Three new albums fuse Indie and Alternative Rock – Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Concert season is in full swing, and as I scan upcoming shows at local venues, I come across some new albums from established musicians that have piqued my interest. These three albums may be from artists who have been in the music scene for a while, but they are new to me and possibly to you as well.
First up is the album “Sinister Grift” by Panda Bear. Noah Lennox, known as Panda Bear, has been an integral part of the esteemed experimental indie group Animal Collective for a remarkable 25 years. I vividly remember catching them live in Lawrence back in 2007, an experience that completely altered my perception of music. Lennox’s mesmerizing solo album “Person Pitch” became the soundtrack to my walks across the university campus during my first semester. Over the years, Lennox relocated to Lisbon with his spouse, started a family, but never veered away from solo projects or collaborations with Animal Collective. In fact, all members of Animal Collective contributed to various tracks on his latest album.
“Sinister Grift” showcases Panda Bear stepping into a more conventional sphere than ever before, embracing Lennox’s personal twist on classic American pop sounds. His hauntingly Brian Wilson-esque vocals, coupled with elaborate harmonies, evoke a psychedelic Beach Boys vibe throughout the album. His music has a breezy seaside feel with reverb-soaked tracks that blend reggae and dub influences in an inventive manner. Delving into the B-side reveals a slightly unsettling undertone with introspective tracks touching on topics such as parental worries and failed relationships. Notably, Lennox’s daughter penned and performed a Portuguese poem on “Anywhere but Here.”
Next on the list is “Tangk” by Idles, available on CD and Hoopla. Hailing from Bristol, England, Idles is a promising rock outfit with a distinctive post-punk sound and ethos, notwithstanding their aversion to being boxed into a punk category. Lead vocalist Joe Talbot’s robust British vocals lead the charge, accompanied by the band’s relentless instrumentation. Despite their aggressive sound, Idles display a keen awareness with lyrics that denounce monarchy, toxic masculinity, and prejudice while rallying for labor rights and emotional honesty, albeit through a high-decibel approach. I’m eagerly anticipating their opening act for Deftones in Kansas City this fall.
“Tangk” marks a departure for Idles as they diversify their songwriting arsenal with softer, moodier, and atmospheric tracks. Notably, producer Nigel Godrich, known for his work with Radiohead and Beck, lends his expertise to the album, blending cinematic grandeur with Idles’ raw intensity. “A Gospel” sees Talbot serenading to a gentle church piano, while “Hall & Oates” pays homage to fraternal affection through rowdy surf guitar riffs. The collaboration with LCD Soundsystem on “Dancer” brings in rhythmic and dancepunk elements from the latter band. Though “Tangk” may not possess the sonic explosions of their previous releases, it signifies a progressive step forward for a band that is steadfastly showcasing their multifaceted abilities.
Finally, we have “Romance” by Fontaines D.C. This Irish band, with its namesake referencing Dublin City, had been the subject of considerable buzz that eventually led me to their music. Despite being in their late twenties, Fontaines D.C. has swiftly risen to headliner status at various festivals, with a growing following overseas.