New Music Reviews (6/23)

Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. These reviews help our DJs decide on what they want to play. See what we added this week below (and on our Charts page), including new releases from Hotline TNT, Benét, Cola Boyy HAIM, and more. 

Hotline TNT - Raspberry Moon (Third Man Records)

The third album from Brooklyn-based Will Anderson’s Hotline TNT marks a shift from a solo-project to a full band effort. Opening up the creative process to his bandmates brings fresh perspectives and added textures, pushing the robust, fuzzed-out, shoegaze-inflected power pop sound fans have come to know and love from Anderson to new heights. ‘Raspberry Moon’ boasts potent guitars, propulsive drums, and killer hooks, showcasing a tight unit and the ongoing evolution of Hotline TNT.  – CS

Benét - Make ‘Em Laugh (Bayonet)

The sophomore album from Richmond-based Benét is a deeply reflective exploration of bedroom pop and indie rock. His sweet, smooth, and expressive vocals glide atop lush, shimmering arrangements featuring guitars, samples, keys, flute, birdsong, and introspective lyrics. While melancholic at its core, guest appearances from Margaux, AnnonXL, and Faye Webster introduce a sense of warmth and community that ultimately leaves ‘Make ‘Em Laugh’ feel hopeful and inviting. –Chris Sanley–

Cola Boyy - Quit to Play Chess (Record Makers)

The second-full length album from Oxnard-based multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, activist, and self-proclaimed “disabled disco innovator” Matthew Urango–aka Cola Boyy–is an exuberant fusion of synth pop, disco, funk, and soul. Tragically, this is his final album, released posthumously after the approved masters were delivered on the very day he suddenly passed away at the age of 34. Through his distinct and singular lens, he crafted groove-laden, genre-defying soundscapes with a sharp pop sensibility, creating memorable bops that are sure to stand the test of time. – CS

HAIM - I quit (Columbia)

On their first release in five years, the LA-based Haim sisters return with a sonically rich fourth studio album that incorporates infectious synth-pop, heartfelt folk, driving indie-rock, breakbeats, and more–all tied together by a strong thread of ‘90s nostalgia. Across fifteen compelling tracks, the trio weaves tales of self-reclamation as they quit the things or people that no longer serve them. With a perfect balance of bright pop anthems and introspective ballads, and co-production from Rostam Batmanglij and Danielle Haim, ‘I quit’ is yet another bold step forward for HAIM. – CS

L'Éclair - Cloud Drifter (Innovative Leisure)

On their fourth album–and their debut for Innovative Leisure–the Swiss outfit now led by brothers Stef and Yavor Lilov delivers irresistible, cinematic soundscapes that blend elements of psych, jazz, synthpop, beats, dub and so much more. Spacey synths and funky basslines glide through dynamic grooves with syncopated rhythms, as L'Éclair leans into collaboration, featuring guest vocals from Pink Siifu, Girl Named GOLDEN, Gelli Haha, INES and others. ‘Cloud Drifter’ is a vivid and engaging listen that will keep audiences flying high with every return to this remarkable album. – CS

U.S. Girls - Scratch It (4AD)

Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist Meg Remy is not one to shy away from taking risks. Her ninth studio album finds her recording live with a full band assembled in Nashville, taking a step away from her synth driven art pop to embrace a warm, expansive fusion of rock, folk, soul, gospel, and more. Backed by guitars, keys, harmonica, and drums, she delivers poetic, razor-sharp lyricism through her singular vocals. ‘Scratch It’ ventures into new and surprising territory for U.S. Girls, further establishing Remy as one of the most commanding and versatile singer-songwriters of our time.  –CS

Water Machine - God Park (FatCat)

The debut album from this Glasgow five-piece band is a sharp set of scrappy, smart, playful post-punk that leans heavily into spiky, propulsive, anthemic jams while also sneaking in some more dreamy, low-key numbers to give ‘God Park’ a bouncy range. The shout-along chorus to “Junction” recalls The Beastie Boys’ punk-leaning moments for a distinctive album highlight. -AR

Yaya Bey - do it afraid (drink sum wtr)

On her first release with new label home drink sum wtr, Queens-based singer-songwriter Yaya Bey continues to expand her innovative style of R&B that incorporates Caribbean rhythms, jazz, hip-hop, dance, and soul, while highlighting her distinct vocals. The result is a rich and dynamic sonic tapestry, artfully woven across 18 entrancing tracks that ebb and flow from chilled-out reflections and groove-forward jams. With a diverse cast of collaborators in tow, including Butcher Brown, Father Philis, BADBADNOTGOOD, and Nigel Hall, Yaya Bey reveals her most vulnerable lyricism to date, as she explores the duality of finding joy amidst agony: “In this life, pain and loss are promised to us; it takes real courage to dance in the face of the inevitable. To savor the now and make it beautiful. I come from a people who are masters at this. Onlookers like to make a spectacle of us. Rob of us of our nuance. But the truth is we are brave, resilient and joyful. I made this album for us. May we continue to do it afraid.”  –CS

Casual Hex - Zig Zag Lady Illusion II (Youth Riot)

