of Nine Inch Nails and Talking Heads. It’s Not Us Lucinda Williams and Waldeck. The vinyl edition also ear for big hooks, and stellar production. It’s dark, but and The Runaways make their presence felt, but these that now graces “Half A Million” and “Mildenhall.” It’s is Umphrey’s McGee at the peak of its powers. includes the exclusive bonus track “Come Rain Or it’s worth it. compact, detailed song-blasts more often recall a easily their best since Wincing The Night Away – and Come Shine.” scuzz-glam version of Wire. You need this. possibly better than that. LEGEND OF THE SEAGULLMEN PORCHES THE WOOD BROTHERS DJANGO DJANGO MAN OF THE WOODS LEGEND OF THE SEAGULLMEN THE HOUSE ONE DROP OF TRUTH MARBLE SKIES RCA DINE ALONE MUSIC DOMINO HONEY JAR RECORDS RIBBON

Justin Timberlake’s latest solo album is both a return Legend of the Seagullmen is a genre destroying Porches’ third record, The House, is a study in Whereas The Wood Brothers’ previous efforts have Marble Skies is a concise and focused album that to form and a seemingly unlikely pivot. What’s familiar super-group featuring Danny Carey of Tool, Brent minimalism and honesty. “I learned how valuable the often followed a conceptual and sonic through-line, recalls the dynamic, genre-blurring, handmade, cut- is the folk he brought back into the studio – namely Hinds of Mastodon, director Jimmy Hayward (Jonah spirit of the demos are,” says singer Aaron Maine. “So their latest album, One Drop of Truth, finds brothers and-paste approach of Django Django’s Mercury Prize- Timbaland and The Neptunes. But it’s the presence Hex, Horton Hears A Who) on guitar, and Pete Griffin this time I made a point of capturing a song the day Oliver and Chris Wood and longtime compatriot Jano nominated debut. In late 2016, Django Django (minus of outsider, , that’s of Zappa Plays Zappa and Dethklok on bass. Joining it was conceived.” The record’s fourteen tracks offer Rix treating each song as if it were a short film. The producer / drummer David Maclean) assembled at really had critics and fans scratching their heads. But forces to make cinematic psychedelic rock, the a series of diaristic vignettes – no doubt a byproduct country-folk of opening track “River Takes the Town” Urchin Studios in London with Metronomy drummer Timberlake, ever savvy, hasn’t gone full Nashville, but Seagullmen sing of ship wrecks and giant mutant of Maine’s new process. These are songs dealing with gives way to the The Band-esque Americana soul Anna Prior to experiment with new material. After he has slyly incorporated country-esque melodies and squid, crafting conceptual rock ‘n’ roll hymns of epic ego-death (“Leave the House”), escaping the corporeal of “Happiness Jones.” The stream-of-consciousness ten days of recording, there was plenty of raw demos instrumentation into his deep love of and RnB proportions on their self-titled full-length debut. (“Now the Water”), the terrifying thrill of young love of “Strange as It Seems” stands in stark contrast to to send to Maclean for him to edit, refine and evolve (He is from Memphis, after all). So while lead single, Engineered by Toshi Kasai (Melvins, Big Business) (“Country”), and parting with the past (“Goodbye”). “Sky High” – a barnburner built upon stinging slide before the band rejoined for recording proper. Marble “Filthy,” may seem like Justin by-the-numbers, tracks and mastered by Gavin Lurssen (Queens of the Stone The House is marked by an excitement at the prospect guitar funk. “Seasick Emotions” is tumultuous, while Skies was completed in the band’s small, equipment- like “Morning Light,” “Say Something,” and the bizarro Age), Legend of the Seagullmen is rife with massive, of self-discovery, and commitment to the process of “Sparking Wine” is jaunty and carefree. The end result crammed studio – a similar environment to the first arrangement of “Supplies” will keep fans both on their sonically pulverizing slabs that – while occasionally getting there – a process that involves dancing to sick is The Wood Brothers’ most dynamic recording to record, which was recorded in Maclean’s bedroom. The toes and the dancefloor. recalling metal heavyweights like Iron Maiden and 90s house beats. date. result is a psychedelic groover that will please fans of classic Metallica – decimate expectations. Animal Collective.

