Music critics review albums by A$AP Rocky, Jana Horn, Julianna Barwick, Mary Lattimore, and more
This week has been a buzz of activity in the music world, with a plethora of album announcements and releases making headlines. Some noteworthy releases include projects from artists such as Mitski, Kim Gordon, Poison The Well, ELUCID, WU LYF, Flea, Deathcrash, Shabaka, Sunn O))), Robber Robber, Fcukers, Holy Fuck, Tanya Tagaq, By Storm, and more. It’s a lot to take in, but definitely worth checking out if you’re a music enthusiast. Unfortunately, amidst the excitement, we also received somber news about the tragic passing of black midi guitarist Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin at the young age of 26, as well as the loss of Grateful Dead co-leader Bob Weir at the age of 78. To honor Bob Weir’s legacy, Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo shared a touching tribute on the latest episode of BV Weekly.
In addition to the numerous exciting announcements and unfortunate losses, there have been several new albums that have dropped this week. Among the standouts, Jana Horn’s self-titled album on No Quarter has garnered attention. Born and raised in Texas, Jana Horn has recently made a move to New York City, which undoubtedly influenced the thematic elements of her latest release. With a new backing band featuring drummer Adam Jones and bassist Jade Guterman, Jana Horn’s self-titled album showcases her evolution as an artist while staying true to her signature stripped-down folk style. The album’s poignant lyrics and intimate storytelling transport listeners to urban landscapes like subway cars and hospital waiting rooms, despite the music’s rustic, slow-paced folk sound. Drawing comparisons to artists like Sibylle Baier and Jessica Pratt, Jana Horn’s music captivates audiences with its understated beauty and emotional depth.
Another highly anticipated release this week is A$AP Rocky’s “Don’t Be Dumb.” This marks Rocky’s first album in eight years, and the rapper delivers a powerful and genre-spanning project that solidifies his position in the music industry. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Doechii, Jessica Pratt, Gorillaz, Westside Gunn, Tyler the Creator, and more, “Don’t Be Dumb” showcases Rocky’s versatility and creativity. The album kicks off with hard-hitting rap tracks that remind fans of Rocky’s prowess in the game before venturing into experimental, psychedelic territory. Tracks like “Whiskey (Release Me)” with Gorillaz and Westside Gunn and “The End” featuring Jessica Pratt showcase Rocky’s willingness to explore new sounds and push boundaries. The bonus track “Fish N Steak (What It Is)” with Tyler, the Creator is a standout, adding an extra layer of depth to an already diverse and intriguing album.
Overall, the music landscape this week has been a mix of excitement and reflection, with artists delivering captivating projects that leave a lasting impact on listeners. Whether you’re a fan of folk music or rap, there’s something for everyone in this week’s notable releases. Be sure to explore these albums and discover new music that resonates with you.