New Music Reviews (7/13)

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 Kelela, Baby Rose, Panda Bear & Sonic Boom, and more. 

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Baby Rose - YEARNALISM (Secretly Canadian) 

A voice like Baby Rose’s is a rare gem to be treasured. With her rich, distinct tone, impressive range, and deeply emotive delivery, the singer, songwriter, and producer demands attention through all 12 alluring tracks on her breathtaking third studio album, ‘YEARNALISM.’ Through a seductive lens crafted by a fusion of R&B, soul, and jazz, with expansive arrangements of guitars, strings, horns, keys, flute, pedal steel, and percussion, Rose explores the multifaceted nature of desire, whether for love, the unattainable, honesty, or freedom. This collection is one of those jaw-dropping, instant-classic kind of records that resonates deeper and deeper with each listen. –CS

Kelela - new avatar (Warp)

Washington, DC-born artist Kelela continues her immaculate run on her third full-length album, injecting her visionary, expansive, magnetic R&B sound with moments of moody alternative rock that reflect full-circle upon her early days playing in the DC indie scene before she emerged as a club/R&B maverick on her iconic 2013 debut mixtape ‘Cut 4 Me.’ With guest appearances from PinkPantheress, A. K. Paul and Fousheé and production across the album from Oscar Scheller, a red-hot London-based producer who’s been working closely with PinkPantheress, Shygirl, Biig Piig, Lily Allen, Rina Sawayama, Natanya, and more, ‘new avatar’ further solidifies Kelela as an enigmatic, adventurous, cutting-edge artist with an intoxicating voice and probing lyrics who’s constantly expanding her palette. Amidst the plentiful highlights and stellar early singles are a pair of addictive new songs in the shoegaze-tinted “crystallize” and the sultry, pulsating, UKG-heavy “don’t piss me off” that capture the impressive range of Kelela’s evolutionary sonic world as she boldly activates her “Prince/Janet/D'Angelo/Nirvana bag.” -AR

Panda Bear & Sonic Boom - A ? of WHEN (Domino)

The second collaborative album between Animal Collective’s Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennox) and former Spacemen 3 founding member Sonic Boom (aka Peter Kember) is another stunning display of their ‘60s-steeped psych-pop mastery. A marvel of studio wizardry and songwriting craftsmanship, ‘A ? of WHEN’ is a fun-house of sonic delights as Panda Bear and Sonic Boom build ornate, kaleidoscopic, and mesmerizing productions from loops of harp (played by Mary Lattimore!) and sequences of steel drum, pedal steel, and a sprinkling of mariachi band goodness. Atop it all is Panda Bear’s singular sun-soaked vocals, wormhole melodies, and buoyant vocal stacking that soar above both dense, lively arrangements and sweet slow jams, the latter tackled wonderfully on “Pray to you” and “Like a moth to a flame.” -AR

foamboy - STUPID HOT (self-released)

The third full-length from Portland duo foamboy is an infectious set of shimmering indie pop inflected with doses of jungle, jazz, and R&B. Featuring bright synths, bouncy basslines, Katy Ohsiek’s transfixing vocals, and Wil Bakula’s playful production, ‘STUPID HOT’ is the perfect soundtrack to get folks moving and grooving through the summer.  –CS

Jack White - Frozen Charlotte (Third Man) 

The seventh solo album from Nashville-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Jack White is a scorching set of blues, punk, and garage-infused rock glory. Written, recorded, produced, and mixed entirely by White himself, ‘Frozen Charlotte' finds him bringing the heat and pulling no punches with incendiary guitar work, urgent vocals, and explosive percussion across all thirteen ripping tracks. –CS

Magi Merlin - POWER HOUSE (ONErpm/Bonsound)

