Tracks-approved albums!
Burzum - Fallen (Byelebog/Candlelight)
The infamous Varg Vikernes's second post-prison album is a return to form, channeling the spirit of his most beloved works. Building on Burzum's signature sound: lo-fi production, buzzsaw black metal riffs, and minimalist drums, Varg infuses Fallen with a range of influences, from Norwegian folk to tribal drums, reminding everyone why Burzum was so influential in the first place. Mike Sucks.
RIYL: Darkthrone, Mayhem, Drudkh
Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math (Favorite Gentle Man Recordings)
Manchester Orchestra's follow-up to the hit album Mean Everything to Nothing. Andy Hull and his band of Georgian rockers are back to deliver the powerful, anthemic songs that hit listeners like a bag of bricks on both an emotional and personal level. Songs such as "Deer" and the title track "Simple Math" put the listener in the same place of wonderous complacency as singer and guitar player Andy Hull. While other songs such as "Pensecola" come across as a burtally honest tour de force of both tour life and the cost of not knowing what the next day holds. 45 minutes of solid, introspective rock 'n roll. Sleeper hit of the Spring!
Radiohead - King of Limbs (XL / TBD)
Radiohead are back with another self-released bundle of great electronic alternative songs. The IDM elements that can be found in Thom Yorke's solo effort (2006's The Eraser) are more prevalent here than any other Radiohead album. The album is their shortest effort, clocking in at just above 37 minutes. An eerie calmness permeates the entire album and gives it a cohesive, finished feel.
Amon Amarth - Surtur Rising (Metal Blade)
What can I say about Surtur Rising that the album cover doesn't already tell you? This is pure viking metal. Lyrical themes include epic battles, pillaging, and sacrificing to the gods. The album has its melodic moments, but don't look for clean vocals or pop sensibility. This one is delightfully brutal.
RIYL: Ensiferum, Finntroll
James Blake – S/T (A&M)
James Blake is a London-based dubstep producer and musician. His debut self-titled album builds upon the ground established by his three EPs released in 2010. Blake’s vocal range, soulful voice, and overall ability to command his minimalist compositions make this 21 year old’s debut a must-hear. Already topping the charts and appearing on numerous magazine covers in Europe, Blake finally gets a U.S. release!
RIYL: Bon Iver, How to Dress Well, Antony and the Johnsons
The Strokes – Angles (RCA)
The Strokes’ first new material in five years is a more collaborative effort, as all members shared in songwriting duties. Full of new wave pop and playful guitar licks, the Brooklyn gang has come a long way to deliver an album Rolling Stone gives four stars!
RIYL: Arctic Monkeys, MGMT, The Libertines
Grails – Deep Politics (Temporary Residence)
Atmospheric and spacey instrumental jams, just like good post-rock should be. Tribal and middle-eastern tinges add a unique flavor. Grails have been crafting their brand of post-rock for over a decade, achieving a heavier and more psychedelic sound than their labelmates, Explosions in the Sky.
RIYL: Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Mono
Adele – 21 (XL/Columbia)
This jazzy British diva is back with her second album full of retro-soul pop tunes. With 21 and her previous album 19, Adele has become the first living artist since the Beatles in 1964 to have two titles simultaneously in the top five of both the U.K. singles and album charts.
RIYL: Amy Winehouse, Florence + The Machine, Dusty Springfield
Middle Brother – S/T (Partisan)
This is the debut album of the alt-country supergroup made up of the lead singers from Deer Tick, Delta Spirit, and Dawes. The songs evoke images of drunken love letters and drunken bar fights. The songs focus on alcohol and heartbreak, which are not mutually exclusive themes. The honesty, raw energy, and song-writing hooks on this album make it an essential piece for any alt-country lover.
RIYL: Deer Tick, Uncle Tupelo, Mumford & Sons
Yuck – S/T (Fat Possum)
Jangly guitar anthems and fuzzed-out nostalgia rock dominate the debut album from British rockers Yuck. The slower ballads are heartfelt and every song has a guitar line capable of sticking to your brain for days.
RIYL: Dinosaur Jr, Superchunk, Elliott Smith
Mogwai – Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will (Subpop)
Don’t be fooled by the name. Mogwai’s debut album on new label Subpop is not as hectic or heavy as 2008’s The Hawk is Howling. On the new album the post-rock kings continue to fuse sweeping guitars and synth with vocal samples and even robot noises to create an album that is sure to please diehard fans and casual listeners alike.
RIYL: Explosions in the Sky, Mono, GYBE