Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. These reviews help our DJs decide on what they want to play. See what we added this week below (and on our Charts page), including new releases from Des Demonas, total tommy, District Five, and more.
Des Demonas - Apocalyptic Boom! Boom! (In The Red)
The sophomore album from DC outfit Des Demonas couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The aptly-titled Apocalyptic Boom! Boom! delivers raw, urgent lyrics, propelled by an intoxicating fusion of post-punk, indie-rock, psych, punk and garage. With fiery vocals, searing guitars, funky organ, and ferocious drumming, this long awaited follow up to their 2017 debut achieves thrilling results. –CS
total tommy - bruises (Play It Again Sam / [PIAS])
The debut album from Sydney/Eora-based Jess Holt, best known by her stage name total tommy, is an explosive collection of infectious indie-rock. Equal parts pop and grit, bruises features, bold, guitar-driven arrangements and irresistible hooks that complement her coming of age, emotional lyrics, leaving a lasting impression with this phenomenal first act. –CS
District Five - Come Closer (Stone Pixels)
The third album from this Zurich-based four-piece band is a strong set of adventurous art-rock with psych and jazz undercurrents and a light experimental touch. While much of the album’s dreamy, dynamic, and sophisticated sound recalls Radiohead and The Smile, album highlight “Reflections” is wonderfully reminiscent of early Tame Impala. -AR
Good Morning - The Accident (self-released)
Best pals Liam Parsons and Stefan Blair, aka Good Morning, are going out with a bang: The Accident, their second release of 2024, is also their eighth and final album. With playful arrangements, bright melodies, lush instrumentation, and bittersweet lyrics, the Melbourne duo stay true to their soft-rock roots in this heartfelt swan song. –CS
Organi - Babylonia (Alien Transistor)
Organi is the solo alias of Mike Walti, an Oakland-based musician and producer, third generation Bay Area native, and owner/operator of Wyldwood Recording Studios where artists such as Why?, Latyrx, Del, Dan The Automator, and Big Freedia (to name a few) have laid down tracks. His second Organi album is a fun foray into analog-rich, sci-fi-tinted, beat-centric psych-pop with a deep love for the nostalgic sonics of the '60s and '70s. With his transportive backdrops serving as a steady backdrop, a few French-speaking guest vocalists contribute to add to the album’s swanky, loungey, French chic vibe. -AR
The Warlochs - The Warlochs (Double Milds)
The debut album from Seattle three-piece The Warlochs is a solid set of psych-infused, melodic surf rock. With catchy guitar lines, meandering grooves and subtle hints of twang, this self-titled album makes for a wonderful introduction to their sound. –CS
untitled (halo) - headbanger (halocorp)
The second EP from this rising Los Angeles trio continues to explore a sweet intersection of fuzzy dream-pop, gritty trip-hop, sludgy shoegaze, ethereal grunge, and edgy art-pop that’s all accented by the group’s gauzy male/female vocals. -AR
World News - Mindsnap EP (Pie & Mash Records)
The new EP from London quintet World News is a strong collection of expansive, moody, jangle rock delights. Fusing elements of indie-rock, post-punk, shoegaze, and Krautrock, with nods to the ‘70s and 80s, Mindsnap highlights their emotive lyrics, lush guitars and compelling hooks, leaving listeners eager for more. –CS
Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. See what we added this week, from strong>Kendrick Lamar, Kim Deal, Amber Mark, and more.
Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. See what we added this week, from 070 Shake, Fazerdaze, _BY.ALEXANDER, and more.
Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. See what we added this week, from Negative Shawdy, Adrian Younge, Freak Slug, and more.
