We’re launching into June with a rich week of tones; it all sounds great you know.
Hello, Friends.
Record of the Week is Formal Growth In The Desert, the richly-euphoric return of Detroit's Protomartyr. Much like their esteemed previous releases (including our own 2017 Record of the Year in ‘Relatives In Descent’), there is such a darkness to the timbre and such energy to the production that it’s easy to get lost in the gratification. But, Protomartyr are one of the most fascinating contemporary rock bands; mysterious, funny, aloof, bleak and constantly in such high contrast. They are a marvel and god only knows just how obsessed we’ll get with this new one; it has all the hallmarks of one that we can’t put down. A belter.
+ Available on Exclusive Translucent Blue colour vinyl.
Zango is the first LP in some 39 years from (in this new lineup) Zamrock icons WITCH and we absolutely LOVE it over here. They trade in a hot and heady mix of psychedelic funk and African influences, rich in grooves but also with fresh rhythmic and melodic flourishes. This one really is a joy and I am sure we’ll be banging on about it all year.
+ Available on Limited Edition 'Zambian Full Moon' Yellow colour vinyl.
Very highly recommended this week is rapper Mckinley Dixon’s Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? On City Slang. His voice is really rich and the content is super engaging, but the production really needs a big shout out as it just all flows so exquisitely. Really, really great stuff.
+ Pressed on Recycled colour vinyl.
I Thought I Was Better Than You is the new studio set from premium raconteur Baxter Dury. As ever, it’s funny, political, personal and delivered with a deliciously threatening wink. He’s the real deal. The sound is fantastic, it’s a high pop trip through all the different hues of Baxters life.
+ Available on exclusive Opaque Pink Colour Vinyl.
Lucky For You is a powerful and anthemic return for Alicia Bognanno as Bully on Sub Pop. She's such a great songwriter, the tracks are emotive but never short of hooks. Sonically this sounds superb, such great noises.
+ Available on Blue Curacao coloured “Loser Edition’ vinyl.
Brooklyn bedroom-pop trailblazers Beach Fossils return with the new Bunny LP on their own Bayonet Records, and it really is fantastic! They have managed to keep that driving energy going, whilst also being quite wistful and pensive. It’s a great record, such a swimming vibe.
+ Available on limited Powder Blue colour vinyl.
Brain Worms is the expansive new LP from Melbourne band RVG. It’s not necessarily poppy, but it certainly has hooks as it flows through a brash sort of alt-rock into shades of electro-clash. Beeps, clunks, riffs and heaps of heart.
+ Available on Exclusive Blue colour vinyl.
Wandering Rebel is the new collection from the irrepressible Juan Wauters. So breezy, a latin air with some of his most ear-wormy cuts to date.
Further Out Than The Edge is all about collaboration and community; an absolutely huge record from London collective Speakers Corner Quartet. Jazz and spoken word mix with some propulsive energy and an extensive list of friends and family, most of who happen to be some of the most exciting names in independent music. This really is highly recommended.
+ Available on double Clear colour vinyl.
Versions Of Us is the grandiose new collection from Tyneside icons Lanterns On The Lake. The scale of every second here is both overwhelming and impressive. Such a great band, it’s high drama.
+ Pressed on Transparent Orange colour vinyl.
Also this week; German neo-classical techno trio Brandt Brauer Frick return with Multi Faith Prayer Room on Because. Wide Open Light is the new studio collection from much-loved songwriter Ben Harper. But Here We Are is the new album from Foo Fighters, a return after loss and plenty of introspection. Council Skies is the fourth studio album from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Last Man Dancing is a high octane new LP from Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters. Disco bangers. We also have a very limited Love Story [vs Finally] [Paul Woolford 2023 remix] from Layo & Bushwacka! as part of the XL 12” series.
Lastly this week, Shadow Kingdom find Bob Dylan revisiting Bob Dylan; revelatory 21st century versions of songs from his storied back catalogue. It’s absolutely stacked with moments, but It's All Over Now, Baby Blue is one of 2023’s low key highlights already.
Reissues will follow from; Tom Waits, Donald Byrd, McCoy Tyner, Ayalew Mesfin and the wonderful Cranes.
Take it easy out there.
Drift
