Out This Week 4/5

Spring is in the air, but you might not know it if you either looked outside or listened to this week’s new releases. That’s not to say there’s not a lot of great stuff hitting record store shelves today. In fact, there’s plenty to chose from. It’s just that, well, many of the week’s recommended albums are a bit dark. The Kills‘ fourth album, Blood Pressures, for instance is dark, bluesy vintage rock fun. VV and Hotel (a.k.a. singer Allison Mosshart and guitarist Jamie Hince) are back with more scuzzy riffs and seductive vocals that are at least better reserved for the nighttime than for warm sunny days. Even the title of The Raveonettes‘ new album, Raven in the Grave, doesn’t recall blooming iris or daffodils, but the Danish duo has created another alluring album of hazy, 80′s new wave-inspired songs that recall New Order, The Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine and others. Another new wave revivalist, the anti-Spring monikered Cold Cave, returns for their second album, which is full of dark-vocaled amphetamine fueled synth rock. Think Salem at the speed of Sleigh Bells or Book of Love in a major depression. Sure, it’s all a bit tongue in cheek, with songs like “The Great Pan Is Dead” and “Villains Of The Moon,” but the music is seriously good. At least the Ozarks-loving band Ha Ha Tonka, despite the possible downer of their new album’s title, Death of a Decade, brightens the mood with upbeat and even raucous twangy rock.

Other worthwhile releases this week are a mix of uppers and downers, but no less enjoyable no matter what their mood. Bill Callahan of Smog and Alela Diane both have excellent new solo albums. DJ/producer Matthew Dear has a new EP of dreamy remixes. Seattle’s own The Cute Lepers have just released their third full length of glammy, punky power pop songs, and Ohio-based MC/producer Blueprint has a new one out on Rhymesayers Entertainment. Glaswegians Glasvegas return with their second album of stadium rock sized sounds, and folky Canadian trio Timber Timbre are ...Creepin’ On with their latest, which sounds a bit like a somber Nick Cave lost in the woods.

There’s plenty more to be found on Largehearted Boy’s list of new releases this week. Take a look, wish for actual spring days, and head head out to your favorite record shop. Why not get an early start on Record Store Day? Just be sure to pack an umbrella!