by Dan Goldin, Louis Pelingen, and Matt Watton
Welcome to FUZZY MEADOWS, our recap of this week's new music. We're sharing our favorite releases of the week in the form of albums, singles, and music videos along with the "Further Listening" section of new and notable releases. It's generally written in the early hours of the morning and semi-unedited... but full of love and heart. The list is in alphabetical order and we sincerely recommend checking out all the music we've included. There's a lot of great new music being released. Support the bands you love. Spread the word and buy some new music.
AMIRIGHT?
“Jaundice”
Portland, Maine’s amiright? are set to release their fourth album, Husk of a Body, on February 14th via Sad Cactus Records (Mothpuppy, Algae Dust, Leafing) and the band have shared three of the record’s tracks ahead of its release. “Jaundice,” the album opener, feels as fitting a start as any, introducing listeners to the band’s mix of corrosive indie rock, DIY basement punk, and the band’s less than serious sensibilities. There are moments that remind me of fellow New Englanders Rick Rude and The Martha’s Vineyard Ferries, but amiright? are very much their own band, the anxiety riddled humor of their contorted berserker indie rock is as fun and goofy as it is unpredictable. - DG
BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD
"Besties"
The new version of Black Country, New Road flocks within the company of friendship. The sunshine prog-pop of “Besties” - acting as the lead single for Forever Howlong, coming out on April 4th through Ninja Tune - twirls across closeted queer love, one coaxed through lilting chords that later opens up into a cascade. Helped along with Georgia Ellery’s wispy voice, the overall tune is shimmering with delight, embracing heartwarming comfort within the closest of people. - Louis Pelingen
BUFFET LUNCH
"Blue Chairs, Blue Floors, Blue Folders"
Scotland’s Buffet Lunch are self-described “art-pop” ramblers. And ramble they do – they specialize in jaunty, jovial ditties with weirdo turns and a chillaxed vibe. With two albums under their belt, they’ve announced a third, Perfect Hit!, out April 4th on Upset the Rhythm. Lead single “Blue Chairs, Blue Floors, Blue Folders” is a sneaky earworm. The first half is reminiscent of a Ventures deep cut, with an interplay of melodic guitar jangle and perky bass. A slow burn, it’s nearly two and half minutes before the vocals pop in with lackadaisical, playful harmonies. The song is quirky and well-wrought, with a touch of tenderness and mystery about it that promises an interesting album to come. - Matt Watton
DANA GAVANSKI
"Leaving Home Again"
Less than a year since the release of LATE SLAP (one of our favorite releases of last year), Dana Gavanski returns with Again Again, a new EP that trades in (to a degree) the art-pop sheen for an elegant intimacy, the EP rekindling her love for the piano. Due out March 14th via Full Time Hobby, the second single, “Leaving Home Again,” is a gorgeous folk song that still plays with the art-pop formula that Gavanski truly excels at, wobbling around on a woozy bed of piano that slinks up and down with the subdued rhythmic pulse. Her vocals maneuver between registers in time with the progression, the song a stunning encapsulation of her songwriting ability - DG
DEAFHEAVEN
"Magnolia"
After pushing through various shades of blue, Deafheaven steps back into the stormy tempest. The lead single for their next album, Lonely People With Power, coming out on March 28th through Roadrunner, “Magnolia” spurs into what made Deafheaven enticing in the first place. Gnashing riffs, palpitating drum patterns, and George Clarke’s scrambling wails collide into an explosive melody. Reflecting upon grief that’s kept within, the song bursts into frantic cacophony. - Louis Pelingen
FLY ANAKIN
"My N*gga" (feat. $ilkmoney, Quelle Chris & Big Kahuna OG)
Fly Anakin collides with his fellow underground emcees and embraces their camaraderie with the time honored tradition of a posse cut. Together with the announcement of his upcoming album, (The) Forever Dream, coming out April 25th on Lex Records, “My N*gga” follows Fly Anakin, Quelle Chris, $ilkmoney, and Big Kahuna OG spitting concise flows that levitate around the woozy beat and Quelle Chris’ relaxed hook. The track provides enough warmth in the ways they strengthen their bond with one another while retaining the burly tone that the emcees have always carried. - Louis Pelingen
MOMMA
“I Want You (Fever)”
Even on the very first listen, “I Want You (Fever)” charmingly pulls you into Momma’s gracious yearning. The second taste of their next album, Welcome To My Blue Sky, out April 4th via Polyvinyl Records, immediately introduces these stomping grooves and gleaming vocals from Allegra Weingarten and Etta Friedman that gradually leap off the page once it heads into the chorus. Accentuating the dreamy passages and rumbling instrumentation without overwhelming one another, it’s a balancing act that fits the track’s rush of desire running through its veins. - Louis Pelingen
TUNIC
"The Sharpening of a Blade"
“The Sharpening of a Blade” barks in its general soundscape, like a flame continuing to burn hotter the longer it gets. Tunic’s second single off their next record, A Harmony of Loss Has Been Sung, out February 28th, is a slow burn of pounding noise rock with sludgy riffs and crisp drums that rust amidst disheveled noise. It’s a stirring malaise that surrounds David Schellenberg’s bellowing delivery, spouting disappointed phrases that heave into layers of shouted wrath. - Louis Pelingen
Further Listening:
CASPER SKULLS "Roddy Piper" | GRAVE INFESTATION "Carnage Gathers" | J MASCIS "Breathe" (The Cure cover) | JULIA & THE SQUEEZETTES "Cue Cards" (Lync cover) | KINSKI "Experimental Hugs" | KURIOUS "1984" | LA SÉCURITÉ "Ketchup" | LARRY JUNE, 2 CHAINZ, & THE ALCHEMIST "I Been" | MAMALARKY "Feels So Wrong" | MIA JUNE "Forever" | NIGHTOSPHERE "The Killing Moon" (Echo & The Bunnymen cover) | PUNTER "Bone To Pick" | RAPID DYE "Penance" | RED FANG "It's Always There" | VACUOUS "Stress Positions" | WINTER & HOOKY "Horseshoe" | ZELOOPERZ & REAL BAD MAN "Sweet Celine"