JUDAH & THE LION BELLE ADAIR EZRA FURMAN SETH LAKEMAN THE WOMBATS FOLK HOP N ROLL (DELUXE) TUSCUMBIA TRANSANGELIC EXODUS BALLADS OF THE BROKEN FEW BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE JUDAH & THE LION SINGLE LOCK BELLA UNION COOKING VINYL THE WOMBATS

The members of Judah & the Lion grew up in separate When Muscle Shoals four-piece Belle Adair recorded Transangelic Exodus is a new landmark for American Seth Lakeman’s eighth studio album, Ballads of the Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life finds The corners of the U.S., loving on every type of music that their new album Tuscumbia they leaned into their singer-songwriter Ezra Furman -- the underground Broken Few, is a stunning collaboration between Wombats asserting themselves as one of the biggest came their way: the twang of folk, the beat of hip-hop, hometown’s musical legacy to create a sound unlike songwriter who released one of the secret best his dynamic song-writing, the genius of legendary and best guitar pop sensations of our time. Written the drive of rock, the punch of pop. Later, after college anything that’s come out of the region before. of 2015, Perpetual Motion. The new album is, according producer Ethan Johns, and the sublime harmonies from three corners of the globe - drummer Dan Haggis brought all four to Tennessee, it only made Produced by longtime collaborator Tom Schick to Furman, “Not a concept record, but almost a novel… of emerging trio Wildwood Kin. Together they have in London, bassist Tord Øverland Knudsen nursing his sense to combine those different backgrounds – and (Real Estate, Parquet Courts, Iron & Wine), Tuscumbia A queer outlaw saga.” That saga involves a man in love conjured up a soulful and intense songs collection of new family in Oslo and frontman Murph in Los Angeles different sounds – together. With Folk Hop N Roll, the was tracked at the hallowed FAME Studios in Muscle with an angel – which is illegal – so the government is songs. The album was recorded live in the great hall - Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life was created band shined a light on the place where their influences Shoals, and mixed at The Loft, Wilco’s home base in after them. But you don’t necessarily need the story of a Jacobean Manor House, and those atmospheres over long distance writing sessions, supplemented overlap. It’s a wide-ranging sound, with fuzz bass, hip- Chicago. The result doesn’t so much update the Muscle to get lost in Furman’s flurry of amazing songwriting, are oozing throughout the album – giving the spiritual- by intense two-week in-person sessions in Oslo. On hop percussion, distorted banjo riffs, and super-sized Shoals sound as redefine it with chiming guitars, which is frantic, funny, paranoid, and catchy as hell -- sounding songs have a deeper, trance-like quality. They Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life The Wombats melodies all stirred into the same mixing pot. This meditative lyrics and a breezy, blissed-out feel. Both a thrilling, literate form of garage-punk rooted in The encompass evocative contemporary messages yet push the boundaries of alt-pop innovation with a expanded edition features 5 new tracks, including a grand and intimate, far-reaching and deeply personal, Velvet Underground, Jonathan Richman and ‘50s rock have an ethereal sound as if they have been hanging in lush, ultramodern indie soundscape wrapped in Blade string quartet version of “Take It All Back.” Tuscumbia is a definitive declaration of identity from ‘n’ roll. You need this! the air for centuries. A hit in Lakeman’s native U.K., this Runner synths, future grooves, celestial solos and a band that bucks tradition in search of their own U.S. edition features a clutch of bonus cuts. space age melodies. personal truths. THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS BAHAMAS WATERPARKS VAN WILLIAM FIRST AID KIT I LIKE FUN EARTHTONES ENTERTAINMENT COUNTRIES RUINS IDLEWILD RECORDINGS REPUBLIC EQUAL VISION FANTASY/CONCORD COLUMBIA RECORDS

