A Potpourri of New Music to Start Off 2023

Once again with my new music posts, these are a mix of bands that have been around awhile and those that are just getting started. They all have new music out recently. I just previewed a song or two from each, but first impressions were positive enough for me to recommend exploring them more. The first five bands on the list are brand new to me.

Hello Mary: These women from Brooklyn just got a nice bump from Rolling Stone on the eve of the release of their second album. The trio lays out vocal harmonies over grunge-y, swirling guitars. Another young band that likes guitars in this age of rap, hip-hop and pop. Always refreshing. Have a listen to “Looking Right Into The Sun” from the upcoming self-titled album:

Palm Ghosts: Palm Ghosts combine their New Order/Echo and the Bunnymen influences with a vibe from their homebase of Nashville. Earthy vocals, cool guitars, and some synths, too. They’re brooding but letting the light shine more in the post-pandemic world with Post Preservation, their sixth album. Check out “Silent Fall” featuring Anne McCue:

Pool Kids: This quartet from Tallahassee recently released their self-titled second album. They seem to have an emo band tag. I’ve always had a hard time with that term. The Wikipedia definition is, “rock music characterized by melodic musicianship and expressive, confessional lyrics.” That doesn’t exactly narrow it down. I will say, that although I have difficulty defining it, I know it when I hear it. Dashboard Confessional may be the best example. Whatever you call them, Pool Kids present reflective lyrics, tight hooks, and rousing choruses. Here’s “That’s Physics, Baby:”

Sorry: Sorry has a new album out titled Anywhere But Here. The U.K. band’s second album is edgy, stark rock with a touch of jazz and trip-hop. The lead single is “Let the Lights On:”

The Sadies: Poptransmission reader MSquared suggested checking out these guys and highlighted the accompanying song. The Sadies have an interesting history along with recent heartbreak. They’re rock and roll with hints of country western and surf music while hailing from Toronto. They released their first album in 1998 and since then have collaborated with numerous artists, including John Doe, Neil Young, and a long stint as Neko Case’s backing band. The band with brothers Dallas and Travis Good sharing guitar and singing roles had just completed their 2022 album, Colder Streams, when Dallas passed away. The video of “Better Yet” is from a short performance film, Stop and Start, as the band carries on as a three-piece with brother Travis as the lead singer and guitarist.

The New Pornographers: This Canadian musical collective formed in Vancouver B.C. in 1997 and is coming out with their ninth album, Continue as a Guest, in 2023. I have 2017’s Whiteout Conditions with its lead single, “High Ticket Attractions:” a perfect showcase for their infectious, joyous, and immediate pop rock. The new single, “Really Really Light,” is a little more restrained and dials down the pop flavor:

Alvvays: The eastern Canadian Alvvays was previously highlighted in an earlier post (Alvvays and Wolf Alice: Two Bands that Get the Quiet-Loud Dynamic Right). Now they’re back with Blue Rev, an album on many best-of 2022 lists. They’re still dreamy power pop with some glide guitar shoegaze. Check out the short burst of instant gratification, “Pharmacist:”

Dry Cleaning: Dry Cleaning’s debut in 2021, New Long Leg, was one of my favorite albums of recent years. I was taken in immediately upon hearing “Scratchcard Lanyard.” The Londoners return with their enchanting, surreal rock: a laconic voice and inscrutable lyrics over a band that rings of Wire, Sonic Youth, and Gang of Four. The lyrics are still a mix of personal reflections, trite observations, and bizarre visions with perhaps a more personal touch this time. Here’s the title track from the new album Stumpwork: