AUG/SEPT: IN's New Music Roundup
It’s that time yet again where our writers are here to share the most blessed of tunes, in light of the new releases over the past two months.
Whether you’re perched on your patio enjoying this bout of spring weather, or have an appetite for expanding your playlist, just dig right in!
Sound-wise, the latest record from Bon Iver lands somewhere in between his last two outings; the heavenly soundscapes of Bon Iver, Bon Iver and the abstract, fractured electronics of 22, A Million. It also finds band mastermind Justin Vernon in his most positive mindset; it is arguably the first Bon Iver record you could describe as uplifting. His collaborative effort has paid off.
— Daniel Morey
Coming hot on the heels of 2017s’ Birds and the Bee9, The Return continues the musical growth of one of Australia’s hottest talents. It has been written during and after Sampa The Great’s return to her home country of Zambia, and lyrically documents her experiences of establishing a personal identity as part of an African diaspora as well as internal conflict as she experiences racism in Australia today. Musically sophisticated, flowing hip hop rhymes and sweet collaborations, this album is a brilliant first full length from someone who is constantly growing spiritually and musically.
— Rebecca Bowman
Perth’s Calmly (FKA Childsaint) have been a pillar of the music scene for a while now, and this is their debut full-length album. There are tracks we all know and love, like ‘Hallelujah Heartache’ and ‘Used Up’, amongst excellent new tracks like ‘Living With the Dead’. Their unique dreamy take on garage rock lands somewhere between Warpaint and The White Stripes, and their harmonies are to die for.
— Daniel Morey
My Own Pool of Light is a gateway to a faraway place where everything feels good and right. I haven't listened to anything like it in a while, and I daresay I won't for a while after either. I sure can't wait to be blown away about how good they are live. 'Teach Me About Dying' and 'Frida' are obvious favourites from the album, completely soaked in synthy soundscapes. Also can't lie, the album art is a true thing of beauty, fitting perfectly against the otherworldly vibes.
— Reuben Black
Performing under the moniker Montaigne, inspired by the French Renaissance philosopher of the same name, Jessica Cerro’s splendidly melodramatic second album, Complex, continues to explore Love, ‘CHANGE’ and the existential with her trademark theatrical and uniquely brilliant sound. Complex is an aptly intricate journey of self-discovery ranging from the emotional depths of “Is this all I am good for?” and ‘For Your Love’, the ominous and scintillating sequel to “Because I love you”, to the wacky and wonderful explosions of carnival creation in “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Clown.” Finally, the astounding album concludes with the rousing climate action anthem, “READY.”
— Max Mairata
(SANDY) ALEX G // House of Sugar
The always-eclectic (Sandy) Alex G has once again delivered a record that explores all manners of musical terrain. Tracks like ‘Gretel’ and ‘Southern Sky’ stand out as some of his best work to date, although it may take a few listens for the full album to come together as a cohesive piece of work in your brain. For those who like their indie rock just a bit left of field, (Sandy) Alex G is your guy.
— Rebecca Bowman
The debut album from Clairo is a stunning statement of where she is at. Moving away from the lo-fi bedroom pop she became famous for and moving into indie rock and pop sounds was an inspired move, as she sounds as assured as we have ever heard her. These are genuinely moving songs from a promising new artist that may even prove some naysayers wrong.
— Daniel Morey
Ainslie Wills recently released her second album All You Have Is All You Need, featuring the single ‘Society’ which gives an in-depth reflection of how women are perceived by society and her experiences with it personally. The Melbourne based singer worked with Matt Redlich and Jono Steer who she collaborated with on her earlier records. The album as a whole shows the development of Wills as a songwriter and her ability to reach her audience with her story-telling and production.
— Nicholas Ponzio
‘Borderlines’ carries the familiar Hollow Coves sound to new heights with greater production and creative direction. If this new single is anything to judge by, their first album coming out next month which will be a tremendous listen. I can’t wait to see what more this Australian duo has in store.
— Reuben Black
Having mixed opinions about her previous output, I was definitely not expecting to fall head-over-heels in love with the new Lana Del Rey album. And yet, here we are. This is easily the most confident she has sounded on record, while the more stripped-back arrangements place emphasis on her strongest lyrical content yet. The melodies are to die for, and the luscious instrumentation betrays the fact this is easily her most emotionally complex record to date. A strong contender for album of the year.
— Daniel Morey
FOSTER THE PEOPLE // Pick U Up
Foster The People are impeccable when it comes to creating the catchiest of songs - so much so that it makes me want to get another tattoo dedicated to them. In their latest series of glistening new songs, ‘Pick U Up’ exhibits their trademark sense of playfulness while ‘Worst Nites’ acts as the perfect sing-along to get your spirits up. ‘Imagination’ on the other hand features a slower, more hypnotic drawl that plays on more alluring psychedelic elements. No matter how much you’re acquainted with their work, Foster The People’s music should be your radar.
— Rachel Yeo
Crossover goddess Charli XCX once again strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and forward-thinking, futuristic production. This highly-collaborative album finds her exploring all sorts of new territory, and she sounds confident in all disguises. She is genuinely one of the most groundbreaking artists going around right now.
— Daniel Morey
Having been on rotation as triple j’s weekly featured album, the wait for Hermitude’s newest offering Pollyanarchy is finally over. As the starter track, ‘Pilot Light’ eases your ears into the album with a couple of galactic elements, before transitioning into their already acclaimed single ‘Stupid World’, featuring German artist Bibi Bourelly. Other notable collaborations include Haiku Hands, Buddy, BJ The Chicago Kid, Vic Mensa and Hoodlem, as well as Soaky Siren and Vory on ‘Northern Lights’, perhaps the catchiest song on the record. Unique in their own right, each song is definitely worth a listen.
— Rachel Yeo
Jay Som’s latest record is a more accessible outing compared to previous releases Turn Into and Everybody Works (a personal favourite). It still has her trademark glistening sheen and it is easy to get lost in the beautiful arrangements, although some platitude lyrics means some of the hard-hitting impact is lost. Overall this is still a recommended listen, but I am admittedly yet to fall in love with it as I did with her previous albums.
— Daniel Morey
SAINT LANE // Pitbull Type Beat
Following his last delectable single ‘Sugary Sweet’, Saint Lane has dropped yet another irresistibly good beat (true to its name). Best of all, this multimodal track is laced with insanely hilarious wordplay that recounts the wildest of nights out, all in a wonderful storytelling fashion.
— Rachel Yeo