They Might Be Giants’ remarkable new album, I Like Afie Jurvanen isn’t from the Bahamas – he’s a Finnish- Entertainment, the sophomore album from Houston, Anchored in Van Williams’ love of melodic song Swedish duo First Aid Kit do high-and-lonesome better Fun, jumps with surprises, vitality, and the startling Canadian from rural Ontario. But his chosen epithet Texas-based pop-punk trio Waterparks, was once- craft, the eleven new, original songs on Countries than any of their American counterparts. “Emmylou” point of view of these originals. Over a year is fitting. Since 2009 he’s been making music under again produced by Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden don’t belong to any specific style. It’s pure “American from their 2012 breakthrough, The Lion’s Roar, was an in the making, and band founders John the name Bahamas - writing songs about sunsets, and Courtney Ballard (All Time Low) and serves as Heartache” – music that stirs up forgotten memories early masterpiece that showed that sisters Klara and Linnell and John Flansburgh draw on themes of dread, love affairs, and making out with crooked smiles. the follow up to their 2016 debut Double Dare. In true and feels eternal and fresh (though crop circles also Johanna Söderberg not only understood “Americana” death, and disappointment and set them to their After 6 years of writing and touring, Jurvanen was Waterparks fashion, lead single “Blonde” features get a shout-out). Van – who previously spent time in but they could use the genre’s own mythology to driving, hyper-melodic music. The results will leave inspirationally-spent until his manager made the left- incredibly catchy verses and a chorus that will have the bands Port O’Brien and Waters – wrote the songs subvert and, ultimately, transcend it (Their stunning even the most heavy-hearted among us with a renewed field suggestion of making an album with D’Angelo’s crowds singing along. But the pop doesn’t stop that would become Countries in a secluded part of harmonies are a plus). They’ve been cranking out sense of wonder… Delivered via adult sized doses of rhythm section: bassist Pino Palladino and drummer there. “Not Warriors” takes a lot of chances with its the Sierra Nevada, then enlisted a group of musical amazing music ever since, and their latest, Ruins, is black humor, of course – especially on “By the Time James Gadson. The trio came up with 10 songs in 3 production, including an unexpected chopped-and- confidants - including First Aid Kit (who turn in a another expansion of their frontiers – resulting in some You Get This” and “An Insult to the Fact Checkers,” days -- no rehearsals, no charts, no rules. The result, screwed breakdown. Replete with acoustic guitars smoldering performance on “Revolution”) to bring his of their most ambitious music to date, both musically which doubles as a reminder of Flansburgh’s guitar Earthtones, is a series of meditations on the creative “Lucky People” is Waterparks’ “Hey Delilah” moment, vision to life. “These songs sound exactly like I feel,” and emotionally. Ruins was produced by Tucker Martine wizardry. Fresh and sonically adventurous, I Like Fun life, filtered through Bill Callahan (Smog) and Steely but one that still benefits from an atypical production says Van, “restless, reeling, heartbroken and ready to (My Morning Jacket, The Decemberists), and features is a brilliant comeback. Dan – and it’s cool as a summer breeze. that rewards headphones. Thankfully, Waterparks’ still burst. A peppy pop delight. contributions from R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Wilco’s Glenn keep their guitars turned to 11. It is pop-punk after all. Kotche and ’s McKenzie Smith.

ANDERSON EAST TINY MOVING PARTS JOHN OATES VARIOUS H. C. MCENTIRE ENCORE SWELL ARKANSAS LADY BIRD - SOUNDTRACK LIONHEART ATL TRIPLE CROWN RECORDS PS RECORDS SMG MERGE