Seattle trio Casual Hex follow up 2018’s ‘Zig Zag Lady Illusion’ with another gritty, grungy, enveloping set of scuzzy post-punk, melodic noise rock, and dissonant No Wave with the incisive lead vocals and droll melodies from Erica Miller (also of Big Bite) buried within the pummeling mix. -AR

Dorio - Super Love 3 (Earth Libraries)

The third album from this Austin, Texas-based duo composed of Chad Doriocourt and Rachel Rascoe is a sweet set of summery psych-pop that often infuses their dreamy melodies, kaleidoscopic hooks, and breezy vocals with nostalgic millennium-tinted breakbeats. Packed with a handful of catchy singles and brief surprises like the 90-second technicolor blast “You Are Listening” that serves as the album’s memorable interlude, ‘Super Love 3’ is a charming, comforting, rose-tinted soundtrack perfect for lazy afternoons, road trips, and romantic daydreaming. -AR

Joe Armon‐Jones - All The Quiet (Part II) (Aquarii)

Joe Armon-Jones continues to emerge as one of the most exciting forces in contemporary jazz. On his fourth studio album–the second chapter of his two-part oeuvre ‘All The Quiet’–the London-based keyboardist, producer, and songwriter expands his fusion of jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk, and dub, to reveal a vivid, hypnotic soundscape. With guest appearances ranging from Greentea Peng to Yazmin Lacey, ‘Part II’ is a gripping listen and strong addition to his growing body of work. –CS

Joy Spheres Rees - SOLINA (BBE)

This debut collaborative album between Melbourne-based vocalist Allysha Joy, Manchester, UK-based electronic producer Hidden Spheres (aka Tom Harrs), and Melbourne-based keyboardist/producer Finn Rees (also one-half of CLOSE COUNTERS) is a sublime set of beautiful, seductive, slow-burning soul music that “speaks to both the intimate and collective desires for connection, through the differing lenses of romance, spirituality, connectivity to nature and the self.” -AR

Mas Musiq & Daliwonga - Bas’tholile (New Money Gang)

South African DJ/producer Thabo Ngubane (aka Mas Musiq) teams up with South African vocalist Daliwonga for a stellar set of deep, soulful, unhurried amapiano grooves that also serves up a prime example of the “Private School” sub-genre of the breakout South African sound. -AR

Proper Monday Number - Deep clean your house EP (DFA)

Proper Monday Number are a Brighton And Hove, UK-based duo composed of Suzi Horn (also of the spiky, idiosyncratic, dormant DFA post-punk duo Prinzhorn Dance School) and an artist simply going by Christoph. Their debut EP is a sharp set of smart, snarky, slippery electro-dance-punk. With Suzi’s “lyrics you’ll want to steal” and acerbic delivery bouncing along to their propulsive synth-heavy beats, ‘Deep clean your house’ is an impressive first outing and a sonic return to DFA’s roots. -AR

S.G. Goodman - Planting by the Signs (Slough Water Records/Thirty Tigers)

The third studio album from Kentucky singer-songwriter S.G. Goodman is a heart-wrenching, timeless collection of indie rock infused Americana. Centering her vivid storytelling and signature vocals, which carry a captivating tone, impressive range, and playful yodel, ‘Planting by the Signs’ holds listeners in a delicate yet unshakable grasp as she explores themes of love, loss, healing, and compassion. –CS

Sam Austins - The woods, vol. 1 (self-released)

Sam Austins is a rising Detroit-raised, LA-based singer, songwriter, and producer with an inventive, soulful, genre-blurring sound and a viral single (“Seasons”) within his growing catalog. Closing out with his wildly popular track, his latest release is a swift-moving mini-album that filters his adventurous R&B/pop vision through sleek productions that dip heavily into kinetic club-primed territory while also mixing in some psychedelic soul akin to Q and Steve Lacy. Fellow pop provocateur Cecile Believe makes the lone guest appearance on the slow-burning ballad “Riverstream.” -AR

terraplana - natural (Balaclava)

The second full-length album from this Brazilian band is a consistently impressive set of dreamy shoegaze and muscular, melodic indie rock that confidently navigates the genre’s delicate balance between heavy and light through smart, enveloping arrangements and airy, ethereal vocals sung almost entirely in Portuguese. Emerging LA-based shoegaze artist Winter appears on standout track “Hear A Whisper.” -AR

UNIVERSITY - McCartney, It’ll Be OK (Transgressive)

The debut album from UK quartet UNIVERSITY is an explosive set of emo-tinged noise-rock. Featuring ferocious, intimidatingly intricate guitars, intense drums, and fierce, expressive vocals, ‘McCartney, It’ll Be OK’ marks a powerful first outing from a young outfit with a clear and confident point of view. –CS

Unknown Mortal Orchestra -  CURSE EP (Jagjaguwar)

The new EP from innovative producer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Ruban Nielson finds him taking Unknown Mortal Orchestra into uncharted waters. With heavy, intricate guitar riffs paired with more familiar psych pop soundscapes, the ‘CURSE’ EP is a delightfully unsettling collection from this constantly shapeshifting project.  –CS