Your Old Droog mines his Coney Island home for dirty rock loops and fiery rhymes.
Often compared to old school MCs Nas, Big L and Kool G Rap; Your Old Droog resurrects classic lyricism with a new flavor. Thick New York accents dropping rock references over production from beat masters DJ Skizz, El RTNC and Marco Polo on Kinison. –J Boogie
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CURATOR’S DISCOVERY
Thee Oh Sees continue to kick out the frazzled garage jams on their fourteenth (!) release.
With the mellow haze of last year’s Drop putting an end to the band’s brief hiatus, frontman John Dwyer and a muscular new line-up produce more fuzzed up, Nuggets-like finery on Mutilator Defeated At Last – adding yet another gem to their extensive discography. –Michelle Solomon
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Jamie xx renders heartbreak in vibrant soundscapes on In Colour
While the xx is famously minimalist, their frontman’s masterful solo debut shimmers with a kaleidoscope of influences, like classic rave sounds, dancehall rhythms and steel drum melodies. But heartache and lament reverberate throughout: “Loud Places” begs an ex, “Didn’t I take you to higher places you can’t reach without me?” –Party Ben
Metal’s weirdos return!
Faith No More is tough to peg, what with their line-up changes and ability to appropriate multiple musical styles. But nobody doubts that they’ve expanded the palate of metal exponentially. On Sol Invictus, they channel a goth-rock vibe via, in their words, “The Cramps, Link Wray and Siouxsie and the Banshees,” though it’s more complicated than that. –Diego Gonzalez
Devolution is real.
Though Bob 2 has shuffled off this mortal coil, the remaining members of Devo pay tribute to him and to their early sound with Hardcore Live! Recorded during their 2014 tour that celebrated the Ohio band’s beginnings, these songs are a great reminder that Devo formed as a reaction to the non-reaction of the Kent State massacre. –Eric Shea
Beats for your inner dervish.
Born of the ashes of other Eastern-tinged groups like Vas and Axiom of Choice, Niyaz has made a name making electronic music inspired by Sufi mysticism. What sets The Fourth Light apart from the pack is a firm grounding in traditional music and Azam Ali’s haunting voice, reminiscent of Lisa Gerard’s (Dead Can Dance). –Diego Gonzalez
Nick Swardson invites you to Taste It.
Frequent Adam Sandler collaborator and sketch comedy actor Swardson is back with his third comedy album! Highlights include his ongoing feud with his mom’s cat, using the phrase “water of life” rather than “whiskey” at crucial moments, explaining the origins of “brain freeze,” and sharing a plane ride with Liv Tyler. –Kelly Anneken
