Amoeba Music

Birmingham, Alabama's Early James digs into a gritty, sparse sound on his new album, Medium Raw . The production is once again by Dan Auerbach, but whereas most of the songs on his previous albums were co-written, Medium Raw features more solo compositions, and it's a strong set of jangly folk/rock and blues/rock. Kicking off with the lively "Steely Knives," the album immediately embodies an authentic-sounding old-timey atmosphere. "Gravy Train" is a delightful front porch jam, while "Nothing Surprises Me Anymore" could grace the soundtrack to a moody western film. "Tinfoil Hat" adds to that darker mood, highlighted by some unexpected surf guitar. More

After four years of strong singles and EPs, the brothers Elliott and Virgile Arndt, AKA Faux Real, make their album debut with Faux Ever , a collection of infectious electro-pop gems. The songs combine bright synths and hyperactive beats with quirky, talky vocals and wry lyrics, for example on the New Wave-y "Workhorse," which references the exhausting pace of self-promotion and creative production. "Faux Maux" is a lovely track, with slightly darker verses that build into a shimmering chorus with whimsical sound effects. Elsewhere, "Walking Away From My Demons" is a groovy disco-pop number that's sure to boost your mood. More

Throwback country-rocker JD Clayton follows up his acclaimed 2023 debut with new album, Blue Sky Sundays . The album revels in laidback melodies and '70s soaked vibes, perhaps especially on opening track "Let You Down," which swings in with harmonica and gentle piano chords before digging into a soulful rhythm. "Arkansas Kid" is a bluesy boot-stomper while "Dirt Roads of Red" feels like a loping walk through the countryside, accompanied by clever lyrics about heaven and its suitability for a down-home countryman. At the center of the album rests a funky, upbeat cover of Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason." More

SPELLLING returns with her fourth studio album, the propulsive, dynamic Portrait of My Heart . Chrystia Cabral's unique avant-pop tunes stand out for her emotional vocals and powerful orchestration. She moves from minimalist synth-pop to melodic alt-rock with elements of prog, forging her own intriguing path. The title track pulls the listener in with its strong drum beat, busy bassline, and anthemic vocal on the chorus. "Alibi" is an infectious rocker with dynamic synth flourishes and "Destiny Arrives" is a throwback to lush '80s pop/rock - cinematic, soulful, and dramatic. More

CocoRosie have been putting out their own distinctive folk-pop fusion for almost twenty years now, creating a legacy of enigmatic, fascinating music. Their eighth album, Little Death Wishes , pays tribute to the complicated lives of women, the struggles of being human, the pains of heartbreak, and more. The sisters' trebly voices chant over electronic beats, flurries of synths, and jangly instrumentation, creating a decidedly leftfield soundscape. "Girl In Town," featuring a guest vocal by Chance the Rapper, stands out as an upbeat, groovy tune with a slightly tropical vibe. More

Sentient is a welcome new retrospective by the legendary Carlos Santana. The album features remastered highlights from the multi-Grammy-winning guitarist's career, such as his collaborations with Michael Jackson (the sultry "Whatever Happens") and Miles Davis & Paolo Rustichelli (the mesmerizing "Get On"). Also included are previously unreleased tracks like a duet titled "Coherence" with Cindy Blackman Santana and an alternate take of "Please Don't Take Your Love" with Smokey Robinson. Put this one on and soak in the legacy of this timeless artist. More

Australian R&B group Chase Atlantic has dropped their fourth studio album Lost In Heaven , featuring strong hooks and heavy trap influences. In contrast to the album title, the lyrics dwell heavily on loneliness, disappointment, and substance abuse, lending a sense of melancholy even to catchy tracks like "Ricochet." "Disconnected" is appropriately spacey with elements of euphoric trance, yet the lyrics are a grim takedown of depression, drugs, and life on tour. Fans will relate to the strong emotions here and vibe to the hypnotic beats. More

Jazz fusion quintet Butcher Brown returns with new album, Letters From The Atlantic , spotlighting many talented female vocalists. That roster features Yaya Bey, Leanor Wolf, Mia Gladstone, Melanie Charles, and Victoria Victoria. "Unwind" feat. Melanie Charles is hypnotic, soulful, and slinky with a foot-tapping beat and fluttering flutes. "Montrose Forest" features Grammy Award-winning trumpet player Nicholas Payton and it's another strong track, an instrumental with a throwback, and laidback, '70s funk vibe. Psych-rock and soul artist Neal Francis also makes an appearance on "Something New About You." More

For You is the debut solo release from Little Dragon's Yukimi. It's quite the sonic evolution. Yukimi's voice is instantly recognizable...the melodies branch out into the worlds of jazz, alternative R&B, electronic, and hip-hop. These vibrant, gorgeous compositions serve as an upbeat counterpoint to Yukimi's lyrical focus on love, loss, and the eventual rise and renewal of the spirit after wading through the depths. This is an album for lifting the mood, creating a vibe, and bringing a jolt of color into an ordinary day. For You is a gem. More

The Darkness heard the world was in desperate need of "rock sweet rock," as the band put it. And so they hunkered down, rocked out, and brought us the rollicking, riff-heavy masterpiece that is Dreams on Toast . The band drinks heavily from the overflowing fountains of '70s rock elysium, delivering full-throttle tunes with addictively upbeat choruses, drawing from stadium rock, glam, metal, and even some vintage radio rock. Your toes will tap, your heart will rise, your fist will be unable to resist punching the air. Pure, unadulterated, non-stop fun. More

