February is closing out, and I feel almost exhausted by how much great music has come out (and knowing how much is to come). Thankfully, the new albums out today bring some chill vibes that should make for a relaxing weekend. The new album from Panda Bear is filled with Beach Boys-style melodies to escape to. Fences emotional, lyrical-driven songs always hit a soft spot with me, and 311‘s Nick Hexum has shared a new solo EP that’s leans more towards his band’s sunnier side.
Then again, if you’re not looking to relax, you can blast out the new single from punk legend Billy Idol. You can also skank to the new single from ska-punks Catbite, or air-guitar to the latest from Brit pomp-rockers The Darkness or The Wildhearts. You’ll also find the latest song from The Spin Doctors to be a fun, funky jam. For any Top 40 fans out there, while we usually don’t mesh with some of that music, the new singles from J. Cole and Lizzo were too good to ignore, so we’re sharing them.
Folk fans will love the new collaboration between Nathaniel Rateliff and Gregory Alan Isakov, as well as the latest from David Ramirez. The latest from Doves is a celestial mix of post-punk and indie rock, while the new one from The Ting Tings channels groups like Fleetwood Mac for some breezy, Laurel Canyon-esque folk rock. Shaggy and Sting have revived their collaboration for a new reggae song. The Head and the Heart announced their new album with a new single, and Autogramm have dropped two pieces of musical ear candy to enjoy.
If you follow this list, you’ll recognize bands like Adore, The Speakeasy, Gigi Perez, Michael Marcagi, Craig Finn, Suzzallo, Samantha Crain, Sarah Quintana, Cheekface, Adam Melchor, Mayday Parade, Pretty Jane, The Kilograms, Eric Bass, Sports Team, girl in red, Adult Leisure, Devon Thompson, Grabbitz, Twin City, Sister Envy, Sophia Warren, Dakota 66, Julien Baker & Torres, Real Sickies, Icarus Phoenix, SYML, Seances, Van Morrison, Shannon & the Clams, Yam Haus and Krooked Tongue.
And I’m excited to introduce you to new artists this week like Your Grandparents, Josie Oliver, Kay tear, Chas Leman, Pine Ridge, Killing Daisies, Megg, Diva Smith, Templeton Pek, Joan and the Giants, Shurr Jr, Jess Yaffa, Iliana Viramontes, Kirsten Izer, Only the Poets, Pynch, Luke Tyler Shelton, Theo Bleak, Alex McEwan, Slow Joy, Djo and The Campbell Apartment.
Click and follow our New Music Friday Playlist to start listening!
The Indy Review 