As usual with my new music posts, these are some bands I checked out by listening to a song or two. First impressions were positive enough for me to recommend exploring them more. Also, you’ll hear the beautiful new single from a well-known NYC band announcing their new album after a long hiatus.
“Jimmy Neutron” by Enumclaw: Named after a city in Washington, this Tacoma band has just released their debut album, Save the Baby. Their 2021 EP Jimbo Demo with lead single “Fast N All” made some waves with its chiming guitars, reverb/distortion, and rousing harmonies. They’re a woolly Northwest band with pop hooks who cite Nirvana and Oasis as their major influences. This is my favorite of the new music bunch. Have a listen to the romantic rocker “Jimmy Neutron” from the new album:
“Ricochet” by Preoccupations: These Canadian post punkers from Calgary have actually been around 10 years. They started off as Vietcong, a controversial band name that was shelved before their self-titled debut album in 2016. Now they’ve released their fourth album, Arrangements. Their opaque and steely sound comes with a bleak view of the future, “Everything tastes like the bitter end.” “Ricochet” is a clean, jangly, and forlorn song about the end of the world.
“Knees Deep” by The Beths: Led by singer Elizabeth Stokes, the indie rockers from New Zealand formed in 2014, with their first album in 2018. Now they’ve released their third full-length, Expert in a Dying Field. They deliver animated guitar riffs, melodic hooks, and a juxtaposition of sweet sounding vocals and sardonic lyrics. Check them out:
“Tomorrow” by White Lung: These Canadian punkers have recently released their comeback album (six years since their last record) just in time to…break up. Their fifth and final, Premonitions, was recorded about four years ago, but COVID and the frontwoman having a baby delayed the release. Lead singer Mish Barber-Way wrote “Tomorrow” when she found out she was pregnant. It’s a promising, propulsive tune.
“Heaven Moves” by Dear Boy: With their debut album almost a decade-in-the-making, Dear Boy yearns for some Cure or New Order in Forever Sometimes. Their indie-pop is nostalgic and optimistic with a touch of melancholy. All under a SoCal vibe. Here’s a sample:
“Spitting Off the Edge of the World” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs: The NYC band is back with a new album after the nine-year break since 2013’s Mosquito. I’ve always preferred their smoother, catchier melodies (“Maps” and “Zero”) to the band’s chaotic and screechy songs (“Man” and “Area 52”). “Spitting…” is a soaring ballad about the world’s environmental crisis. It had me from the opening synth explosion. Startling. A beautiful wall of sound.
Trivia: Where does the name of the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album, Cool It Down, come from?
Answer: A song from Loaded, Velvet Underground’s last album with Lou Reed in 1970.