Before we begin the round-up, it’s worth saying what an incredible month for new music January was. While we can’t see the bands we love in person, it’s hard to believe we haven’t all had a living room boogie to some of the wonderful sounds that opened 2021. Pom Poko’s album Cheater was one highlight, a beautifully uplifting punk record that is a much-needed serving of hedonistic energy. Goat Girl’s On All Fours is left out of this list as it was reviewed last week – check it out here.
Narrator – Squid
A gargantuan number from the Brighton-based punk band, who also announced the release of their debut album Bright Green Field, out May 7th. ‘Narrator’ is a bouncing, funky tune that combines the likes of The Rapture and Talking Heads in a dancey and shamelessly fractious composition. A total stunner.
Released 27th January // Open In Spotify
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Think About You – Rosie Frater-Taylor [Single]
An easy listen. Subtle jazzy goodness. A big musical hug. Whatever you want to call it, this is just a beautiful, beautiful song. Its strength lies in its slow, flowering growth from vulnerable sparsity to a more all-encompassing presence, which sees Frater-Taylor’s voice leads the track with a confident understatement that allows the backing to maintain an equally grabbing force.
Released 27th January // Open In Spotify
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Sound Ancestors – Madlib [Album]
Following the death of long-time collaborator MF DOOM, Madlib’s Sound Ancestors is an excellent collection of the beats and that have defined Madlib’s solo and collaborative work over his expansive discography. Though Sound Ancestors doesn’t access too many new realms of instrumental expression, it’s still a rewarding listen.
Released 29th January // Best Track: Chino // Open In Spotify
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Still – Lindsay Ruth [Single]
There’s a bit of everything going on in ‘Still’ – if you like the harmonics of Warpaint, the electronics of The Hics and the cool, swaggering presence of Morcheeba, you’ll find yourself immersed in the hold of ‘Still’. There’s an ambiguity in mood which makes this an even more captivating listen. A wonderful synth-y escape.
Released 29th January // Open In Spotify
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Collapsed in Sunbeams – Arlo Parks [Album]
Where her singles of yesteryear displayed a melancholic introspection, Parks’ debut album Collapsed In Sunbeams emerges with a more outward confidence. Here lies an incorporation of a vast array of styles, some led by groove, some by lyricism and some by emotion. A debut album that has effortlessly lived-up to its hype.
Released 29th January // Best Track: For Violet // Open In Spotify
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The Colour of Spring 