The decision to title Alabama native ’s Following 2016’s acclaimed Celebrate, Tiny Moving John Oates (of Hall and Oates fame) has teamed with Greta Gerwig’s Ladybird is the latest in a proud tradition H.C. McEntire, frontwoman of Mount Moriah, new album, Encore was made based on the album’s Parts – the delightfully chipper trio from Benson, an amazing group of accomplished and rising stars in of indie films that has somehow captured the popular strikes out on her own with her debut solo album simple conceptual anchor: That every song must be Minnesota found by guitarist Dylan Matheisen and the Americana music world to bring his new album, consciousness despite its underdog bona fides. It’s LIONHEART. describes her voice as “weary, worthy of closing out one of East’s epic live shows. his cousins Matthew and Billy Chevalier (who are Arkansas, to life. The project originally began as a perhaps no coincidence that like its predecessors – wise, and bright as morning sunshine all at once,” “It was very much about trying to feel live and loose,” brothers) – bring you their brand-new record Swell. tribute to Oates’ idol, Mississippi John Hurt. During the films of Wes Anderson or Quentin Tarantino – it’s and that sunshine glows throughout the triumphant East says of the writing and recording Encore’s genre- The collection finds Tiny Moving Parts building on a series of Nashville recording sessions, it evolved accompanied by an outrageously good soundtrack. LIONHEART. For the album, McEntire collaborated blurring material, which blends the boundary-pushing its predecessor and throwing into the melting pot, organically to become a unique collection drawing I’m not talking about Jon Brion’s amazing score either with many of her favorite musicians, including Kathleen singer’s love of country-blues (“King for A Day”), soul their impressively complex instrumentation, infectious from a wide range of Oates’ musical influences. With a (though it’s also available and worth picking up) – Hanna, Angel Olsen, Amy Ray, Tift Merritt, William (“Surrender”), pop (“”) and beatific melodies and killer hooks to create a tight, math-y band that features bluegrass legend Sam Bush, Oates I’m talking about one of those magical mixtapes of a Tyler, Mary Lattimore, and Phil Cook, while remaining balladry (“Cabinet Door”). Recorded at Nashville’s melodic punk combination that’s hard to resist. Swell is shines a light on music from America’s past long before soundtrack whose collection of popular favorites and bravely devoted to her most authentic self throughout historic RCA Studio A with his longtime producer, ushered in by the vibrant lead single “Caution,” which the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, including classics from Emmett special obscurities elevate a good film into something the process. Songs like “Quartz in the Valley” exude , Encore gives further credence to East’s is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a spring Miller, Jimmie Rodgers, Blind Blake, and Mississippi even more personable and magic. Ladybird is one of 70s-style country music vibe – her voice maintaining reputation as one of contemporary music’s most to your step. Angst is rarely this joyous. John Hurt, in addition to a pair of Oates originals. those life-changing soundtracks – and you need it. the sort of captivating quiver that recalls Loretta Lynn compelling young artists. and Dolly Parton in their prime. You’d be wise to take this on a road trip. SUPERCHUNK FRANZ FERDINAND MGMT LOMA JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE LOMA DAMNED DEVOTION MERGE DOMINO COLUMBIA RECORDS PIAS AMERICA

The urgency of current events after the demoralizing Always Ascending is a triumphant recasting of Franz No one was more surprised by the zeitgeist-y success Loma create a hypnotic world of their own, where “This record is darker and more pensive,” says Joan 2016 election gave Superchunk the push they needed Ferdinand – bursting with fresh ideas and vigorous of than MGMT themselves. That rustling leaves, fuzzed-out bass, panting dogs, Wasser of her new Joan As Police Woman album, to make a statement. Enter What a Time to Be Alive, sonic experimentation. Always Ascending shows Franz debut spawned two relatively huge singles – the prepared pianos, and a wilderness of percussion Damned Devotion. “The title is undeniably dramatic Superchunk’s first album in over four years. Written Ferdinand broadening their palate, as exuberant as it is Grammy-nominated “Kids” and “” form a backdrop for Emily Cross’ translucent voice. but it’s a subject I’ve been tangling with all my life: how almost entirely between November 2016 and February euphoric, creating a sound that singer, , – thanks, in no small part, to the culture they were There’s something here for lovers of Nina Nastasia or does one live a devoted life without becoming obsessed 2017, the songs on What a Time to Be Alive meet rage refers to as “simultaneously futuristic and naturalistic.” actively lampooning. Two years later they released Broadcast, but also Linda Thompson, or Silver Apples or losing one’s mind?” Already acknowledged as a and anxiety head-on with the catharsis and exhilaration These are the louche tales of the Parisian night, the Congratulations – a far weirder, but no less catchy – even early Pink Floyd. Cross is a steady, clear-eyed thrilling live performer (not to mention an in-demand of loud punk fire and vulnerable pop energy — it’s as exhilaration of an Italian car racing down the autobahn; masterpiece that divided a fans and critics alike (always presence throughout, even among the heart-pounding for the likes of Lou Reed, John Cale, Anhoni, defiant as it is despairing, as much a call to arms as a a feeling of euphoria so pure it could only exist on a a good sign). Their self-titled follow-up kept the quality pulses of “Relay Runner,” the skittering drums of “Dark Laurie Anderson, Rufus Wainwright to name but a few) throwing up of hands… But it’s never a bummer. Guests knife’s edge. As such, best to press play expecting weirdness going. With Little Dark Age, they’ve made a Oscillations” and the galloping release of “Joy”; in and a starkly honest lyricist, Damned Devotion finds include Sabrina Ellis (A Giant Dog), Katie Crutchfield nothing more than a good time. “I hope that when you record that’s no less strange and hooky, but perfect for sparer songs like “Shadow Relief” and the haunting “I Wasser at her rawest yet. But it’s also more syncopated (Waxahatchee), Stephin Merritt (The Magnetic Fields), listen to it you feel exhilarated,” says Kapranos, along a post- world. Little Dark Age refines past Don’t Want Children,” she’s swimming calmly with you and soulful than albums past – maintaining a warm, and David Bazan. with this caveat: “Until you fully absorb the lyrics.” experiments while throwing in elements of chamber against a powerful undertow. Loma is inviting but also intimate feel even when things get dark. Beautiful. pop, touches of goth, and a wicked sense of humor. beautifully self-contained, like a dream that stays with you all day.

