As Labor Day fades into memory, the music world gears up for a season of fresh sounds. This week’s "Indie Basement" features notable releases from ten artists including the long-awaited new albums from The The and Mercury Rev, along with exciting work from Fcukers, Party Dozen, and a mix of others that reflect the eclectic spirit of indie music today.
Album Highlights
The The - Ensoulment: Marking the return of Matt Johnson after 24 years, Ensoulment blends politically charged lyrics with haunting melodies. Opening with “Cognitive Dissident,” the album explores themes of loss and love amid a turbulent world, making it both a personal and societal reflection.
Mercury Rev - Born Horses: Jonathan Donahue takes a different approach with this record, delivering a whispery vocal style that contrasts sharply with the band’s historical sound. Born Horses, their first in nine years, creates a cinematic atmosphere resonating with emotionally charged lyrics and lush orchestral arrangements.
Party Dozen - Crime in Australia: This sax-and-drums duo pushes boundaries further with their fourth album, combining elements from various instruments while retaining their core sound. The album generates high energy, reminiscent of '70s cop shows reimagined with a contemporary twist.
Fcukers - Baggy$$: The NYC buzz band dives into nostalgic electro sounds reminiscent of the mid-2000s bloghouse scene, producing catchy tracks filled with post-punk beats and witty lyrics.
Other notable releases from this week include albums from The Reds, Pinks & Purples, Dummy, and Peel Dream Magazine, each contributing unique styles ranging from gloomy indie pop to innovative drone-pop. Additionally, SUUNS steps into lighter territory with their latest effort, while Molchat Doma explores new heights in their sound and production.
Indie Basement Classics
In celebration of The The’s return, this week's Indie Basement Classic is their seminal 1983 album, Soul Mining, which launched the band's career and retains its relevance today.
As artists continue to navigate their influences and personal stories, the diversified landscape of alternative music suggests a promising fall filled with new sounds to explore.