Best New Releases, August 2: J.R.C.G., Navy Blue, and more
We’re deep into summer and as such most of our favorite artists are either on tour or playing festivals, and while that might mean in the short-term that the release calendar’s a little shorter, it’s not that much shorter than usual. This week’s list of must-hear releases includes the latest from a noise-rocker turned psych maestro, a couple of great new rap records, an upcoming band we’ve been keeping our eyes on, plus two outstanding EPs. Check out this week’s Best New Releases.
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J.R.C.G. – Grim Iconic…(Sadistic Mantra)
Dreamdecay drummer/vocalist Justin R. Cruz Gallego introduced his psychedelic J.R.C.G. project in 2021 with Ajo Sunshine. Its follow-up, Grim Iconic…(Sadistic Mantra), arrives via Sub Pop, and it feels even more vast in its sonic spectrum, pairing krautrock pulses with traces of his other band’s noise-rock abrasion, moody cinematic overtones and disorienting electronics. It’s an eclectic, strange trip, and it’s a hell of a ride. We’ll have more on this one soon.
Listen/Buy: Bandcamp | Rough Trade (vinyl)
Navy Blue – Memoirs In Armour
Last year, Navy Blue made his Def Jam debut with the release of the excellent Ways of Knowing, which he’s followed with another independent release. Memoirs in Armour is a characteristically strong, personal, earnest set of songs that pair crackly soulful production and lush samples with introspective lyrics about family, spirituality, trauma and healing. It’s a moving set of songs that also doubles as a set of stunning headphone soundscapes. Navy Blue once again showcases his strengths as both producer and rapper, adding another essential listen to his increasingly
Listen: Spotify
JPEGMAFIA – I Lay Down My Life For You
After releasing a collaborative album with Danny Brown last year, JPEGMAFIA returns with a new set of bangers that feature a mix of wordplay and introspection, against a set of productions steeped in heavy rock sounds. I Lay Down My Life for You features guest appearances from the likes of Denzel Curry and Vince Staples, and essentially sticks to what Peggy does best, while throwing in a dose of rock and heavy metal sounds that pair nicely with his magnetic mixture of humor, earnestness and aggression.
Listen/Buy: Bandcamp
Blood – Loving You Backwards
Founded in Austin and now based in Philadelphia, Blood caught our attention earlier this year with the outstanding single “One Dimensional Man,” an early highlight from their debut album Loving You Backwards. Yet it’s part of a stronger whole, an anthemic indie rock album that juxtaposes abrasive riffs against more nuanced art-rock songs, abstract dirges and glorious ballads. It’s a big-sounding album from a group that’s not big yet—but they sound like they’re well on their way. We’ll have more on this one soon.
Listen/Buy: Bandcamp | Rough Trade (vinyl)
Poison Ruin – Confrere
Philadelphia dungeon-punks Poison Ruin built up an online following through their self-released first two EPs (collected on their self-titled debut compilation) before signing with Relapse for the release of Härvest. The group continues their pursuit of old-school punk ‘n’ roll on their new EP Confrere. The group’s M.O. is mostly the same on their new short-player, but the riffs and melodies are sharper and catchier—still lo-fi but anthemic enough to be your driving music for the rest of the summer.
Listen/Buy: Bandcamp | Rough Trade (vinyl)
Moses Sumney – Sophcore
Moses Sumney returns four years after his ambitious double album græ (and temporary hiatus from music) with a considerably shorter release, but one no less stunning in its approach. The six-song Sophcore EP is soulful and steeped in electronics, arguably the most pop that Sumney’s ever sounded on singles like “Vintage” and “Gold Coast.” This is warm, gorgeous, and endlessly listenable. And considering it’s a relatively brief release, the opportunity to hit play again will come up even sooner than you expect.
Listen/Buy: Bandcamp
