New Music to Check Out 3/31/21
Not long ago I was in a listening rut. I was having the hardest time finding new tunes. Yearning for something fresh. Then I heard all the music you'll find below.
Hiatus Kaiyote - Get Sun (ft. Arthur Verocai)
Neo-Soul juggernaut Hiatus Kaiyote just dropped the first single off their long-awaited third LP, Mood Valiant. Featuring legendary Brazilian composer Arthur Verocai, Get Sun picks up right where Hiatus Kaiyote left off, building upon the band's already solid foundation. I first fell in love with Hiatus Kaiyote back in 2015 when they released Choose Your Weapon. The seemingly unlimited musical textures incorporated into each of Hiatus Kaiyote's tracks never gets old for me, as each listen continues to be as engaging as the first. That being said, I've been waiting for an album announcement from Hiatus Kaiyote for YEARS.
Unfortunately, legendary vocalist and guitar player, Nai Palm, was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2018. I was incredibly worried about Nai. Over my years of listening to her music and following her on socials, I had become a huge fan, so the news of her illness was very upsetting. Fortunately, Nai had a successful mastectomy, and to my knowledge has made a full recovery. I remember when she posted a video of her singing from her hospital bed the day after surgery. It was beautiful and one of the most wholesome and pure performances I've ever watched. It was a signal that she would be okay, and that new music would not be far off.
Get Sun is a jam from start to finish. There's so much to digest, with the fiery trumpet and vocal harmonies or Perrin Moss behind the kit. I've already listened dozens of times and could not imagine a better way for Hiatus Kaiyote to announce their return. Aptly named for the time of year, Get Sun is the perfect new single to warm up your rotation.
Citizen - Life in Your Glass World
Local Ohio heroes Citizen have dropped another amazing album. I first found out about the group when I was studying in Bowling Green. BG is about 20 minutes South of Toledo where Citizen was founded, so as they became more successful, so increased their legendary status locally. I know they inspired a lot of bands in the local scene and are a beacon illuminating the possibility that a band from Toledo, Ohio to make it.
Citizen's fourth studio album "Life in Your Glass World" is my favorite record from the group yet. The band has continued evolving sonically throughout its career and as such has delivered a fresh new sound with "Life in Your Glass World." The album is loud and energetic at parts, but soft and soothing in others. Overall it's an incredibly dynamic listening experience from start to finish that sees Citizen using effects at new levels. "Life in Your Glass World" shows incredible growth and musicality. I've been listening to it on repeat ever since it came out on Friday, and wholeheartedly recommend it.
They have a dope music video for my favorite track Blue Sunday.
Glitterer - Life Is Not A Lesson
Title Fight bassist and frontman Ned Russin dropped his latest solo LP Life Is Not A Lesson at the end of last month. Glitterer began back in 2017 with the release of his self-titled EP and instantly captured my attention. Beginning with an 80's-esque minimalist synth-driven sound, Glitterer has come a long way over the past few years. I think this newest album is Glitterer's best yet. It's a great mix of Russin's new synth sound and the post-hardcore/punk elements that fans came to love with Title Fight. Life Is Not A Lesson is Glitterer's biggest sounding release yet, and has me looking forward to the future.
It's great to see Glitterer's audience growing. Life Is Not A Lesson comes highly recommended by me, as well as the rest of Glitterer's discography if you're new to this artist. Check it out!
I'm a bit late to the game with this one, but Steve Lacy dropped an album this past November and it is FIRE. Full of suave bass lines and catchy hooks, "The Lo-Fis" has everything you could want in a Steve Lacy release. Falsetto vocal harmonies expertly fill sonic gaps as Lacy blends the genres of hip hop, RnB, rock, and Funk. All of the songs are rather short, but "The Lo-Fis" is more than a collection of cheap thrills. At just 22 years of age, Lacy presents a collection of vibes. Lo-fi in nature, but not lacking in energy or enjoyability.