New Music Report – Mar 27, 2020
I missed my new music post on Thursday cause I was doing that DJ stream, sorry about that. But here you go! We’ve got a few really impressive releases this week, especially the singles. Next week is going to be a very big one though, so stay tuned.
Wake – This was another surprise find, I came across this album earlier this week and was immediately blown away by the pure talent and songwriting ability of this band. They were originally kind of cornered as a crust/grind band, but they’ve managed to shed the constraints of that, or really any genre, as it turns out. And the result is an absolute showcase of what metal as a whole is capable of. It’s an incredibly refreshing album with an unpredictable yet cohesive build throughout. Incorporating atmospheric and doomy elements into their furious, grind-driven roots to create a deep, diverse soundscape that is captivating from start to finish. This album is brilliant and incredibly underrated. Definitely check it out.
Brian Fallon – Brian Fallon’s solo efforts post-The Gaslight Anthem have all been a very interesting exploration of the deeper parts of Americana. Some of them were more successful than others. In fact, as of late it almost felt as though he was just checking the block. This one is definitely an improvement over the others. It’s worth a listen as a laid back, folk driven album. But all said, I’ll still take The ’59 Sound.
Nine Inch Nails – To be completely honest, I don’t listen to NIN, nor did I listen to this surprise double album. But I realize that it’s a very significant release, and so I want to make sure people know about it.
Singles
August Burns Red – The last single before the release of their new album, “Paramount” is arguably the strongest one yet. This single was the first one that made me fully feel confident that this album is going to be an absolute banger. ABR can’t actually write anything bad, so the other singles weren’t bad, but this one truly rips.
END – These guys are the best kept secret in hardcore. A supergroup featuring members of Counterparts, Fit For an Autopsy, Shai Hulud, and Dillinger Escape Plan, they’re just as heavy as this lineup would indicate. This band is absolutely fucking brutal, and they picked up where they left off with their 2018 EP with this heater of a single paired with the announcement of their upcoming full length album.