Crucial Releases: October 24
Welcome back to another issue of Crucial Releases, your favorite weekly(ish) newsletter to find new music. This issue we have a great featured jazz/world/Afrobeat record, as well as 7 honorable mentions across a handful of genres. There's definitely something for everyone in this issue – jazz, R&B, pop, hip hop, metal, indie rock, and more!
First up we will dig into the featured album: hourglass by Antibalas (Listen)
Antibalas is a Brooklyn-based group that formed in 1998. Hourglass is the band's 8th full length studio album and their first since 2020. The band was heavily influence by Fela Kuti and the Afrobeat sound, but they've grown over the years to incorporate aspects of dub, funk, jazz, rock, and elements of Cuban and African music into their sound.
This latest album is amazing from start to finish, 6 tracks and 38 minutes of high quality musicianship, songwriting, and improvisation. I'm not a huge jazz head, but it's hard to not like records that are this good. Highly, highly recommended.
"La Ceiba" by Antibalas
"Solace" by Antibalas
Honorable Mentions
Describe by Hannah Jadagu (Listen)
This album was in consideration for the top spot this week. Describe is Jadagu's second album, both on Sub Pop. Her debut Aperture made my top 30 list for 2023. Her latest isn't quite as good, but there are some really great moments on this record. If you dig bedroom pop and R&B tinged indie rock, you'll like this one...
"Doing Now" by Hannah Jadagu
Son of Spergy by Daniel Caesar (Listen)
Really well done alternative R&B, similar to Frank Ocean and Brent Faiyaz. Some really good highlights on this one, his fourth album since 2017. I'm definitely going to spend some more time with his work.
"Who Knows" by Daniel Caesar
Living While Dying by fanclubwallet (Listen)
fanclubwallet's is the project of Hannah Judge from Ottawa. It's her second album and first since 2022. The band does bedroom pop crossed with a little hyper pop... and there are song really good songs on this latest record. Worth checking out if you dig the video below!
"Cotton Mouth" by fanclubwallet
On the Other End of the Line... by Joyer (Listen)
Joyer's new album is out on Julia's War Recordings (mentioned in the last issue) – their sixth album since 2017. Their latest is my first exposure to the band and there are enough highlights on this record to give it a chance if you like jangly slacker/lo-fi indie rock like Pavement.
"Spell (live)" by Joyer
Touch by Tortoise (Listen)
Legendary post rock band Tortoise is back with their 8th full length and first since 2016. Tortoise doesn't need to break new ground, but their musicianship is top notch – delivering well crafted songs that explore new sounds and musical elements. This album is no different.
"Layered Presence" by Tortoise
Goldfish by Hit-Boy and The Alchemist (Listen)
Two of the best producers team up to make their own record. The beats are impeccable as you'd expect, the bars decent enough to keep you interested. Surprised me!
"Business Merger" by Hit-Boy and The Alchemist
Chama by Soulfly (Listen)
Soulfly is the project from former Sepultura frontman Max Cavelera, who took the Sepultura formula and added a much heavier Brazilian/world music influence. Amazingly they've put out 13 full length albums since 1998. The latest of which is a solid addition to their discography.
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