Featured Crucial Releases (May edition)

May flew by in a blink of an eye. On the music front, there wasn’t much that really stood out to me, though there are a handful of new releases that had some really solid moments. So with that said, I will give a brief blurb about each…

May 3rd

No Paradise by Lightning Bug (Listen) – A little disappointed with this release, as I liked A Color of the Sky, their 2021 release and my introduction to the group. Some indie folk elements, shoegaze, some Radiohead/Warpaint type vibes. I don’t want to completely put this album down, as there are four songs I really liked…so give this one a chance if the descriptor sounds up your alley.
With Love, by Snarls (Listen) – I really dug Snarls’ debut album, Burst… this one didn’t quite live up to that release, though there are a handful of good songs on With Love, for sure. If you like 90’s alternative influenced girl-fronted bands, give them a listen.

May 10th

Birthday releases for me! A pretty solid group. All have really great moments, though I think they a tiny bit short of my usual standard for “pick of the week.”

Poetry by Dehd (Listen) – this one was very close to meeting the “pick of the week” (err, month) criteria. Indie rock that takes so many influences (ranging from Lou Reed/Velvet Underground, Galaxy 500, and garage rock to Prince), and pares them down to a simplistic. but catchy core: think reverb heavy guitars, minimal rhythmic drums, hook laden melodies, and catchy lyrics. Recommended…and grows on me with each listen.
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To by Knocked Loose (Listen) – One of the most devastating, heavy, and brutal records you will hear this year. Knocked Loose is the butt of many jokes, due to their singer’s voice…but man, the songs just rip. If you like metal/hardcore and haven’t heard this album yet, check it out. And definitely check out the video for Suffocate. The song is a perfect 10.
Oui, LSF by Les Savy Fav (Listen) – One of my favorite bands from the late 90s/early 2000s is back with their first album since Root for Ruin in 2010. They played in Seattle a lot when we lived there, including a couple memorable New Year’s Eve shows. So much fun live. This is mostly an OK record, with a few good moments in songs like “World Got Great.”
I Saw the TV Glow (soundtrack) – Various Artists (Listen) – A pretty good collection of angsty indie rock from the likes of Bartees Strange, Frances Quinlan, Jay Som, Caroline Polachek, yeule, and others.

May 17th

All You Embrace by One Step Closer (Listen) – anthemic post hardcore in the vein of Fiddlehead and Turning Point. One of my favorite hardcore adjacent releases this year so far. Highly recommended if the genre is your thing.

May 24th

Frog in Boiling Water by DIIV (Listen) – another very solid release that I expect will be higher in my rankings later in the year. DIIV play shoegaze influenced indie rock, in the vein of bands like My Bloody Valentine, Cocteau Twins, Slowdive, and Beach House. This one is going to take some time to digest, but I already like what I hear.
Dark Times by Vince Staples (Listen) – I first heard Vince Staples on Summertime ’06 released in 2015 and have been a fan ever since. Staples drops the kind of hip-hop I am a sucker for, think Schoolboy Q, Kendrick, Isiah Rashad, and Joey Bada$$. Highly recommended.
All for Something by Tiny Habits (Listen) – The debut album from Tiny Habits falls into the category of indie singer/songwriter – think Lizzy McAlpine, Phoebe Bridgers, Hand Habits, and Tomberlin. The first half of the album has some great songs, but it trails off in the second half a bit.

May 31st

Tools of Oppression/Rule by Deception by The Hope Conspiracy (Listen) – The Hope Conspiracy is back with their first release in over 15 years. Metallic hardcore in the vein of Integrity and Damnation A.D.. A solid release!

Missed from Recent Weeks

Two Things at One by Bendigo Fletcher (Listen) – released March 22

Wow. I love this album, so technically (I guess) this is my top pick for this post. I heard about it on TikTok via someone’s underrated albums of 2024 video. I will have to agree. I had never heard of this band prior to this album and I’m not sure why… this one will definitely be on my “best of” list for the year.

Bendigo Fletcher play Americana crossed with indie groups like Sufjan Stevens, the Shins, Saintseneca, Band of Horses, and Pinegrove. Favorite tracks include: “Upcountry Lemonade”, “Sweet Tooth”, “Ought Not”, and “Real 2 Me”.