Back into an intermittent schedule we go! Last week didn’t bring too much to the table, nor did the week before it. Instead of delivering two light newsletters, I decided that it would be better to smash the two together and actually provide a full slate of albums to investigate.
The overall number of albums is still somewhat sparse — there weren’t even any metal runner ups within the last two weeks — but we’ve got some exciting things on the horizon for next week’s letter. Be sure to keep an eye out for that one, and some full month recaps, in the coming days and weeks.
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Lingua Ignota - Sinner Get Ready
It feels a bit strange to place this album here, not because it isn’t deserving, but because it isn’t really metal. Yes, Lingua Ignota has always toed the line of metal and experimental, as have many of my favorite bands, but this album definitely tilts outside of metal’s boundaries. Even still, the compositions on this record are tremendously compelling, and contain a darkness and intensity that most metal bands never reach. It’s one that will take a few listened to fully appreciate, but I look forward to diving back in, and I hope you do too.
Non-Metal AOTW
Laura Stevenson - Laura Stevenson
Sometimes it’s tough to convey what makes an album like Laura Stevenson special. At some point, the typical conventions used to talk about music break down into the same seven adjectives, ethereal, spiritual, atmospheric, etc., it’s all just a way of saying soft acoustic. But even still, Laura Stevenson does something special with its intentionally limited soundscape. The sparse instrumentation and deftly delivered lyrics, such as “No one knows me in the store, pitiless me, another boring customer, frivolously lingering at the soda fridge.” are relatable because of their simplicity. That same simplicity invites shocking realizations that should have been obvious, but you’ll have to listen to dive into all of them.
Runners-up
Foxing - Draw Down the Moon - The emo titans strip back the sound and find that it still works.
Pink Siifu - GUMBO’! - Pink Siifu invites several collaborators and elevates all of them.
Ishmael Ensemble - Visions of Light - Relaxing jazzy drums stir up more emotions than should be possible.
MUTANTS - MUTANTS VOL.5: FREE - A mixtape with too many songs but they’re all bangers.
The Killers - Pressure Machine - Your favorite British rock band from Las Vegas does their best Bruce Springsteen impression.
Bendigo Fletcher - Fits of Laughter - Truly indie indie rock still sounds great.
Things to Look Forward to
We may not have been thriving the past few weeks but that all turns around now. We’ve got titanic releases from Deafheaven, BTBAM, and Wolves in the Throne Room and those are further rounded out by some smaller groups like Chat Pile and Leon Duncan (associated with Duma) to make for a stellar week in the world of metal. Even the non-metal side of things is looking to be interesting with new albums from Lorde and Sturgill Simpson, who always bring something compelling to the table.
Metal Albums
Deafheaven - Infinite Granite
Between the Buried and Me - Colors II
Wolves in the Throne Room - Primordial Arcana
Portrayal of Guilt & Chat Pile - Split
Leon Duncan - Fuck A Rosetta Stone for My Brain Waves
Non-Metal Albums
Lorde - Solar Power
Sturgill Simpson - The Ballad of Dood & Juanita
Tropical Fuck Storm - Deep States
Pile - Songs Known Together, Alone
Angus & Julia Stone - Life is Strange