This week sees a new LP from Hoover Street’s finest, a long anticipated (some never thought possible) return from an iconoclastic and innovative group, and another helping of take-no-prisoners punk rock. In addition to the big releases, Migos dropped a surprise EP, BadBadNotGood are back with more soul, Shura finally brings her mainstream debut, and more from Biffy Clyro, Towkio, Heart, and many more. Here are the new albums you need to hear this week.
ScHoolboy Q – Blank Face LP
When you’re in a collective with one of the best artists on the planet, it’s sort of easy to get lost in the shuffle, but ScHoolboy Q has never fallen off in terms of quality, style or inventiveness. Blank Face LP, ScHoolboy’s fourth studio effort, casts a bit darker of a cloud as a more gray haze washes over this album. Darker tones and introspection constitute the robust LP featuring West Coast legends like E-40 and Tha Dogg Pound as well as new hype like Vince Staples, Anderson .Paak and new TDE signee Lance Skiiiwalker.
The Avalanches – Wildflower
In 2000, “Since I Left You” and its titular LP was an absolute mind trip that fathered so many different artists and styles. Then, in what felt like a blink of an eye, the Avalanches all but disappeared. Fans would hear of a possible record being in the works, but skepticism was high, and rightfully so. Now, nearly two decades later, the Australian group has finally returned with Wildflower, and just where they left off, the eclectic trio have dug into the crates to create more sample-based masterpieces. This time around, however, they’ve included some of today’s best artists to join them. Danny Brown and MF Doom hop on lead single “Frankie Sinatra,” Toro Y Moi guests on “If I Was a Folkstar,” Father John Misty croons on “Saturday Night Inside Out” and Ariel Pink appears on “Live a Lifetime Love.”
The Julie Ruin – Hit Reset
Kathleen Hanna is an absolute pillar in punk rock history. The vet has been going for nearly three decades now, and her newer work with the Julie Ruin proves she’s still as vibrant as ever. Hit Reset is the second LP from the group, and the sprawling record covers a lot of ground. Lead single “I Decide” is the classic ’90s shout-along you would come to expect from Hanna if you know your history, but follow up “I’m Done” dips into a bit of rebellious dance punk. Hanna and the Julie Ruin really flex their muscles on this energetic sophomore outing.
Here are the rest of the week’s new releases:
Migos – 3 Way EP
BadBadNotGood – IV
Heart – Beautiful Broken
Shura – Nothing’s Real
Biffy Clyro – Ellipsis
Towkio – Community Service 2!
Aphex Twin – Cheetah EP
Fredo Santana – Fredo Mafia
Roison Murphy – Take Her up to Monto
Big Business – Command Your Weather
Nonpoint – The Poison Red
Lindstrøm – Windings EP
Switchfoot – When the Light Shines Through
Boys Night Out – Black Dogs
Chevelle – The North Corridor
Vanna – All Hell