The debut album from Zambia-born, Montréal-based singer, songwriter, and producer Magi Merlin transcends genre. Through a hazy, bewitching blend of alt-R&B, electronic, and avant-pop soundscapes, she moves fluidly between moods with an effortlessly cool flair. ‘POWER HOUSE’ showcases a powerhouse indeed, as Merlin’s magnetic vocals, otherworldly production, and intimate lyricism draw listeners deeper into her hypnotic sonic world.  –CS

MAQUINA. - BODY TRANSMISSION (Fuzz Club)

The sophomore album from Lisbon trio MAQUINA. is a cathartic sonic assault. Their intoxicating, high-octane fusion of noise, techno, industrial, and post-punk is firing on all cylinders from the first note to the last, whipping listeners into a trance-like frenzy. It’s all in the name: ‘BODY TRANSMISSION’ is built to get the punks onto the dance floor. As the band explains, “It was the most challenging and fun we’ve ever had in the studio because we pushed ourselves to write songs rather than just capturing jams. We wanted it to feel heavy, focused, and relentless. We kept the tempo up and the energy peaking – it’s an 'always-on' record.” –CS

mary in the junkyard - Role Model Hermit (AMF Records)

Arriving two years after their first EP, London-based outfit mary in the junkyard unveil their spectacular debut album. Their poetic lyricism shines atop ornate, artfully structured arrangements featuring guitars, cello, viola, violin, drums, and Clari Freeman-Taylor’s ethereal, theatrical vocals, revealing a deeply nuanced and immersive soundscape that leaves listeners rapt. Equal parts airy and dreamy, dark and dense, ‘Role Model Hermit’ is a gripping, otherworldly body of work. –CS

Nappy Nina & Swarvy - Sow & So (Lucid Haus)

Brooklyn-via-Oakland emcee Nappy Nina and LA-via-Philly producer Swarvy reunite for their second LP. Drawing equally from East Coast and West Coast hip-hop traditions, Nina’s fluid flow glides above Swarvy’s masterful production with effortless chemistry. Featuring guest appearances from Quelle Chris, lojii, maasai, Shabazz Palaces, and KEXP’s very own Stas THEE Boss, ‘Sow & So’ is an extraordinary slice of contemporary hip-hop. –CS

Ultra Lights - Pleasure’s All Yours (Chunklet Industries)

The debut album from Atlanta quartet Ultra Lights is a boisterous, hook-laden collection of maximalist indie rock, garage rock, and post-punk. With infectious guitar lines, propulsive percussion, and commanding vocals from bandleader and songwriter John Robinson, ‘Pleasure’s All Yours’ is an apt title for this impressive debut.  –CS

twisted teens - Florida Water Blues (Going Underground)

This New Orleans duo led by the distinctive raspy voice of Caspian Holywell continue to make a strong argument as one of the most exciting underground rock acts of 2026 with their excellent third full-length album and second album of the year. Similar to their breakout early 2026 album ‘Blame the Clown,’ ‘Florida Water Blues’ continues to roam around their rugged Southern garage rock sound that’s inflected with a magnetic DIY punk swagger and country-rooted twang, yet this time around it’s swampier, messier, and a touch more thrillingly chaotic with songs that sometimes zigzag into unpredictable sonic territory. -AR

Allison Russell - In The Hour of Chaos (Fantasy/Concord)

The third studio album from Montréal-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Allison Russell is a dynamic exploration of contemporary, soulful Americana. Deeply steeped in collaboration, connection, and community,  ‘In The Hour of Chaos’ is a bright beacon of light for a world buried in darkness and solitude. Featuring Russell’s emotive, gripping vocals alongside knockout guest appearances from Joy Oladokun, Julie Williams, Kara Jackson, Brittney Spencer, and Norah Jones, among others, the collection carries messages of hope and perseverance when listeners need them most. –CS

Brokenchord - Lima Echo Crack! (South of North)

