What's New 9-9-22
In the spirit of fellow Southern icons Pantera and newer Texan heroes Power Trip, I Am channel discontent and anger into empowering anthems, as likely to inspire a grueling workout as to incite the pit. Eternal Steel, the quintet's debut for MNRK, combines the onslaught of the well-received Hard 2 Kill (2018) with the primal bite of Life Through Torment (2017) into a singular statement of intent.
It's always an exciting sign when a band like Revocation, with enough chops to do pretty much whatever they want, decides to make the heaviest music they can. That's the Boston staples' MO for their eighth LP Netherheaven. The results maintain the inventive songwriting that earned Revocation so much respect over the past 16 years, while taking the level of violence to levels seldom heard from them.
Arguably one of the most consistent bands in hardcore today, SFTP have been tearing up the scene with their ‘no f-s given’, antagonistic, social commentary on tape for a few years now without showing any signs of slowing down. Euthanasia is a giant middle finger to many a wrongdoer and stains on this Earth and they sure as hell take no prisoners. *Indie Exclusive Opaque Light Pink LP*
By ditching the streamlined, radio-banger approach of its predecessor in favor of a darker, heavier, more nuanced strain of epic metal, Ozzy has conjured some of his strongest material in decades. It’s the Prince of Darkness having an absolutely smashing time, with a bunch of his mates and, weirdly, a newfound sense of artistic ambition. *Indie Exclusive Crystal Violet LP*
In celebration of the Imagine Dragons’ landmark debut album's 10th anniversary, expanded editions of Night Visions will be released, including the Super Deluxe 4 CD/DVD set that includes the original album, an additional 11 studio tracks, 2 unreleased demos, a full disc of collected Night Visions remixes, and the previously released Night Visions Live CD+DVD.
Multiplatinum artist & EGOT winner’s 8th studio album features Saweetie, Rick Ross, Muni Long, Jazmine Sullivan, Rapsody, Ledisi, Jhene Aiko, Ty Dolla $ign and more. Executive produced by Legend and Ryan Tedder, this vibrant project is suffused with an unapologetic spirit of sensuality and joy, informed by the vulnerability of pain, praise and healing.
Built To Spill continues its ongoing progression of switching up members, bringing in Brazilian lo-fi punk artist Le Almeida, and his long-time collaborator, João Casaes, both of the psychedelic jazz rock band Oruã. The experimentation produces an album full of unique, vivid, and timeless sounds, from guitar-driven rock odes to REM and Dinosaur Jr to bluesy '60s-style anthems to dub-reggae-inspired instrumentation.
Jockstrap’s discography is restless and inventive, traversing everything from liberating dancefloor techno to off-kilter electro pop, trip-hop and confessional song writing; an omnivorous sonic palette that takes on a cohesive maturity far beyond their ages of only 24 years old. They have cemented themselves as one of the most vital young groups to emerge from London’s melting pot of musical cultures.
Produced by bandmate Jamie xx, Hideous Bastard, is the debut album from Oliver Sim-best known for his work as songwriter, bassist, and vocalist of The xx. It’s is the culmination of two years of writing and recording, inspired by Sim's love of horror movies and his own life experience, unpacking themes of shame, fear, and masculinity – including the reveal that he’s been living with HIV since the age of seventeen.
While Darker Still remains irrefutably Parkway Drive, it finds the band sonically standing shoulder to shoulder with rock and metal’s greats – Metallica, Pantera, Machine Head, Guns N’ Roses – as much as it does their metalcore contemporaries. This is the true face of Parkway Drive: redefined and resolute, focused in mind and defiant in spirit. *Indie Exclusive Clear with Red Smoke LP*
Step on Step is the late enigmatic producer's (Earth Wind & Fire, Rotary Connection, Minnie Riperton) eponymous debut album. Originally written, performed, and recorded by Stepney in the basement of his home in Chicago, between the late 1960s and early 1970s, using just primitive drum machines, early-gen Moog synthesizers, pianos and vibraphones. *Indie Exclusive Certified Gold 2LP*
Mostly first takes with only a handful of overdubs, The Man From Waco finds Crockett refining his singular “Gulf & Western” sound which continues to captivate an ever-growing legion of fans. Eschewing the ever-growing siren song of major labels and GRAMMY-winning producers, Crockett is forging ahead as a mostly DIY artist, calling his own shots and giving himself the space to strive for greatness on his own terms.
