INDISPENSABLE NEW MUSIC PICKS
February 2024
Kristine England
February 29, 2024 at 5:00:00 PM
Devon Ross
Oxford Gardens
From high-fashion model to indie rocker, Devon Ross is on a fascinating trajectory. Garnering the attention of Thurston Moore, Devon’s demos revealed an exciting new artist. Releasing her debut EP, Oxford Gardens, on Moore’s Daydream Library Series is fitting as Ross was clearly influenced by Sonic Youth. It’s refreshing to hear a female artist who doesn’t sound like an auto-tuned damsel in distress like many others her age. She’s on a path to icon status if she keeps this up.
FEATURED TRACK: "I Don't Wanna"
Shadow Show
Oxford Gardens
A first impression of Shadow Show brings to mind an edgier version of 80s girl bands like the Bangles or the GoGos. The garage rock guitars and psychedelic overtones are reminiscent of the 60s too. The Detroit trio brings both nostalgia and a great deal of fun.
FEATURED TRACK: "Mystic Spiral"
Solar Eyes
Solar Eyes
This Birmingham, UK duo forges a sound that brings elements from different decades to create tunes that get their hooks in you with swirling synths and guitars. After releasing three EPs, Glenn Smyth and Sebastian Maynard Francis have released their eponymous full-length debut replete with “technicoloured tunes that stretch across acid-dipped sonic landscapes and blissed-out melodies” (Maximum Volume Music).
FEATURED TRACK: "(At Least)Paranoia Loves You"
Orgōne
Chimera
Orgōne released its first album in 2001, but the band’s music seems like it’s been around for decades longer. Harkening back to the classic funk of the 70s, the LA band has seen a lot of personnel changes over 15 albums, with the latest, Chimera, resplendent with infectious grooves.
FEATURED TRACK: "Lies and Games"
Eric Hilton
Sound Vagabond
Thievery Corporation’s Eric Hilton has released another solo album of dreamy trip-hop. Calling the record “a sonic travelogue,” the aptly titled is a collection of gently grooving soundscapes. “Sound Vagabond is more a travelogue of the mind. Think instead of a James Bond movie, but not the action scenes; the bars, the lounges, the late-night intrigue.” (A Closer Listen)
FEATURED TRACK: "Sound Vagabond"
