Leading into Memorial Day weekend, we’ve been blessed with new records featuring a pretty wide range of genres. Faith No More is back after nearly two decades, Brandon Flowers goes back a few decades for inspiration on his new album, and newcomer Shamir makes everyone weep with joy and sadness simultaneously. Here’s what you need to listen to this week…
Faith No More – Sol Invictus
With their first studio effort together since 1997’s Album Of The Year, the experimental metal band Faith No More is back essentially without missing a beat. Sol Invictus sounds incredibly contemporary but uniquely like a band who hasn’t made new music in nearly 20 years.
We’ve already had a taste of “Superhero” from their appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, but on the album, we’re treated to the duality of brutality like on “Cone Of Shame” and “Black Friday” to sweeter melody like “Sunny Side Up.” It’s a welcome return for one of hard rock’s most special acts.
Brandon Flowers – The Desired Effect
Saying that The Killers needed a break from each other so they can make records that are actually good, Brandon Flowers once again strikes out on his own on The Desired Effect. Heavily utilizing the 1980s for influences, the album wades in emotional, electronic waters. “Lonely Town” is a defining track for the release, and its stirring tones intend to guide you through a lonesome night… if you’re into that sort of thing.
Shamir – Ratchet
Like Brandon Flowers, hailing from Las Vegas is newcomer Shamir with his first album, Ratchet. Sporting a unique counter-tenor vocal style, the pulsing electropop from this record is going to be the electropop soundtrack to every summer party you’d want to actually attend. Singles like “Call It Off,” “On The Regular,” and the heartbreakingly-delivered “Darker” amped up anticipation for the full LP. Now that the whole record has arrived, it’s easy to see Shamir’s debut has soared past those expectations.
Here’s what else is out this week:
Hot Chip – Why Make Sense?
Rico Love – Turn The Lights On
Ceremony – The L-Shaped Man
Jamie Foxx – Hollywood: A Story of a Dozen Roses
Thee Oh Sees – Mutilator Defeated At Last
Trey Songz – Intermission Pt. 2
Camp Lo – Ragtime Hightimes
Nick Cave – Loin Des Hommes OST
Jim O’Rourke – Simple Songs