Chime School’s second album, “The Boy Who Ran the Paisley Hotel,” emanates a bright Laurel Canyon vibe with jangly power pop and Byrds-like strumming. Influenced by Teenage Fanclub and the Paisley Underground scene, tracks like “Wandering Song” and “Give Your Heart Away” feature catchy melodies and dreamy atmospherics, making for an infectious, replayable album.
Anastasia Coope’s debut album “Darning Woman” intricately blends fragmented folk, minimalist avant-garde chamber pop, and 60s experimental psych-rock. Combining layered vocals and lo-fi experimental elements, the album features emotionally rich tracks with nostalgic and ethereal qualities. Notably, tracks like “Darning Woman” and “Return to Room” showcase her unique and evocative soundscape.
Roberto Carlos Lange, aka Helado Negro, has released his 8th album, PHASOR, under 4AD Records. This album features a mix of ambient, soulful, and lo-fi pop sounds, celebrating deep connections and friendships. Standout tracks include “Wish You Could Be Here,” “I Just Want To Wake Up With You,” and “Colores Del Mar.”
Icelandic artist Emiliana Torrini’s new album, “Miss Flower,” is her first solo project in 10 years. It delves into themes of love and loss, inspired by Geraldine “Miss Flower” Moodie. The album blends melancholic dance tunes with hope, featuring standout tracks like “Black Water,” “Let’s Keep Dancing,” and “The Golden Thread.”
Atlanta-based chillwave artist Washed Out, also known as Ernest Greene, releases his fifth album, “Notes from a Quiet Life,” featuring a mellow and introspective sound. The record explores themes of lost love, time, and contentment, with standout tracks including “Wait on You,” “Wondrous Life,” and “Second Sight.”
“Cemetery Classics,” by Moon Diagrams (Moses Archuleta,) explores dark, ambient soundscapes ranging from industrial to lo-fi and chill-wave. Standout tracks include “NRG” with its acoustic vibe, “and “Very Much Promise To You. ”The album’s diverse sound offers impactful, ambient experiences.
Isobel Campbell’s “Bow To Love” is a dreamlike album blending calm acoustic guitar, strings, and Campbell’s soothing voice. Despite its tranquil sound, it addresses social issues with quiet defiance. Highlights include “Dopamine” and “Do Or Die,” showcasing resilience and hope amidst chaos. An intimate and nostalgic work.
Isobel Campbell’s “Bow To Love” is a dreamlike album blending calm acoustic guitar, strings, and Campbell’s soothing voice. Despite its tranquil sound, it addresses social issues with quiet defiance. Highlights include “Dopamine” and “Do Or Die,” showcasing resilience and hope amidst chaos. An intimate and nostalgic work.
DIIV’s album “Frog in Boiling Water” showcases a matured, atmospheric sound distinct from their earlier work. Influenced by shoegaze legends, the record blends orchestral soundscapes with fresh elements. Tracks like “In Amber” and “Brown Paper Bag” illustrate the band’s evolution with layered guitars and melancholic vocals, embodying both intensity and calm.
News of the Universe by La Luz is an inventive album that expands their surf guitar sound with synths and harmonies. It explores themes of motherhood, breast cancer, womanhood, and acceptance. The album was somewhat influenced by sci-fi writer Octavia Butler… this album is both dreamy and nostalgic.