THIS WEEK'S KEY RELEASES
Tau Cross _ "Pillar of Fire"
On "Pillar of Fire" Tau Cross goes into a heavy recital, approaching with energy and urgency, as in the opening "Raising Golem" and the maniacal "RFID." And while a cliche of metal and heavy music, in general, might be the grim perspective and gimmick it takes on, Tau Cross create a record that is a fun and entertaining listen. Remaining unapologetic when it comes to their hooks, offering pure ear candy in the chorus of "Bread and Circuses" and the mesmerizing lead work at the end of "Seven Wheels." _ Spyros Stasis
The Chris Robinson Brotherhood _ "Barefoot in the Head"
Cornelius _ "Mellow Waves"
Lana Del Rey _ "Lust For Life"
Foster the People _ "Sacred Hearts Club"
Meek Mill _ "Wins & Losses"
Nine Inch Nails _ "Add Violence"
Avey Tare _ "Eucalyptus"
NOW HEAR THIS (new tracks from up and coming artists)
Jillette Johnson _ "Flip a Coin"
Nashville's Jillette Johnson possesses a deft songwriting touch that lends her music a deep sophistication. Her songs are confident enough to allow room for the aural equivalent of white space, which permits her music to breathe and build in intensity. Meanwhile, Johnson's voice is a sheer honey-toned delight with gorgeous phrasing and attention to detail. Americana super-producer Dave Cobb sure liked what he heard as he has produced her sophomore album, All I Ever See in You Is Me, releasing July 28 via Rounder Records. _ Sarah Zupko
(http://popm.at/2tiLpm5)
Lindsay White _ 'Lights Out'
Already a respected artist on the indie circuit for her work in lesbian folk duo the Lovebirds, San Diego singer-songwriter Lindsay White has gone on to maintain her passionate and deft knack for producing compelling music in her ongoing solo career. Her sophomore release, "Lights Out," takes the often celebratory nature of music hitting our airwaves and flips it flat on its head. Born out of her very own series of unfortunate events, the record delves into themes regarding her real life loss of loved ones, helping a bandmate through manic episodes, divorcing a husband, and marrying a wife to the religious distress of those around her.
(http://popm.at/2u98QCV)
WATCH THIS
Arcade Fire _ "Creature Comfort"
This is a big, bold statement of intent from Arcade Fire. There is a clear and admirable desire for the band not to spend too long in the same space and to mine their DNA to reinvigorate themselves. The big synths and angular new wave of early '80s the Cure sound fresh and like nothing the band has done before. Despite the retro stylings, the subject matter is refreshingly current as the group deal with the quest for personal validation from family, friends, and strangers, the anxieties of negative body image and the relentless pursuit of fame at the expense of everything else. _ Paul Carr
(https://youtu.be/xzwicesJQ7E)
Mogwai _ "Coolverine"
Mogwai provide a perfectly measured lesson in song pacing. The song slowly dawns as a meditative crawl of chiming guitar notes echo and glide before gradually being joined by restrained drumming and a rumbling bass line. It's an evocative opening as the music gradually lets the breaks off and gathers pace. As the song threatens to become something transcendental, the graceful whisper becomes a howl as the turbulence of instrumentation cracks to ensure it climaxes with maximum effect. _ Paul Carr
(https://youtu.be/8ZocDT3TmAE)
