All bases covered, it’s another classic week for good stereo vibes and full racks.
Honestly now, what a scorching week for the new stuff.
Firstly, Cate Le Bon’s Michelangelo Dying is with us and that really is a special one. Read more about it as our September Record of the Month here.
Getting Killed is the third LP from Brooklyn rock band Geese and man, believe the hype because this one is impressive. The arrangements are big and full, but still raw with big vocal yelps and wild-eyed harmonies. They’ve always had the knack for catching a hook, but this latest LP manages to feel even more experimental, even weirder, yet still really gratifying stuff. Record of the Week and a proper belter.
+ Available on limited Translucent Blue vinyl with an exclusive signed print.
Singer-songwriter James Leesley releases his full album debut as Studio Electrophonique this week, with the sublime eponymous Studio Electrophonique. It is produced by Simon Tong and the swoon they have wrapped across the stereo is just glorious. Understated pop bangers with synths that boop and float, it is a magnificent sounding set and stacked with earworms. Big tip on this one.
Musician and composer John Maus joins the esteemed YOUNG label for his new LP, Later Than You Think. Absolutely some of his most accessible and driving music to date, there are multitudes of euphoria. Emotionally full stuff, this.
+ Available on limited Ice Blue colour vinyl.
It has been a very big Dinked week over here at Drift. We announced Voka Gentle as our 370th edition, plus The Clientele and *something else* as forthcoming Archive Editions, alongside three new releases hitting the racks…
Firstly, it is a huge privilege to work with the iconic Mulatu Astatke on Mulatu Plays Mulatu, the first major studio album in over 10 years from the father of Ethio-jazz. The album features masterful new arrangements of some of his classic compositions, such amazing grace and grooves… big wow.
Next, All That Is Over is the euphoric return of Dublin band SPRINTS and this is loud and life-affirming music. A few bands have made angry music lately, but I am not sure if anyone has made angry music that hits like SPRINTS. Really, really good stuff.
And lastly for now on Dinked then, Caramel is the pop-sharp second LP from the Isle of Wight quartet, Coach Party. Ten songs in half an hour, this one doesn’t muck about.
The inimitable Robert Plant releases his latest LP Saving Grace this week on Nonesuch. The main event is the way his voice works with Suzi Dian, appearing almost entirely as duets. Interpretations and covers of spirituals, blues staples and haunted contemporary folk. A great band and great energy on this one.
+ Available on Fruit Punch colour vinyl.
It’s Always About Love is the epic new set from the 15-member ensemble, Ancient Infinity Orchestra. Such gorgeous and spiritually uplifting timbres, absolutely one to float in.
Tom Skinner (of Sons of Kemet and The Smile amongst many other sounds) releases the spectacular Kaleidoscopic Visions jointly between the Brownswood / International Anthem Recording Co. labels. Leading a fierce band (plus the guest appearance of Portishead’s Adrian Utley), the compositions are really inspiring in their complexity without ever discombobulating. This one is a trip.
International Anthem have also made a fresh 2025 pressing of his excellent debut LP, Voices of Bishara.
Neon Grey Midnight Green is the first LP in a number of years from Neko Case. Self-produced, there is a well-earned stately quality to it all and her voice in particular sounds fantastic.
+ Available on exclusive Translucent Green colour vinyl.
Also in this wildly full week over at Drift… Begging The Night To Take Hold is the first album in years from Emma Pollock and it really is lovely. Classic Chemikal Underground vibes on this one, made for a stunning morning vibe over here in the warm sunlight. Out late last week, we have just a few copies of Biffy Clyro’s Futique on White and Black Marble vinyl. Bright Eyes return with the super-fun Kids Table EP. Some gorgeous moments and the sleeve/board really is lush. LCD Soundsystem release the Tom Sharkett Edit of Home on limited 12” LA Trio Automatic return to Stones Throw with the big poppin’ Is It Now? Big soul energy from Lady Wray who returns on Big Crown Records with Cover Girl. Sir Richard Bishop (the shaman of the six-string!) releases Hillbilly Ragas on Drag City. Only had one full listen so far, but this is some knotty magic! Regional Music is a new vinyl compilation of Mên An Tol’s first two EPs, The Country and This Land.
The week’s Best New Reissues are killer too, we'll shortly be talking about; Polygon Window, King Creosote, Tacoma Radar, John Coltrane, Sigur Rós, The Meters, MGMT and A Charlie Brown Christmas...