What Is There, the band’s 2020 self-produced album contained every over-the-top indulgence. Now with Jason Kingsland (Band of Horses, Belle and Sebastian) helping produce, the band has kept their pop-rock grandiose but also scaled back when needed. Firmly back in the saddle, Delta Spirit has found its flow as One is One uses contemporary pop trappings and tried-and-true musical soundscapes to deliver a return to form.
Legendary Celtic punk band, Flogging Molly return with their first new album in five years. Anthem finds the raucous Los Angeles-by-way-of-Dublin outfit reunited with classics Swagger and Drunken Lullabies engineer Steve Albini. From epic tales to simple, heart-laid-bare ballads, if you’re longing for the Molly from the days of yore, here she be. *Indie Exclusive Yellow LP*
“They all deal with the world around us,” says Lennon of the 11 tracks on Jude. “The war in our daily lives and the war within, where we try to understand ourselves, take on the challenges that we are faced with and do the right thing. All I’ve ever wanted, really, was to make my mother proud, and I feel I have this purpose.” *Indie Exclusive Olive Green LP*
Fueled by the fiery energy of their live shows paired with raw lyricism and subtle societal commentary, The Paranoyds are unafraid and unapologetically in perpetual pursuit of a good time. The band’s sophomore album blends an eclectic array of genres–from jazz, to lo-fi punk-rock, to groovy R&B–that melt together, showcasing the innovative range of The Paranoyds. *Indie Exclusive Violet LP*
Brittney Parks plays with a refined backdrop of neo-soul, experimental funk and spiraling strings, further tweaking her sonic template with the slick autoeroticism of “Chevy S10”, creepy whispered raps of “OMG BRITT” and vocodered disco-pop of “Freakalizer.” “I'm not average,” repeats Parks on the title track. It's a cool understatement on a bold sequel whose charms unravel further with each listen. *Indie Exclusive Orange Dream LP*
The Callous Daoboys are easily one of the catchiest and extraordinary hardcore bands of the last few years, giving hope that the mathcore scene won't die off. Celebrity Therapist revels in this high-strung extremity with music that's somehow dense, impenetrable, and chaotic yet confusingly inviting. An undeniable life-affirming glee is palpable as each song deliriously swerves across stylistic lines. *Bone & Olive Green Vinyl*
12 new songs from the titans of thrash metal! Produced by Dave Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw, the follow-up to the Grammy award-winning Dystopia will melt fans' minds with songs like "We'll Be Back," "Soldier On!" and "Night Stalkers" featuring Ice-T. Indie Exclusive Deluxe 2 LP on 180-gram vinyl includes a 7" single of "We'll Be Back," b/w an unreleased 2021 live version of "The Conjuring," with lenticular litho.
Noah Gundersen kicks of his US headlining tour with the much anticipated new album, A Pillar of Salt. The project is a return to form, coupling heartfelt lyrics with his signature understated vocal performance. Featuring singles “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Atlantis,” a stunning duet with Phoebe Bridgers, fans old and new will be celebrating this triumphant piece of art. *Indie Exclusive White 2x LP*
Hailing from Mongolia, The HU are unlike any other rock band in the world, introducing their new style of music they call "hunnu rock" - from the Mongolian root word for human being, "hu". Between the warlike epic “Black Thunder,” the crowd-pleasing anthem of “This Is Mongol,” and Mongols-round-the-campfire songs “Triangle” and “Mother Nature,” Rumble Of Thunder is not to be missed.
Recorded live on September 15, 1981, Live At Gilley's captures Kristofferson at a time in his career where he and his band were firing on all cylinders. On this night, the band stopped by Gilley's Honkytonk in Pasadena, Texas to deliver a one in a lifetime performance featuring the hits, "Me And Bobby McGee", "The Pilgrim" and "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down." *Indie Exclusive White Marbled LP*
Golden Years finds Gispert embracing introspective, personal lyrics that also delve into the current social divide while at the same time writing lyrics meant to encourage the listener to get up, have fun and enjoy rock and roll. Musically, it embraces his roots with the familiar sound of the raw and jangly southern-garage rave-ups that his band, The Whigs came to be known for. *Available on Gold Vinyl*
Undisputed masters of murderous riffs since 1991, Machine Head are long established as one of the most influential and incendiary bands in the metal world. ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN - the finest and most ferocious album of the band's 30 year career - tells the tale of two characters, both faced with incalculable trauma, whose stories become bloodily entwined as this deep, dark record progresses.
