The last couple of weeks of August are weird. With so many people trying to cram in summer vacations, it can seem like no one is around and all work seems to be put on hold. That’s not quite the case for New Music Friday, but know that we’ve entered the calm before the post-Labour Day Storm.
Singles
1. Japandroids, D&T (Arts & Crafts)
Japandroids, the Vancouver duo of David Prowse (drummer/vocalist) and Brian King (guitarist/vocalist) are pulling the plug on their career with their fourth album, Fate & Alcohol, which will be out on October 14. This advance single and many other songs from the upcoming album were written after an 18-month whirlwind tour in the late 2010s. They just had to sit on the shelf for a little while before they were ready for primetime. D&T was partly inspired by an encounter with a stranger on the streets of Philadelphia who prescribed “Jesus and water” for the band’s well-being.
2. Jack White, That’s How I’m Feeling (Third Man)
Now that Jack White’s surprise NO NAME album is out in the wild after a guerilla launch, it’s time to get serious about promoting things in a more conventional way. All the songs have titles and this has been picked as the first single. Jack will tour being this album, but he’s not going to give us any advance warning of where and when the gigs are going to be. How very…Jack.
3. Smashing Pumpkins, Sighommi (Martha’s Music/Thirty Tigers)
Last Labour Day weekend, I sat down with Billy Corgan to talk about his upcoming plans for the band. He told me that the group was in the process of revisiting the old Pumpkins sound (cf. Gish and Siamese Dream) one more time. True to his word, we got Aghori Mhori Mei earlier this month. Here’s the first official single (pronounced “Sigh-oh-me” and no, I don’t know what it means). It’s 1993 all over again.
4. OK Charlie, Are You Looking for Trouble? (Independent)
Based out of Victoria, BC, OK Charlie is a chunky yet melodic act that likes a little twang with their songs. The new release was produced by Howard Redekopp, who has also done work with Tegan and Sara, Mother Mother, and Said the Whale. The trumpets at the end are a nice touch.
Albums
1. Falling in Reverse, Popular Monster (Epitaph)
It’s been almost seven years since this Las Vegas post-hardcore band last released an album (not counting 2022’s Neon Zombie EP). Collaborators on this album include Alex Terrible (Slaughter to Prevail), Tech N9ne, Black Veil Brides, Dance Gavin Dance, and more. Grandma probably won’t like this first single. Heads will explode.
2. Foster the People, Paradise State of Mind (Atlantic)
Mark Foster and his bunch haven’t released a full album in a while, either (it was 2017, not counting an interim EP in 2020 and some non-album singles). You’ll probably find the record very 70-sounding with bits of funk, disco, jazz, and even gospel using old-school analogue instruments and sounds. And yes, there are several songs inspired by COVID here. The album was heralded by two advance singles. This is the current one. Close your eyes and it’s 1973.
3. The Script, Satellites (BMG Rights Management)
The Script comes from Dublin and was hit with a terrible blow when lead guitarist died last year. It’s been tough but they’re carrying on with their seven album.
© 2024 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Ad Choices