OUGHT WILD CHILD VARIOUS PALM ROOM INSIDE THE WORLD SLEEPWALKERS EXPECTATIONS FIFTY SHADES FREED ROCK ISLAND MERGE REPUBLIC DUALTONE REPUBLIC CARPARK

On Room Inside the World — the incredible third album Sleepwalkers sees Gaslight Anthem frontman Brian Words like “nuanced” and “mature” seem like After twenty-five years working in television, E.L. On Rock Island, their second LP, Palm produces from Ought — growing up doesn’t mean mellowing out Fallon once again pushing timeless rock ‘n’ roll into anathema for a band called Wild Child, but this Austin James decided to pursue her childhood dream, and set evidence of a distinct musical language. Despite so much as it means learning to pay attention, listening the modern era, recasting British Invasion rock, first sextet isn’t your usual gang of musical miscreants. Still, out to write stories that readers would fall in love with appearing behind the instruments typical of , carefully and openly, staying somewhere long enough generation UK punk, and American pop and soul into Expectations is both a reflection and an expansion – and what started out as Twilight fan-fiction turned Palm trades in sounds of their own making. On these to really understand where you are. Recorded at Rare a near irresistible sound he’s dubbed – with a nod upon their unique sound, and the album expertly rides into something much, much bigger and (arguably) songs, one of the guitars and the drum kit are used as Book Room in Brooklyn with producer Nicolas Vernhes and a wink towards The Who – as “Heavy R&B.” His the wave of genres that flows between beautifully sexier that anyone could’ve imagined. The result was MIDI triggers, producing an index that can be combed (Deerhunter), Room Inside the World explores themes sound is fueled by the -based tunesmith’s sentimental acoustic to loud, distorted rock and back the sensuous romance Fifty Shades of Grey and its two through later and replaced with new information – that have always concerned the band — identity, interest in the Vox Continental, the distinctive organ again. Kelsey Wilson has “the voice of a Jazz Age sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed mainly steel drums. The percussion is sometimes connection, survival in a precarious world — but with used by favorite artists spanning The Animals and Broadway baby,” writes NPR, “all coos and hiccups – a trilogy that went on to sell more than 150 million augmented so as to suggest a multiplication of limbs. a bolder, more nuanced sound palette. Vibraphone, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to The Specials and shivers.” She’s also got plenty of mordant wit copies worldwide in 52 languages. All three books The strings are manipulated to choke, crack, and hum justly intonated synthesizers, drum machines, and and Elvis Costello and the Attractions. Recorded with (and just enough of a potty mouth) to keep this have been turned into films, and Fifty Shades Freed like other instruments, or other bodies, might. But a 70-piece choir suffuse the precise post-punk producer – the man behind the board for subtly subversive string-laden, ukulele-wielding indie is the third and final chapter of this lusty epic that has there are words and melodies, too – and these strange breakdowns that spangled Ought’s first two albums, ’s 2008 breakthrough, The ‘59 orchestra more acidic than saccharine – but it’s always made your Mom a whole lot kinkier. songs, expertly played, make Palm the Battles of the giving rise to an emotional complexity that pushes Sound – Sleepwalkers is yet another sterling example sweet. Chris Walla () produces. “Dad Hat” set. their characteristically taut sound to greater depths. of Fallon’s impeccable gifts.