10/16/20: Goldmund, Open Mike Eagle, Duncan Fellows and more
Welcome to the Oct. 16th edition of First Listen Friday!
Goldmund released his new album The Time It Takes via Western Vinyl today. Goldmund’s Keith Kenniff is known for creating gorgeous piano-based ambient music and he’s done quite successfully again here on the new LP. Personally, I pre-ordered this album before “Day in Day Out” even finished playing the first time I heard it. It’ll easily end up being one of the most beautiful tracks released this year, I couldn’t do it justice if I described it but do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to close your eyes and give this track your attention and I imagine it’ll make you feel something, perhaps evoke a memory or a general feeling of nostalgia for another time. That may have been the intention as the album title itself as well as many of its tracks (“Forever”, “For Old Times”, “The End”, “For A Time”) reference time in some way. If you enjoy minimalist piano or ambient music definitely give this album a listen.
Open Mike Eagle released his new album Anime, Trauma and Divorce today. I really loved this album. It’s inward-looking, it’s got humor (one song blames Netflix and Black Mirror for ruining his marriage), the music and both Open Mike Eagle’s lyrics and flow are in top form here as well. “Bucciarati ft. Kari Faux” is one of my favorite songs on the album. Kari delivers really excellent vocals and a great verse on the track, it’s also one of my favorite of Mike’s flows (with some interesting vocal effects about halfway through) and the horn featured throughout really takes it to another level. The anime, trauma, and divorce referenced in the album title surface throughout the album but maybe most prominently on “I’m a Joestar (Black Power Fantasy)” where Mike imagines himself as the protagonist of an anime (Joestar is in reference to a family in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure). Definitely give this album a listen, the whole thing is great.
Duncan Fellows released their new album The Sadlands today. The band is back with the follow-up to their excellent 2017 debut Both Sides of the Ceiling (if you’re unfamiliar check out “Fresh Squeezed” from that LP). Having really enjoyed that album I’m pleased to say I think the band has outdone themselves on this new one. This might be the best “indie-rock” album I’ve listened to in 2020. It almost feels like a disservice to label it that because I wouldn’t consider this to be standard indie-rock fare. There are really great ideas and melodies all other this album, some lovely harmonies, backup vocals, and I hate making comparisons but if you’re a fan of Dr. Dog for example I think you’ll really dig this. My favorite tracks are “Tube Today”, “Feeling Down”, “H.a.G.S.” (love the guitar on this track), and “Best I Can”. If you like pop-rock, indie-rock, or music in general definitely check this album out.
I’m a fan of both Benny Sings and Mac DeMarco so I was pleased to see this collaboration. It sounds similar to what you’re probably imagining if you’re familiar with the artists which is to say it’s got a lovely pop melody and a funky bassline.
Girls in Airports released the first single from their upcoming album Dive, which will be released on November 27th. I’ve loved this band since I first heard “Grass By The Roses”. I’d definitely like to see them get some more exposure with this new album.
Petite League has released “Greyhound”, another excellent lo-fi rock gem following their last single “Joyride” which I featured previously on the newsletter.
Courtney Marie Andrews was interviewed and played some songs on Live on KEXP at Home. I’ve really enjoyed her last several LP’s. Her voice and the songs sound great here and you get to hear some of her thought process around the latest album.
Lastly, here’s the Spotify playlist with selections from this week, enjoy!