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.
Pepe Deluxe, Phantom Cabinet Vol. 1
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “General Deluxe,” “22nd Century Dandy,” “Halls of Kalevala”
GENRE: Electronic, rock
RIYL: Blockhead, Mr. Scruff, Sofa Surfers
It's certainly good news to have the first full-length Pepe Deluxe album since 2012. Electrifying is almost an understatement for compilation of raging sounds. Pepe Deluxe have been putting out some of the most energetic music since 1999 (including the Angry Birds Go! soundtrack) without letting up. Present in their new release is their instrumental experimentation that progresses with every album. In what is truly a dynamic and lively experience, Phantom Cabinet Vol. 1 does not disappoint. —Kait Fueger
Cedarsmoke, Into the Wild World
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “We Settle Into The Night”, “Never Mind”, “Those Days Are Gone”
GENRE: Alternative Rock/Indie
RIYL: Weezer, Modest Mouse, Peach Pit
After the release of their single “Anything”, Cedarsmoke left listeners anxiously awaiting an equally inspiring album. The band made the wait worthwhile through an array of harmonious rock sounds. Cedarsmoke have consistently released albums since 2016, solidifying their status early-on as an alternative rock band. Into the Wild World inspires a deeper diver into their discography to explore the unique instrumentation they will certainly provide to us. —Eliza Donnelly
Hand Habits, Fun House
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Aquamarine,” “Just to Hear You,” “No Difference,” “The Answer”
GENRE: Indie folk, Indie pop
RIYL: Aldous Hardling, Helena Deland, Gia Margaret, Weyes Blood
Fun House is the third studio album from Hand Habits, the single-led band of Meg Duffy. It comes following the release of their excellent EP, dirt, earlier this year. Duffy packed multiple exciting collaborations into Fun House, working with Perfume Genius and James Krivchenia of Big Thief. Hand Habits's third project holds some of Duffy's strongest songwriting, boldest production and catchiest songs. Fun House is most certainly one of the best indie folk albums to come out this year, blending all of Duffy's best traits together. —Amany Khreis
Julia Shapiro, Zorked
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Death (XIII),” “Come With Me”
GENRE: Shoegaze, Indie Rock, Noise Rock
RIYL: Whirr, Chapterhouse, Chastity Belt
Zorked is the newest creative listening experience from Chastity Belt's Julia Shapiro. Zorked was born out of quarantine, and the influence is clear. Zorked is a dive into Shapiro's experiences with isolation. The album opens with the dark “Death (XIII).” Swallowing, heavy, ambient guitar layers draw you closer to Shapiro's lyrical depiction of delusion. These themes continue into “Come With Me,” as Shapiro tells listeners, “Come with me / Sink with me.” The gloom of this album is capturing and entrancing. Shapiro provides some sonic fresh air on some of the lighter tracks such as “Do Nothing About It” or “Wrong Time,” but lyrically, these tracks remain bleak. This solo project cements Shapiro as a talented songwriter both within Chastity Belt and on her own. Zorked is Julia Shapiro's shot at breaking away from Chastity Belt in order to explore more intimate, emotional and aurally explorative music. —Raines Lucas
Ross From Friends, Tread
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Love Divide,” “A Brand New Start,” “XXX Olympiad,” “Life In A Mind”
GENRE: Future garage, House, Electronic
RIYL: Burial, Against All Logic, Jamie xx, Mount Kimbie
Following the release of Ross From Friend's debut album in 2018, Tread arrives as the highly anticipated sophomore album from Felix Clary Weatherall. The British producer is signed under Flying Lotus's record label, Brainfeeder. Tread is filled with hypnotic, glitchy beats and atmospheric, ambient breaks. Ross From Friends's work is detailed, making excellent use of synths and catchy beats. With some of his best work to date on Tread, Ross From Friends continues to stand out in the electronic music scene. —Amany Khreis
