INDISPENSABLE NEW MUSIC PICKS
May 2024
Kristine England
May 31, 2024 at 4:00:00 PM
David J.
Tracks From the Attic
Bassist and singer David J. (of Bauhaus, Love & Rockets and sometimes Jazz Butcher fame) has released a three CD/LP set looking back on his decades-long career. Culled from 20 years of demos, the tracks offer a new view into his clever songwriting. I’ve always appreciated his wry humor, and now I can hear more of it! The featured sums up the feelings I often have listening to new music, jaded person that I am.
FEATURED TRACK: “Oh No! Not Another Songwriter!”
Brian Eno, Holger Czukay, and J. Peter Schwalm
SUSHI! ROTI! REIBEKUCHEN!
Eno working with Holger Czukay of Can is infinitely irresistible to me. Combining the sensibilities of both artists plus Eno’s longtime collaborator, German composer J. Peter Schwalm, the trio performed live together just once. Captured here are tracks from that storied 1998 performance, with music you’d expect from pioneers of avant-garde, electronic music, and probably some surprises as well.
FEATURED TRACK: “Roti”
Lip Filler
witchescrew
Fuzzy guitars, distorted vocals and memorable hooks are on display from this UK five-piece. The new EP definitely leaves a mark, but it’s so refreshing to hear something that isn’t a cookie-cutter indie punk rock band rehash. “This release is a masterful balance of raw energy and meticulous craft.” (Northern Transmissions)
FEATURED TRACK: "followup"
J. Bernardt
Contigo
Jinte Deprez is best-known as a member of Belgian band, Balthazar. Working as J. Bernhardt, the singer has released his second solo album, Contigo (Spanish “with you). A stylish account of a breakup, songs run through the gamut of emotions accompanied by music that is captivating and soulful.
FEATURED TRACK: “Taxi”
The FMs
Pink + Black
Synth-heavy post-punk rock takes me back to the 80s. But unlike so many current bands visiting a decade they didn’t experience firsthand, NYC’s The FMs write sassy and biting lyrics to accompany their extremely hooky music.
FEATURED TRACK: “We’re All Bad Girls”