The third album from this solo project of Lithuanian artist Ernestas Kaušylas – who was notably invited by Radiohead to contribute to their 2011 remix album ‘TKOL RMX 1234567’ – dives deep into a sweet, murky, and groovy intersection of Krautrock, psychedelic, post-rock, and post-punk with a fuzzy, scrappy, and deliciously grimy touch. “MKUltra Scarescrow” and early single “Tomorrow Knows” provide a great pair of entry points into Brokenchord’s enveloping underground sound. -AR

Chuck Strangers - Glory of the King’s Hand (Lex)

Brooklyn-based rapper and producer Chuck Strangers returns with his most collaborative album to date. Bringing in a robust cast of producers, vocalists, and musicians, including Obii Say, The Alchemist, billy woods, zeroh, Kenny Segal, and Morriarchi, Chuck and company present a lush, textured collection of jazz-inflected hip-hop that beautifully complements his smooth, reflective flows. Featuring deep ruminations, memorable melodies, and ornate soundscapes, ‘Glory of the King’s Hand’ showcases his continued evolution. –CS

Galaxians - Feel In Motion (Some Pulp Recordings)

The third album from this Leeds, UK trio centered around the core founding duo of multi-instrumentalist/producers Jed Skinner and Matt Woodward and now joined by vocalist Beccy Young is a fresh, fun, and super funky set of 80s-influenced boogie, street soul, and disco-pop jams that pairs the group’s colorful, infectious, slinky grooves with Young’s soaring vocals and unstoppable hooks. -AR

Greg Kramer - Heat Check (Krameroriginals)

Greg Kramer is a Seattle-based musician, producer, and trombonist who’s a member of True Loves. His debut solo album is a fantastic set of brass-led instrumental grooves that deftly blends together hip-hop, jazz, funk, and soul styles and features assists from members of True Loves, Polyrhythmics, and High Pulp. -AR

Mouth Ulcers - Silent Pictures (LAB)

The debut EP from this London-based four-piece band is a strong set of dark, gloomy, gothy post-punk full of buzzing guitars, ominous synths, propulsive rhythms, and brooding vocals that brings a refreshing modern take to a revered nostalgic sound. -AR

Shayk - FORWARD (Everything Is Perfect)

Shayk is a Birmingham, UK-based producer/rapper of British-Indian heritage who recently co-produced Jorja Smith’s 2025 smash single “The Way I Love You.” Often recalling Dizzee Rascal’s groundbreaking 2003 debut album ‘Boy in da Corner,’ his debut album is a thrilling set of hard-hitting grime that’s a prime showcase for his adventurous, reverential, sample-heavy, top-shelf beats and steady, gritty, sneaky cool flow. -AR

she’s green - swallowtail EP (Photo Finish Records) 

After starting off strong with debut EP ‘wisteria’ back in 2023, Minneapolis outfit she’s green just keeps getting better and better. Now returning with their third EP, ‘swallowtail,’ their signature blend of dream pop, shoegaze, and indie rock soars. Reverb-soaked guitars propel Zofia Smith’s hazy, ethereal vocals as the band dances along the line between light and dark across the seven compelling tracks.  –CS

papaya noon - through the moods EP (First Word)

The debut EP from this Cardiff, Wales-based duo composed of vocalist Annie Mirza and multi-instrumentalist/producer Greg Marriott is a supremely smooth set of downtempo soul and chillout alt-R&B that pairs Annie’s cooly hushed vocals with Marriott’s lush, laidback, slightly jazz beats. -AR

Tracey Nelson - Hercules (K/perennial)

Kansas-raised, NYC-based artist and self-billed “Troubadour of Trouble Songs” Tracey Nelson delivers a strong debut album that positions himself as a standout new act within the current surge of twangy Americana artists finding a sweet intersection of country, indie rock, roots-rock, and folk music. He’s fittingly accompanied here by MJ Lenderman and MJ’s close cohort Colin Miller, who recorded and co-produced ‘Hercules’ and it yields yet another winning entry in K/perennial’s 2026 renaissance. -AR