A real-nice new collection for sun baked stereos…
Hello, Friends.
Our new Record of the Week is Sun Arcs, the absolutely stunning new LP from Blue Lake, the musical moniker of American born, Copenhagen based artist Jason Dungan. Written in isolation, there is an entirely otherworldly vibe to the ambience, hugely evocative and natural sounding sonic landscapes that slowly unfold. Created using a self-built hybrid 48-string zither, it has quite a traditional tone whilst also floating into inspiring and meditative spaces. This one really is beautiful.
+ Available on Transparent Sun Yellow colour vinyl.
Also in the racks this week is Western Cum, the country-tinged scorcher from Cory Hanson, our June Record of the Month. It is the third solo LP from Hanson, the inimitable vocalist and leader of the excellent LA psychedelic rock band Wand. We loved it right off the bat, but we’ve grown more and more obsessed over the last few weeks, it’s fantastic.
Read a little more and check out some videos, here.
Brooklyn 5-piece Geese return this week on Partisan Records with the expansive new 3D Country. We fell hard and fast for their Projector debut, and although this second record is quite a departure, it’s also got a lot of drive and character. There are still riffs, but they are not the leading energy as the band experiment into cosmic country. Ambitious and searching without dropping their identity fully.
+ Available on exclusive Crystal Clear colour vinyl.
+ Vinyl formats are on 140g black LP housed in a single sleeve jacket and printed inner sleeve containing lyrics, credits and photos, with obi strip.
Chris Black Changed My Life marks the return of American rock band Portugal. The Man and pays tribute to late friend and honorary band member Chris Black. It’s their first LP in over five years is pretty upbeat with rich production. Features guest appearances from Black Thought, Natalia Lafourcade, Ruban of Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Edgar Winter!
+ Available on exclusive Purple colour vinyl.
Melodies on Hiatus is the first solo LP in five years from Albert Hammond Jr of The Strokes. There are some quite Stroke-y moments, but a sort of more ornate and experienced version of those brittle and fiery classics. Melancholy and exultation in equal measure, it’s got a good energy.
+ Available on Yellow/Green/Black splatter colour vinyl.
+ Available on Orange/Magenta/Black splatter colour vinyl.
All Her Plans is the third LP from Melbourne post-punk trio Cable Ties and it’s a right baller. A lot of the record is about holding a consistent and building pace, but when they finally pop and really wail, it’s pretty gripping stuff. Screams and winding riffs with some proper pounding rhythm, this one has got us going.
+ Available on exclusive Metallic Blue Ice colour vinyl.
NYC institutions The Men follow their recent New York City LP with a Fuzz Club Session live album. Recorded live to tape at Brooklyn's Serious Business Studio, they rip through the latest LP, also playing a bunch of new tracks that bring their signature blistering rock and roll.
+ Available on double Milky Clear colour vinyl.
Lastly for today, Stockholm-based composer Shida Shahabi returns with her sophomore album Living Circle on the FatCat Records’ 130701 imprint. Moving away from the piano meditations of her debut, Living Circle is slow and building with often mournful orchestrations. But that's not to suggest it is depressing, there are some really stirring moments as it evolves and it's one to really get lost in. Great stuff.
A raft of reissues this week too with; Arthur Russell’s Picture of Bunny Rabbit, Billie Holiday, Still Corners, Jim White, Serge Gainsbourg and a limited colour pressing of the Pop Psychédélique compilation.
- Drift