Essential Tracks This Week: Elias Rønnenfelt, High Vis, and more
Last week was one of those weeks where, for one reason or another, our Essential Tracks just didn’t come together. Which doesn’t mean there weren’t any worthy songs, but occasionally obstacles get in the way. But that’s OK, because we’re back in full force this week with a great new song from the frontman of one of our favorite bands, in addition to, well, one of our favorite bands, plus an outstanding jazz-soul collaboration, and a couple of absolute rippers. Queue up our favorite songs of the week.
Elias Rønnenfelt – “Worm Grew a Spine”
Despite a pair of early records that saw them rushing out of the gates with a penchant for chaotic punk rock and nihilistic post-punk, Iceage quickly transitioned toward more pop-friendly songwriting—sometimes with their gothic bona fides in tact, sometimes with a bluesy, Stonesy swagger, and in the case of their last album Seek Shelter, more than a little gospel-tinged psychedelia in the vein of Primal Scream or Spiritualized. All of which put frontman Elias Rønnenfelt in an ideal position to deliver his own solo effort, of which “Worm Grew A Spine” is the latest single. Something like Bob Dylan at his most verbose backed by Suicide, it’s an ominously psychedelic litany of ills and anxieties, the kind of pulsing, energetic song rife with myriad details that simultaneously feels like it would sound great live in addition to being the kind of song that’s just endlessly fun to listen to.
From Heavy Glory, out October 25 via Escho
High Vis – “Drop Me Out”
The singles from High Vis’ upcoming album Guided Tour have run a range from driving post-hardcore to dreamier, electronics-tinged pop. “Drop Me Out” leans much heavier toward the former, big in driving rhythms and thick walls of guitar, but with a chorus that aims for the kind of heroism that they pulled off with regularity on their previous album Blending. Just an all-around killer rock song—common High Vis W.
From Guided Tour, out October 18 via Dais
Adrian Younge & Carlos Dafé – “Amor Enfeitiçado”
Producers Adrian Younge (Ghostface Killah, Delfonics) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) have released 20 editions of their Jazz is Dead series, which have included collaborations with jazz luminaries like Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith and Azymuth. Their 21st entry is on the way next month and likewise features a long list of guests, including Brazilian samba-soul singer, who helms “Amor Enfeitiçado,” a lushly arranged cinematic soul production with Dafé’s powerful emotional delivery. It’s a lush, velvety set of jazz and soul with plenty of luxurious flourishes to go around. That it’s only two and a half minutes long doesn’t make it any less substantial—play it as many times as you need to.
From Jazz Is Dead 21, out October 4 via Jazz Is Dead
Thirdface – “Meander”
Thirdface’s Do It With a Smile was one of 2021’s best heavy albums, a ferocious hybrid of hardcore, metal and noise rock that never lets up on the throttle. “Meander,” the first new song from their follow-up to that album, is no less crushing, but there’s a little more emphasis on feedback squall and grimy groove, which seems fitting given that they’ll be touring with Chat Pile this fall. But only 40 seconds in, the band kick into high gear and set off on an explosive gallop that I can already imagine will compel a swarm of bodies to smash into each other. Nothing meandering about it.
From Ministerial Cafeteria, out November 1 via Exploding in Sound
The Armed – “NEW! Christianity”
Look, by now it should be well understood that we’re contractually obligated to endorse any new music by The Armed, a certified Treble-core band™. In all seriousness, though, the band’s new single from their latest EP, featuring a handful of new songs and remixes of tracks from Perfect Saviors, is truly everything you could possibly want from The Armed: the furious speed and intensity they showcased on 2018’s Only Love, the sense of pop hooks paired with hardcore muscle from 2021’s ULTRAPOP, and a touch of dream pop sheen just to make it sparkle a little brighter. I couldn’t ask for anything more from a band that’s never settled for less.
From The Everlasting Gaze EP, out October 18 via Sargent House