True heavy metal leaders Malamorte return with their seventh album. Based on the 1976 classic horror movie of the same name, Omen is a first-class metal masterpiece, filled with monster riffs and anthemic choruses. Unquestionably the Italian thrasher’s magnum opus to date. The New Metal Messiah reveals himself to be the Antichrist!!!
Pre Pleasure finds the Australian native at her absolute peak, delivering ten of the most personal, raw, and devastating songs of her career. Jacklin’s empathetic, understated rock songs sift through a litany of relationships and beliefs, seeking a balance between thinking about life and actually living it. Featuring stand-outs "Lydia Wears A Cross," "Love, Try Not To Let Go."
The vast 30-track project was written largely by Wallen throughout the previous three years while he was becoming the fastest rising young star in country. Further establishing his signature sound, it includes a strong arsenal of writers and features “More Than My Hometown,” “7 Summers” and more. Includes 2 bonus tracks, “This Side of a Dust Cloud,” and “Bandaid on a Bullet Hole.”
After finding fame and success in the Kiwi comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, the writer, actor, comedian and musician attempts to shed the irony and comedy that he’s known for on his latest aptly named solo album. And like Jim Henson before him, who made a career of blending the silly with the sincere and the playful with the profound, McKenzie also connects rainbows to the ridiculous. *Blue/White Smoke Vinyl*
Midnight Control is laidback to its core. A feel-good blend of reggae, hip-hop and rock, it’s the soundtrack for sunny days and nights spent dancing barefoot on the beach and road trips with pals. Perfect for that one uncle who reckons music attained perfection in 1974. There are plenty of standout moments within – namely the vocal performance on the title track and the minimalist, ethereal beats on “Shade”.
Lupe dove into a folder of beats sent by his longtime producer Soundtrakk and emerged with a fully-realized album in just three days. “Soundtrakk is the swordmaker, I’m the samurai," says Lupe. Armed with those soulful sounds, Fiasco created a focused statement that reflects on the past and paves a way forward, preaching strength through mindfulness and self-sustaining community. *Indie Exclusive Blue 2x Vinyl*
Darko, one-third of Brooklyn hip-hop group Flatbush Zombies, is well aware that the “crazy shit, crazy-colored hair and psychedelics” of his group are imprinted in the brains of many fans. But on his solo debut, Gothic Luxury, there is a through line of brutal honesty and catharsis which prove him to be one of the rawest and most candid rappers in the game.
Steve Earle has been creating intimate and personal music for well over four decades now. His education came in the form of learning from the best and this collection is all about one of those bests -- gypsy songman Jerry Jeff Walker. Featuring hits like, “Mr. Bojangles” and “Gettin’ By”, Earle & The Dukes honor the late Texan by amplifying the concept and sound of each song with a full-band recording. *Indie Exclusive Clear Vinyl*
Arriving on the heels of the band’s two records of ’90s country covers, Slappers, Bangers & Certified Twangers, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Chicamacomico sounds like a return to original form. It’s a heart-wrenching reflection on loss that finds frontman BJ Barham scaling new expressive heights, resulting in the band's most elemental and emotionally resonant work to date. *Indie Exclusive Green/Black Smoke Vinyl*
The German-Danish-Norwegian collective's music is rooted in medieval Europe, with inspirations from ancient texts and inscriptions. Through their use of folk elements, throat singing, hypnotic rhythms, human bones as instruments, and a sense of ritual and splendor, Heilung create a place far removed from the modern world, the spirit of black metal from a very different and more primal time.
Viva shows a change in process for frontman/songwriter Brendon Urie. The cinematic musical journey is about the fine line between taking advantage of your youth, seizing the day and burning out. The songs take an introspective look into his relationship with his decade plus career including growing up in Las Vegas, love, and fame. *Indie Exclusive Neon Coral Vinyl*
Another dizzying high in a multi-decade career that's seen Hot Chip continuing to innovate and develop a rich, resonant songcraft. And while they continue to operate at peak form, the album also feels like a new chapter for the group - a collection of flesh-and-blood songs that finds the band reaching into the darkness to emerge as a true creative unit, their gazes fixed positively on the future ahead. *Indie Exclusive Brown Vinyl*
As both Sean and Sara continue to work on their own solo music, as well as with their other bands like Nickel Creek and I’m With Her, Watkins Family Hour remains an invaluable resource and respite for them both. “We wanted to capture what we’ve done over the years, but also capture the process that is continually at work, which is this intermingling of the musical community here in Los Angeles.”