Now Hear This: Best New Music April 2019
Coachella weekend has come to a close and our taxes are due tonight. If you’re burning the candle trying to find a few more deductions, here is some great new music to listen to. Raise a glass to rock-n-roll and keep away from the tax man.
Courtney Barnett – Everybody Here Hates You
Debuting this video earlier today, the latest from Courtney Barnett sounds absolutely effortless. Equal parts rock star and psychiatrist, Barnett turns our daily insecurities into a fuzz-drenched rave-up. No matter how bad your Monday was, this song will drag a smile out of you tonight. Turn it up!
The Beaches – Snake Tongue
Setting fire to patriarchal norms, The Beaches are a welcome addition to any conversation. Don’t let the electro-pop opening fool you, The Beaches are a band that can turn up the guitars to make their point. The future of rock-n-roll is an inclusive place that welcomes anyone willing to plug into an amp and sing honest songs. The Beaches have something to say and the hooks to keep you listening.
Starcrawler – Pet Sematary
The reboot of Pet Sematary may or may not live up to the original’s creepy goodness but Starcrawler have delivered a theme song so insane that I’d stick around for the credits. Slowing down The Ramones original, the song sounds more Blue Oyster Cult than you would ever expect. No longer fearing the reaper, I am all-in on this clever cover!
BLACKPINK – Kill This Love
Having conquered Coachella, the K-Pop craze has taken another step towards world domination. Before dismissing it, take a look and listen at how well the genre refracts elements of American popular culture and magnifies it to dizzying degrees. The video for their latest single manages to sound like the Rocky theme while incorporating visuals reminiscent of Tomb Raider and Hunger Games all while using hip hop beats that have been polished squeaky clean. It is visual and sonic stimulation turned to 11. As Nigel Tufnel once said, it is one louder.
PRIESTS – The Seduction of Kansas
A wicked slice of synth driven indie rock from the ever-evolving PRIESTS. Staunchly independent, their integrity remains intact as they shape music around the ideas put forth by journalist Thomas Frank in What’s the Matter With Kansas?. If you like to move your body and ponder the political fallout of populism, PRIESTS are your band. Adding another fully realized album to their discography, it seems like PRIESTS are long overdue for a larger spotlight.