They say great art can come from sadness, and that seems to be true for the new album from Grandaddy. KEXP Music Director Don Yates notes, "the fifth album (and first in 11 years) from this reunited Modesto, CA-bred band led by Jason Lytle is an impressive return to form featuring consistently strong songs of psych-tinged space-pop with fuzzy, chugging guitars, sparkling synths, wistful vocals, airy harmonies, melancholy melodies and lyrics revolving around the breakup of Lytle’s marriage."
West coast project WHY? also re-emerge; the "sixth album (and first in five years) from Yoni Wolf & co. is a solid set of quirky art-pop incorporating elements of folk, psych-pop, hip hop and other styles." The latest from Seattle band Minus the Bear "ranges from moody dance-pop and nervy math-rock to majestic prog." (And you can hear the new songs LIVE on KEXP Tuesday, March 7th, broadcasting worldwide from the KEXP Gathering Space!) And another local artist, electronic producer Lusine (aka Jeff McIlwain) returns with his fourth album "a fine set of buoyant electronic grooves with a few songs featuring guest vocalists."
Other highlights this week include the third LP from L.A.'s Chicano Batman, "a vibrant blend of soul, funk, psych-rock and Brazilian tropicalia, combining a variety of sunny grooves with sometimes politically charged lyrics." And the sophomore release from Ibibio Sound Machine "led by London-born, Nigerian vocalist Eno Williams is a spirited, rhythm-driven blend of West African funk, highlife, disco and post-punk."
Get ready for some two-fers on The Midday Show on KEXP: the new Spoon album is finally here! KEXP Music Director Don Yates notes, the "Austin band's ninth album finds them tweaking their sound with more prominent dance beats, electronic textures and adventurous sonic touches, while still providing …
It may be the shortest month, but February has had no shortage of great new releases. Highlights this week include the latest from Dirty Projectors. KEXP Music Director Don Yates notes, "the eighth album from the now LA-based solo project of band leader David Longstreth is a powerful set of avant e…
