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INDISPENSABLE NEW MUSIC PICKS

January 2022

Kristine England

January 31, 2022 at 11:00:00 PM

Yard Act

The Overload

At first listen, this seemed reminiscent of the Fall (never a bad thing), yet Yard Act's documentation of discontent is certainly very contemporary.  The reviews are in, and consensus says this band's debut lives up to the hype. NME calls it "a wonderfully wacky debut" while Pitchfork notes, "It’s a confident debut LP from a young band seizing its moment and cutting the tension with a chuckle."


FEATURED TRACK: "The Overload"

Fickle Friends

Are We Gonna Be Alright?

Catchy pop tunes exploring the monotony and uncertainty of living through a pandemic. In other words, it's relatable and listenable. Why not?


FEATURED TRACK: "Yeah Yeah Yeah"

Fazer

Plex

Munich's kraut-jazz quintet has released its latest after signing a new deal with City Slang. The rhythm section is particularly engaging, but trumpeter Matthias Lindermayr is firmly in the spotlight here. "as you listen a bit deeper, textures you didn’t notice at first reveal themselves; subtle syncopations that would pass the casual listener by jolt you.. great albums also create worlds, not all of them play by the same rules, and that should be celebrated." (Clash Magazine)


FEATURED TRACK: "Cuentro"

Anna von Hausswolff

Live At Montreaux Jazz Festival

The vocals! The vocals! The epic, cinematic sweep of the music, the drama, and the incredible vocals! The Swedish singer delivers in this recording of her 2018 Montreaux performance. The rest of the band is up to the task too. "This ensemble performance from 2018 offers an ideal introduction to the Swedish songwriter’s work, showcasing her vocal virtuosity and gothic drama." (Pitchfork)


FEATURED TRACK: "The Truth, the Glow, the Fall"

EELS

Extreme Witchcraft

Buzzing guitars and self-deprecating humor...what's not to like? For this, the 14th EELS studio album, the band was forced to work remotely with collaborator John Parish during the pandemic. It all turned out ok, though. And that's all that matters.


FEATURED TRACK: "Good Night On Earth"

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