New Music Releases: Dry Cleaning, French Montana, Winged Wheel, Zach Bryan, The Cribs, and Jenny on Holiday
This week brings a fresh wave of musical creations from a diverse array of artists. From the consistent post-punk energy of Dry Cleaning to the long-awaited reunion of French Montana and Max B, and the experimental soundscapes of Winged Wheel, there's a rich tapestry of genres to explore. Country star Zach Bryan offers a profound new collection, while rock veterans The Cribs pivot towards a brighter sound. Finally, Jenny on Holiday makes her solo debut with an album that blends surrealism with heartfelt expression, ensuring there's something to captivate every listener.
Dry Cleaning, the South London quartet renowned for their distinctive post-punk style, has once again impressed with their third album, Secret Love. This release reinforces their reputation for producing consistently strong material. Each band member contributes significantly, with Florence Shaw's signature deadpan delivery and Lewis Maynard's refined bass lines standing out. The album, meticulously crafted by the band and produced by Cate Le Bon in studios previously used by Jeff Tweedy and Gilla Band, demonstrates that Dry Cleaning remains at the peak of their creative form, never having lost their edge.
A significant return to the music scene is marked by French Montana and Max B's latest collaboration, Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos. Seventeen years after their initial mixtape series, the duo rekindles their partnership, especially timely following Max B's release from a 16-year incarceration. This project, despite its numerical title, is the fourth installment in their collaborative journey, building on the legacy of 2009's Coke Wave and Coke Wave 2, and 2019's Coke Wave 4, offering fans a fresh continuation of their celebrated sound.
Winged Wheel, a collective featuring members from notable bands like Sonic Youth and Tyvek, presents their third album, Desert So Green. Recognizing the geographical distance between its members, the band embraced remote collaboration, allowing their experimental indie rock, post-punk, and krautrock influences to evolve. This album is noted for its more aggressive tone compared to their previous work, Big Hotel, yet it serves as an accessible entry point for new listeners eager to delve into their dynamic and ever-changing sound.
Country music sensation Zach Bryan has released his sixth full-length album, With Heaven on Top, marking an eventful start to the year for the artist. Following a New Year's Eve wedding, Bryan delivers a sprawling 25-song collection that navigates between deeply personal narratives and upbeat, trumpet-infused tracks. The album's raw, authentic feel, mirrored by its rustic cover art, suggests a project that strips away superficial layers to reveal profound emotional depth, resonating with listeners through its genuine expression.
The Cribs, celebrating 25 years in the music industry, unleash their ninth album, Selling a Vibe. The British rock band proves their enduring appeal by focusing on catchy, immediate hooks. This album, with its playfully titled name, infuses their guitar-driven sound with a sunny disposition, offering tracks like “Never the Same” and “Summer Seizures” as vibrant earworms. Produced by former Chairlift musician Patrick Wimberly, the record highlights a deliberate embrace of pop structures and a more relaxed attitude, signaling a shift towards a mellower, yet equally engaging, rock identity.
Jenny on Holiday, formerly half of the surreal synth-pop duo Let’s Eat Grandma, debuts with her solo album, Quicksand Heart. Drawing inspiration from diverse artists such as Prefab Sprout and Cyndi Lauper, Jenny Hollingworth uses her expressive voice to explore life's transient moments. While maintaining traces of her previous band's brooding synth-pop, the album remains agile and contemporary, aligning with current alt-pop trends. Quicksand Heart emerges as a refreshing declaration of resilience, offering a hopeful perspective on facing life's challenges.
This week's new music releases offer a rich tapestry of sounds, from Dry Cleaning's consistent post-punk energy and the long-awaited collaboration between French Montana and Max B, to Winged Wheel's aggressive experimentalism. Zach Bryan delivers a heartfelt country saga, while The Cribs showcase their evolving pop sensibilities. Jenny on Holiday's solo debut wraps up a diverse collection, providing a fresh and authentic take on contemporary music. These albums collectively invite listeners to explore new sonic landscapes and reconnect with beloved artists.