The first weeks of January have been greeted with an excellent array of new singles and albums. Here’s some of my favourites with some upcoming releases to keep an eye out for in the next two weeks. Honourable mentions to Shame and Sleaford Mods, who have released two cracking albums this week. (Photo: Deap Vally, Justin Higuchi).
Shashka – Tired Cossack [Single]
Calling back to sounds of Have A Nice Life and The Cure, ‘Shashka’ is a supercharged lo-fi number spearheaded by unrelenting percussion and the grabbingly elusive vocals of Tired Cossack. Scattered amongst the soundscape lie delicate electronics that add further elements of emotional fragility and atmospheric warmth.
Released 9th January // Open In Spotify
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Track X – Black Country, New Road [Single]
One of the most anticipated albums of the year is complimented by one of the most intricate and beautiful tracks that have come for a long time. ‘Track X’ excels in its soft touch and refusal to feel a need to explode – its subtlety is where it shines brightest.
Released 11th January // Open In Spotify
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when it gets dark – jacuzzi jefferson [Album]
Returning after his debut album anythingism, when it gets dark is an effervescent collection of tracks that see further fusions of IDM, ambient and dance in a captivating and groovy listen. There are extra additions of jazz and funk, making this an album of addictively eclectic presence that can effortlessly adapt to any occasion.
Released 15th January // Best Track: Like That // Open In Spotify
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Cheater – Pom Poko [Album]
An album of total exuberance and power from the Norwegian punk outfit. Tracks like ‘My Candidacy’ make you yearn for the hectic embrace of an unforgiving moshpit, while the titular opener is an incredibly unpredictable composition – truly like nothing you’ve heard, or that you’re ever likely to hear.
Released 15th January // Best Track: Cheater // Open In Spotify
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Look Away – jennylee and Deap Vally [Single]
‘Look Away’ sees jennylee (Warpaint) collaborate with electronic duo Deap Vally in a track of restraint and seduction. It’s catharsis comes in its combinations of gentle synths and emphatic percussion, directed by the endearing vocals of jennylee.
Released 15th January // Open In Spotify
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Upcoming Releases
- The 29th of January is a huge, huge day for musos of all tastes – Arlo Parks releases her long-awaited debut album Collapsed in Soundbeams, iconic MF DOOM collaborator Madlib showcases more of his legendary grooves in Sound Ancestors, while South London’s Goat Girl enter into the ring with the much-anticipated On All Fours.
The Colour of Spring 