The Pulse is the Uproxx Music guide to the best new albums, mixtapes, and other music releases that matter this week.
If you want indie, you got it. That’s the theme running through this week’s new music releases, which features a highly anticipated new record from rising star Lucy Dacus, as well as blossoming acts like Soccer Mommy, Superorganism, and Moaning. Meanwhile, Tory Lanez is looking to do Canadian rap proud on his second album, and in case there’s been a deficit of partying in your life, Andrew W.K. is back.
Lucy Dacus — Historian
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If you believe online buzz, Lucy Dacus’ latest album has been one of the year’s most anticipated so far, and for great reason. “I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore,” her previous breakout hit, hinted that maybe she’s one of the best songwriters we got, and her latest batch of tunes is helping to cement that status. “Night Shift” covers most of the emotional spectrum over its six minute run time, while she lets her rocker vibes cut loose on “Addictions.” She’s said that this album is a political one, and Dacus sounds like she’s ready to lead a revolution.
Soccer Mommy — Clean
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After working her way up through the Bandcamp ranks and doing excellent work along the way, Soccer Mommy has found herself in the big leagues, with her first album via Fat Possum on the way. The early returns are really promising: “Your Dog” has a head-bobbing groove that runs nine miles deep, “Cool” has her treading in more airy territory, and “Still Clean” is a DIY throwback that captures the charm of what started this journey for Soccer Mommy in the first place.
Tory Lanez — Memories Don’t Die
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Although he dropped a catchy Major Lazer collab single weeks ago, that’s not what Lanez has going on with his sophomore record, since the song isn’t on the tracklist. He’s going more hip-hop than that, since this album features guest appearances from Future, Wiz Khalifa, and Bitcoin liar 50 Cent.
Superorganism — Superorganism
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The cool thing about the internet is that you don’t really have to be in the same room to do just about anything with just about anybody anymore. Case in point: Superorganism’s members come from all over the globe, and they’ve been able to come together impressively despite the distance. “Everybody Wants To Be Famous” is an excellent psychedelic pop single that’s about as kooky as it is endearingly pleasant.
Moaning — Moaning
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These Los Angeles Sub Pop signees are approaching the post-punk revival their way, and they got a pretty good way going: Think less Interpol and more like a grungier Joy Division played in a cave. The songs have a hard, rough edge that isn’t blurred out by the giant atmospheric sound, but expanded by it, such as on album opener “Don’t Go.”
Camp Cope — How To Socialise & Make Friends
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Australian indie rock trio Camp Cope have managed to stand out in a saturated market, and they’ve done it by speaking raw truths set to jangly guitar music: “The Opener” tackles the difficulties of being a woman in punk music, the title track addresses the sort of awkwardness you’d expect based on the title, and both songs rock. What’s also impressive is how naturally they pull all this off: Camp Cope only needed three recorded takes of the title track to get it right.
Haley Heynderickx — I Need to Start a Garden
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Portland’s own Haley Heynderickx has quickly risen out of obscurity and proven herself to be a capable songwriter and an engaging performer, a combination that has resulted in things like the stunning 8-minute single “Worth It” that’s, well, worth it. She’s capable of more traditionally structured greatness too, such as on the indie folk gem “Untitled God Song.”
Andrew W.K. — You’re Not Alone
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Has Andrew W.K. finally started to wind down on his partying tendencies? You’re Not Alone, his first album in eight years, only has three songs with the word “party” in the title. The good news: No, he’s still partying as hard as ever. Singles like “Music Is Worth Living For” and “Ever Again” shows that W.K. is still the most fun and motivational partier to ever stuff a microphone in his pants while playing keyboard.
