The purpose of this feature is to promote music investment and assist with some music discovery. Originally the plan was to have different types of albums each installment. Albums that are up for pre-order, albums that have come out in the last few months, albums that have come out in the last few years and albums that are not new but new to me. For now I am going to just bring up five albums that I enjoy and think deserve to have some shine.
Investing in music is important to me.
What are you going to do if the streaming services all crash? Also, we need to support the people that are creating the art that we love to listen to so much. Even more so in these uncertain economic times. If you have the means please buy some music from the bands you like.
Algara – Absortos En El Tedio Eterno
La Vida Es Un Mus
Released: 9/23/2021
La Vida Es Un Mus has become one of the most exciting labels out there. It seems they have a direct tap into the heart of all things punk adjacent from all corners of the world. Algara is an anonymous group from Barcelona. With a couple of killer EPs under their belt, Algara has blessed us with their debut full length and it is every bit as awesome as one would expect from them. The lyrics are in Spanish but their bandcamp has this to say about the content:
“With songs about poor working conditions, the constant evictions, youth unemployment, and a city consumed by tourism and other forms of gentrification, the LP is a cold call to arms for today’s political punk.”
This is one of my favorite releases of the year to date and I hope it gets some shine in the USA. I hate politics but I would sure as hell hit the campaign trail for Algara.
You can buy it digitally and order a vinyl from the label HERE. They are based in Europe so the shipping gets a bit pricey for any of us in the USA. I was able to snag a copy from Sorry State Records and avoid international shipping as they have some distro. Last I checked they still have some copies HERE.
Soursob – S/T
Hozac Records
Released: 6/18/2021
Throw away your television! This three piece based out of Glasgow delivered their debut full-length and they are exactly what we needed. The self-titeld album is full of cathartic lyrics that should make the majority of the population take a good look at themselves in the mirror. The press release describes their sound as viscously minimal. I wholeheartedly agree with that but I would bold and cap lock VISCIOUSLY. Each song is powerful, pummeling and catchy as hell. Added to my must see live as soon as possible lift. Daydream: If I could book a double headlining tour they would pair nicely with The Coathangers.
You can buy the album digitally or a vinyl copy (edition of 300) HERE.
Backxwash – I Lie Here Buried With My Rings And My Dresses
Self-Released
Released: 6/20/2021
It’s the best holiday season of the year. October makes the masses embrace all things spooky even if it is for one short chunk of the calendar. Halloween decorations, scary movies, and everything else that comes with it. If you are looking for a perfect rap album to add to your annual festivities look no further. Backxwash overwhelms the senses on her in your face record I Lie Here Buried With My Rings and My Dresses. Listen alone in the dark and you might have the sense that somebody else is in the house lurking. Despite that, the gripping industrial beats and aggressive bars don’t let the mind wander too far. She puts a sleep paralysis like trance on the listener that only allows movement for bouncing to the music. Lucky for me, I don’t subscribe to the “you can only be spooky during Halloween season” so looks like Backxwash and I can be friends all year long.
You can buy this digitally HERE.
C.O.F.F.I.N. – Children Of Finland Fighting In Norway
Legless Records
Released: 9/17/2020
C.O.F.F.I.N. put out Children Of Finland Fighting In Norway six months into the pandemic. It is an absolute ripper of a party album that straddled the line between scratching that itch for missing rowdy live shows and being an absolute tease, borderline rude. I think enough time has passed. Vaccines are starting to allow us to get together again. Therefore, it is relatively safe to present to you the essential rock-and-roll, good-time-kick-your-teeth-in album that you didn’t know you needed. Grab some buds, smash some beers, drain a goon bag and crank it up to max volume. Aussie rockers know how to have a blast!
You can buy this digitally HERE. Hard to find vinyl copies but last I checked Under The Gun Records has some distro for USA friends HERE.
Spooky Tavi – Hyperdrive
Doomtrip Records
Released: 5/21/2021
Hyperdrive makes me want to hug all of my friends. There is something comforting in taking this psychedelic safari. Spooky Tavi crafted an album of psychic pop that leaves an imprint on your mind. It reminds me of early Washed Out but instead of tender love making emotional content you are thrust to the cosmos with two settings: 1) groove; 2) meditate. After taking this trip you will no doubt be longing to dive back in after you have been away for some time. Who knows, maybe you will be like me and just hit play immediately after it ends. Essential stuff from this Los Angeles magician.
You can buy it digitally or on cassette (edition of 100) HERE.
I hope someone out there finds one of these albums appealing. Invest in music. Support musicians.
