10) MJ Lenderman – “Manning Fireworks” (2024)
Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, MJ Lenderman started his career by playing the drums for an artist from the same city, Indigo De Souza. After, he joined the band Wednesday for the release of their 2018 EP, “How Do You Let Love Into the Heart That Isn’t Split Wide Open”. Lenderman’s first solo album didn’t come until 2019, a self-titled work that was released while he was working in an ice cream shop. The artist’s later release, “Boat Songs” garnered critical acclaim and got longtime listeners excited for what was next to come. The release of “Manning Fireworks” marks the artist’s return to music inspired by the experiences of life, recorded whenever Lenderman was on a break from the road.
This week’s highlighted track is called “She’s Leaving You” and features some sarcastic, biting lyrics to the theme of being broken up with and going through a midlife crisis.
9) Ginger Root – “SHINBANGUMI” (2024)
Ginger Root is the musical project of southern California artist, Cameron Lew. The music of Ginger Root began to take shape as Lew felt some music he had ideas for didn’t fit the sound of the band he was playing in at the time. This led to the first LP “Spotlight People” back in 2017, Lew said the name “Ginger Root” came from a moment in a Vulfpeck performance of the song “It Gets Funkier”. Lew’s creative process really took shape as he began recording and mixing music in his car during breaks between classes as he attended Chapman University. Since then, Lew has been inspired by many different genres, especially Japanese city pop, to hone in on the sound that is shown off on “SHINBANGUMI”.
The highlighted track, “No Problems” is groovy and upbeat with a carefree attitude and funky guitar work.
8) Chinese American Bear – “Wah!!!” (2024)
This experimental pop-rock duo from Seattle blends English and Chinese to create a unique sound on their second full-length album. The group is made up of the married couple, Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, who both started their musical career as pianists. Tong also has a classical background in violin, which is featured throughout this album, with the upbeat nature of the songs it gives a disco feel to a lot of the tracklist. The duo really began making music together after Barsten learned Mandarin and the song “Xiao Xiong” was born, giving way to their musical journey all the way up to the release of “Wah!!!”.
The highlighted track, “Magic Number”, has a bass-heavy and groovy quality with some hazy vocals to create a really relaxing vibe.
7) Talking Heads – “‘77 (Live at CBGB)” (1977)
Talking Heads is a band that needs no introduction at KCSU. Both of us music directors as well as some of the DJs have an affinity for all things new wave or David Byrne related. We usually get a few songs played throughout the week, but right before we left for winter break, we added a remaster of the band’s debut, “‘77”. This remaster also happens to be the live versions of the tracks played at the legendary CBGB nightclub in New York City where many other famous rock bands like Blondie and The Ramones have played. This album features some of the songs that gave the public a taste of what would come to be Talking Heads staples.
The highlighted track, “Psycho Killer” details the thoughts of a serial killer inspired by the movie “Psycho”, and the song switches between French and English to portray the narrator’s changing personality.
6) Fontaines D.C. – “Romance” (2024)
This Dublin-based post-punk band formed in college over a shared love of all things poetic. In 2018 the group began self-releasing their songs and performing live, to the point of gaining the attention of Partisan Records. Since then the band’s albums have been met with critical acclaim and even a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album in 2021 with “A Hero’s Death”. The release of “Romance” came in late August of this year to chart in several countries including the UK, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the USA.
Our highlighted track, “Bug” has a brooding vibe and lyrics about dwelling on the pain of past relationships, and despite their ending being unable to stop thinking about that time.
5) CARIBOU – “Honey” (2024)
Dan Snaith is a musician who goes by many names, including Mantiba, Dphni, and Caribou. This most recent album, released as Caribou, comes after many projects receiving acclaim as innovative electronic music. Snaith’s objective for this album was to make huge dance floor tracks that would appeal to a wide audience more than something niche. Leading up to the album’s release, there were four singles, “Honey”, “Broke My Heart”, “Volume”, and “Come Find Me”. All of these songs showed off a different side of the album, from the brighter tone to the deeper and gritter side.
The highlighted track, “Volume” is one of the more heavy tracks in this album and samples the song “Pump Up the Volume” by MARRS.
4) Greg Mendez – “First Time / Alone” (2024)
This latest EP from Philadelphia singer-songwriter Greg Mendez offers introspective lyrics with a piano backdrop to create a melancholy atmosphere for the listener. Mendez began formally releasing music in 2016 with the album “Phone Records”. Since then listeners have come to appreciate the moody feeling associated with the singer/songwriter’s work. Mendez’s self-titled 2023 album garnered attention from bigger publications like Pitchfork, even landing him a place on their list of “10 New Albums You Should Listen To Now”. This EP, “First Time / Alone” is the artist’s first release since signing to Dead Oceans Records.
The highlighted track, “Pain Meds” features some sped-up vocals from Mendez that almost sound like a different person entirely.
3) Zamilska – “United Kingdom of Anxiety” (2024)
This Polish electronic producer got her start early in life. Upon graduating from university, she led workshops in electronic music production. After her debut album, “Untune”, her music was featured in Dior fashion shows, video game soundtracks, and nominations for many awards. Zamilska’s music features grunge undertones and has a very intense sound which has lent itself well to soundtracks. The artist’s work has also been recommended by artists who delve into similar sounds, including Iggy Pop and Nine Inch Nails.
The highlighted track, “Better Off” features the artist “huskie” and has a heavy, hypnotic sound.
2) Amyl and the Sniffers – “Cartoon Darkness” (2024)
This pub-rock band from Melbourne is led by Amy Taylor along with Bryce Wilson, Declan Mehrtens, and Gus Romer. The band was formed out of a roommate dynamic turned musical group and they quickly became locally known for their high-energy performances and edgy lyrics. Their self-titled debut album got the band some more widespread recognition and Taylor was even included on the list of “The 15 Australian female artists changing the game right now” from Happy Mag. Their newest album expands on the sound fans have come to love, ample in attitude and intensity. The singles “Facts” and “U Should Not Be Doing That” became instant fan favorites to excite listeners for their upcoming tour. They also sparked some controversy with the music video of the song “Jerkin” which featured nudity and obscene language, something Amyl and the Sniffers have proven they do not fear being judged for.
This week’s highlighted track, “Doing In Me Head” features the band’s signature aggression in both the instrumentation and Taylor’s vocal delivery.
1) Phantogram – “Memory of a Day” (2024)
Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter formed Phantogram in Greenwich, New York in 2007. The duo have been friends since childhood but did not begin collaborating as musicians until Barthel returned from college, not happy with pursuing a degree in visual arts. The group originally went by the name Charlie Everywhere, but upon signing with their first label, Barely Breaking Even, they changed to Phantogram. The name refers to optical illusions in which 2D images appear in 3D, which is reflective of how they feel about their overall sound.
The highlighted track, “Come Alive”, has a dreamy and expansive sound. As the lead single it serves as a good appetizer for listeners.