Every Tuesday at WSUM, our Music Director, Izzi, chooses her favorite new releases to add to our music library. Here are this week's favorites, presented to you by WSUM's Music Journalism Club.
Nolan Potter, Music Is Dead
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “One Eye Flees Aquapolis,” “Georgian Chance,” “Music is Dead”
GENRE: Alternative rock
RIYL: Beans, Acid Dad, Fuzz
A peek at the album cover gives an ounce of insight into the complexity of Music Is Dead. Nolan Potter's first solo album is crowded with experimental sounds without feeling claustrophobic and is still fresh but familiar. Repetitiveness is not an issue on Potter's part with every track bringing distinctive elements to an overall intricate album. A previous album with a similar dream-like experience can be found under Nolan Potter's Nightmare Band, who accompanied Potter on Music Is Dead. There is no issue in categorizing this album under the “hidden gems” list with its strange but addicting tone. Every replay is a new experience with new sound and abundant layers to dig into. Breaking down the instrumentation is a feat in its own right with recognizable guitars still feeling striking. One thing is crystal clear, Nolan Potter is someone to keep an eye on for new releases. —Kait Fueger
Deerhoof, Actually, You Can
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Department of Corrections,” “Plant Thief,” “Our Philosophy is fiction,” “Epic Love Poem”
GENRE: Math rock, Noise pop, Indie rock
RIYL: Xiu Xiu, black midi, Stereolab, The Flaming Lips
Following their two album releases in 2020, Deerhoof have added Actually, You Can to their extensive discography. Through eccentric lyrics and angular guitars, Deerhoof continue to embrace their experimental nature with strong noise pop and math rock influences. Deerhoof separate themselves from the norm, showing how a band can create unconventional music in inventive ways. Their nineteenth studio album is fun, melodic and loud. Actually, You Can shows how, the weirder Deerhoof get, the better they sound. —Amany Khreis
Odonis, Odonis, Spectrums
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Shadow Play,” “Laced in Leather,” “Get Out,” “Salesman”
GENRE: Industrial rock, Electronic, Synthpop
RIYL: Lingua Ignota, Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft, Depeche Mode
Spectrum takes a lot of everything and ties it all into something brand new. The sounds on this album are industrial and electronic, beat-driven and melodic. The music is dark and the vocals are distorted, borrowing heavily from both the goth and the synthpop movements of the 80s. The biggest appeal of the new Odonis, Odonis album is just how catchy each song is. Whether it's the synthpop beats of “Salesman” or the noise rock of “Get Out,” there is something on this album for everyone. — Amany Khreis
Orquesta Akokán, 16 Rayos
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Mi Conga Es De Akokán,”
GENRE: Mambo, Latin Jazz
RIYL: Tito Puente, Joe Cuba, Cal Tjader, Buddy Rich
Following the success of their 2018 self-titled debut, Orquesta Akokán continue to stretch the limits of mambo music on 16 Rayos. The Cuban mambo group sticks true to mambo styles with their echoed, syncopated drum beats, and tales of love trials. This album's repetitive, swelling lines keep things exciting and leave you with no choice but to dance. What sets this album apart from traditional mambo, however, is it's incorporation of hard bop elements (think Cowboy Bebop soundtrack or Buddy Rich's The Roar of ‘74). While tracks like “16 Rayos” serve as beautiful renditions of 50s mambo, certain takes such as “Mi Conga Es De Akokán” lean more towards hard bop and latin jazz. In that sense, Orquesta Akokán's 16 Rayos is not merely a resurrection of mambo—it's the group's fresh take on a celebrated genre. — Raines Lucas