Sicksense get epic and emotive on Cross Me Twice . Featuring intense riffs, riveting percussion, and the dual voices of Rob the Ripper and Killer-V, the songs are intensely beautiful and punishingly brutal. Killer-V's poison-sweet vocals soar above the mayhem, while Rob the Ripper growls, raps, and leaves it all on the floor. Their dynamic works perfectly for the album's themes: emotional betrayal, manipulation, and ego-driven decisions. Cross Me Twice is nu-metal reborn, inspired by the '00s-era greats, with a modern, urgent feel. More

The new solo album from rock veteran Ricky Warwick is straightforward and heartfelt with catchy melodies and plenty of grit. The Almighty's frontman shows no signs of slowing down or losing that rock n 'roll punch to his voice. "Don't Leave Me In The Dark," which features Lita Ford on guest vocals, is soaked in a satisfyingly anthemic '80s pop/rock atmosphere. Warwick also teams up with Billy Duffy for the fiery "The Hell of Me and You," a healthy blast of classic guitar rock. Elsewhere, "The Crickets Stayed in Clovis" is a jangly pub-stomper sure to live rent-free in your head. More

After 14 years, Alison Krauss has teamed back up with bluegrass and Americana band Union Station for a lovely new album, Arcadia . Few projects capture such a perfect collaboration of talent and sensibilities, so fans will be delighted by this follow-up to the impeccable Paper Airplane. Album opener, "Looks Like The End of The Road," is a true gem - a haunting ballad helmed by Krauss's angelic vocals. Another highlight is "Granite Mills," a melancholy folk song with a gothic vibe, sung by new member Russell Moore of Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. More

On Dead Channel Sky , experimental hip-hop group clipping. has created a riveting futuristic universe, mashing together razor-sharp rhymes and head-bopping beats with cyberpunk and elements of techno, acid house, drum & bass, and more. These thrilling tracks with their bouncing lyrical flow feature guests as disparate as Nels Cline, Aesop Rock, and Bitpanic. "Change the Channel" evokes the slamming energy of Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up" but with rapid-fire rhymes about digital anxiety and brainwashing. Elsewhere listeners are mesmerized by the intense industrial sounds of "Go" and the skittering beats and suddenly melodic interlude within "Mood Organ." It's a fascinating listen throughout. More

Coheed & Cambria's The Father of Make Believe is hard to resist. The guitars are driving, the mood wistful yet winning, the vocals ready to hook straight into your heart. The band deftly blends harder sounds with melodic choruses into tracks that serve up surprise gut punch after gut punch. With moments fusing stadium rock, hardcore, and even a bit of nu-metal, The Father of Make Believe is Coheed & Cambria at their very best. More

The spirit of rock 'n' roll is alive and well on Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes' Live At The Greek . Recorded during a 1999 performance at LA's Greek Theatre as well as at a concert in Long Beach, CA, the album is gritty, epic, and outstanding. This remastered edition features pristine-quality, scorching blues rock from the Black Crowes plus legendary Led Zeppelin songs — and a decent amount of unreleased tracks, too. An electrifying, powerful listen that'll make you feel like you're right there in the middle of the audience. More

The Seldom Scene are back with their first album since the death of founding member/ banjo player Ben Eldridge. Remains to Be Scene is a feast for the ears, with versions of bluegrass standards and covers of tracks by The Kinks, Bob Dylan, and Jim Croce. From picaresque to plaintive, rollicking to downbeat, there's an underlying authenticity to the album that'll enthrall listeners new and old alike. With gripping storytelling, delightful strings, and just straight up excellent songwriting, this is essential listening for any bluegrass fan. More

Jethro Tull's latest is enchanting. Curious Ruminant is the type of album that feels as if it's building its own storybook world. Folk-rock numbers feel lifted from a fantastical fairytale setting, with elements of pastoral English folk expertly melded with driving prog. Rollicking flutes blend with Celtic-tinged melodies before driving percussion kicks in, building towards an overwhelming emotional impact. The album is beautiful, urgent, and filled with pleasant surprises. What a gift it is to have a third, excellent album from the band within the past few years after nearly two decades without a new studio album. More

Deep Sea Diver's Billboard Heart is eclectic and electrifying, the kind of album that'll make you want to pick up a guitar yourself. The title track opens the record with a dreamy, undersea vibe before morphing into a full-throated, emotionally gripping indie rocker. "What Do I Know" starts with brittle beats, crunchy guitars and shoegaze-y vocals taking over to create a driving, epic atmosphere. "Shovel" is a post-punk-influenced dose of sinister swagger. These are songs that go straight to your heart, a gut-punching, glorious testament to the power of music. More

Uplifting, soulful, and life-affirming, Aloe Blacc's Stand Together is guaranteed to make you feel good. It's also an album that DOES good, with each song dedicated to a different organization or cause. Case in point: lead single "Don't Go Alone" is inspired by the African proverb ("If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”) and spotlights sober-supportive community The Phoenix. Kindness, community, and connection are the underlying themes as Aloe Blacc deftly blends soul, R&B, and pop into an album that feels very much like what the world needs now. More