Holland Patent Public Library – Songs To Fall Asleep At The Wheel To
Ryan Dann is likely best known for his work scoring Joe Pera Talks To You, where his musical accompaniment helps cultivate the gentle spirit at the heart of that show. That same sensibility is immediately evident on his latest album as Holland Patent Public Library. While working on Pera’s show, Dann would drive back and forth between his house in the Hudson Valley and band practices in the city; the long hours on the same roads became almost ritualistic. The compositions that make up the album, composed during that time, almost feel like an internal monologue: tranquil, meditative instrumentals that capture beautiful monotony of the open road.
Babyfang – In The Face Of
Babyfang describe their sound as “doomsday punk”, an apt descriptor given that they formed at the beginning of the pandemic. They’ve spent the years since crafting In The Face Of, a debut album that showcases the band’s breadth. Lead singles “Goan Go” and “Idwtai” (which stands for “I don’t wanna talk about it”) showcase the band’s more incendiary side, angular Stooges-like punk anthems that are both sparse and explosive. Other tracks like “Scarsgo” or “All Then” deploy a more subtle sonic palette, at turns lush, melodic and subtly experimental. It’s an album that announces the arrival of an exciting new band while also functioning as a tantalizing taste of what could be to come.
Sightless Pit – Lockstep Bloodwar
Sightless Pit, the duo of Lee Buford (The Body) and Dylan Walker (Full of Hell), initially came together based on their shared love of dub and electronic music. Chock full of collaborators from across the musical spectrum, their sophomore outing Lockstep Bloodwar pushes that sonic foundation in nearly every direction. A guest verse from rap legend Gangsta Boo transforms “Calcified Glass” into a slab of Memphis horrorcore; Claire Rousay’s appearance on “False Epiphany” imbues the track with a delicate, atmospheric sheen. The fact that these disparate artists all seem to fit together naturally is a testament to both the strength and versatility of Buford and Walker’s shared musical vision.
Certified Trapper – I’m Certified
To those who paid attention, Certified Trapper was one of the breakout rap stars of 2022. Part of the much buzzed about Milwaukee scene, he seemed to be producing a near constant flow of mixtapes, loosies and videos throughout the year. I find it hard to keep up with artists that prolific, but December’s I’m Certified acts as a perfect introduction to his warped world. It’s music that wears its weirdness on his sleeve, his slightly askew instrumentals and offbeat delivery coming together into something undeniably catchy. I’m Certified captures the same kind of magic 1017 Thug did a decade ago: the sound of someone plugging away their own lane and coming up with gold.
Spangle Call Lilli Line – Ampersand
Though Ampersand is the first album I’ve heard from them, Spangle Call Lilli Line have been making music together for over two decades. The Tokyo band specialize in atmospheric dream pop, but what’s captivated me about this album in particular is their malleability, the way they seem to absorb ideas from other genres at will. Opener “ira” is a mix of the icy electronics of Broadcast and the gently funky sophistication of city pop. “lean forward” sounds like the band’s take on a jangly indie rock anthem, while moments of closer “near you (z-mix)” quietly echo the swooping grandeur of Cocteau Twins. Effortlessly weaving all these strands together, Ampersand is the sound of a band working at the height of their powers.
Florry – Sweet Guitar Solos
Florry are a band that seem unable to sit still, tinkering with their sound on each new release. Their most recent album, Big Fall, split the difference between their indie rock roots and twangier impulses; Sweet Guitar Solos, a brief EP released along with news of their signing to Dear Life Records, sees them going full on country. Channelling country rock legends like Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers, Florry turn out four pitch perfect honky tonk bangers. An excellent introduction to a new era for an already great band; here’s hoping this is a taste of what’s to come.