NEW RECORD RADAR: February

Here's my February new record re-cap! It was a fun month!

Panda Bear - Sinister Grift
Noah Lennox, aka Panda Bear of Animal Collective, leans into his inner "Beach Boy" by crafting SINISTER GRIFT, a record full of buoyant, sun soaked beach jams. It’s like taking an edible and floating in the pool while listening to some Bob Marley to treat the heartbreak.

​It’s an excellent record that I’ll be spinning all summer long.
​
8.5 out of 10

Sam Fender - PEOPLE WATCHING
PEOPLE WATCHING captures Sam Fender at a new crossroads as he tries to come to grips with his newfound fame while clinging to his Working Class upbringing and identity.

​Every song soars with heartland rock, evoking Springsteen as he returns to his hometown to find it all in disarray. PEOPLE WATCHING is big, anthemic and full of feeling and shows Sam Fender is proving his mettle as one of the best Rock musicians in the world.

8 out of 10

Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory - S/T
A gothic rock turn from singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten, but at times sounds a bit thin. The album features a very heavy use of synths that makes many of the songs feel “samey”.

​There’s not much that makes this album feel engaging. A little more time in the studio to fill out the sound would have helped.

6 Out Of 10

Bartees Strange - HORROR
Bartees Strange is best known for his ability to make each of his records a tapestry of interwoven genres by effortlessly hopping between rap, rock, folk and electronic. He takes a more steady approach with his new record, HORROR, by sticking to an Indie Rock formula that rarely crosses outside of its sonic boundaries.

Lyrically, he remains as engaging as ever as he mines his personal fears and lays them bare, but as brave as the lyrics are, I just wish he had been the same with the music compositions.

7 Out Of 10

Here are a few singles that dropped in February that I really enjoyed, too!
​
Bon Iver - EVERYTHING IS PEACEFUL LOVE• Laura Jane Grace - YOUR GOD (GODS DICK)
Ben Kweller - DOLLAR STORE (FEAT. WAXAHATCHEE) • Doechii - NOSEBLEEDS
Destroyer - HYDROPLANING OFF THE EDGE OF THE WORLD• PUP - HALLWAYS
Lucy Dacus - ANKLES • Perfume Genius - NO FRONT TEETH (FEAT. ALDOUS HARDING)