Welcome back to campus Bobcats! Spring break is over and classes are back in full swing. While the school year is dwindling down, new music releases are coming out almost every day. Recently, listeners can get debuts from up-and-coming artists, dazzling singles from a multitude of artists as well as the nth album from bands that have been around for decades. So without further ado, here’s some highlights from the week’s music releases:
“Has it been even that long?”
When thinking of Tame Impala, one is quick to assume its best friend is synths, which isn’t far off from the truth. But with its newest release, “Patience,” multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker pays a bit of homage to congas (the instrument is pictured on the cover art of the single) and the funky beats they provide. “Patience” marks the first single from Parker since the release of the Grammy-nominated album Currents — an album that skyrocketed Tame Impala into the limelight.
The song opens with a piano riff that leads into Parker singing “has it been even that long?” To answer the question: yes, it has been four years. But with the new single, its debut on Saturday Night Live slotted for March 30, as well multiple appearances at music festivals around the globe, Tame Impala is going to have a busy summer.
Everyone loves a bit of style
Foster the People has consistently churned out hit after hit ever since its 2011 debut Torches. From “Pumped Up Kicks” to “Sit Next To Me,” the band has evolved and executed both its sound and aesthetic throughout the years, and now singles “Style” and “Worst Nites” are a continuation of that. Beckoning the nuances of its earlier work rather than the R&B vibes of 2017’s Sacred Hearts Club, the two singles are catchy, upbeat and everything listeners want from Foster the People. Though no future album has been confirmed by the band, it can only be assumed it has something in store for fans.
Add this one to your coffeehouse (or sad songs) playlist
Debut albums are always tricky, but Aussie Dean Lewis seems to have his artistic trajectory in sight. Lewis’ debut A Place We Knew is similar to British singer-songwriter James Bay and his debut Chaos And The Calm. Jammed pack with poetic lyrics and acoustic melodies that are basically essential to any coffeehouse playlist, Lewis is confident and bold in his sound — a trait not apparent on all debut albums. Featuring his moving hit single “Be Alright,” Lewis’ lyrics evoke emotion and eloquently tell stories that only a true singer-songwriter could tell. It’s an impressive debut that will hopefully lead to an impressive musical career overall.
