ICYMI: Black Midi, Hippo Campus, Kyle Craft

ICYMI is a new series featuring new and notable releases you (and we) may have missed

Art by Enne Goldstein, you can find more of their work here

Schlagenheim – black midi

When it comes down to it there’s not enough time in the day for me to come up with something as complex and exciting as Black Midi‘s Schlagenheim. Every time I think I have a complete thought I get distracted by another idea they had. So if you haven’t heard it yet:

1) Where’ve ya been??

2) Just listen to it already

— Grace Eire

Showboat Honey – Kyle Craft + Showboat Honey

Before this turns into an essay on my love for Kyle Craft’s catalogue of work, let’s state the obvious — I’m a fan. As his band has now become full time members and collaborators, there’s been a name shift, but the integrity behind the music stays the same. Always one to indulge in the deliciousness of despair, Craft paints a sepia toned picture of a world where religion and witchcraft rule simultaneously and one’s destruction does not exclude an element of victory. He’s able to be a bit more grandiose because he’s grounded by his self-deprecation and awareness. It’s a really great listen front to back and flows effortlessly even while shifting genres and moods. Showboat Honey should be the textbook on how to make cool, country infused rock n roll.

— Lauren Khalfayan

Demos II – Hippo Campus

After Hippo Campus released Demos I, a compilation of demos of their second album Bambi, last month, they were met with a very confused reaction from their fanbase. With the announcement of Demos II, the quintet tweeted “by tomorrow you won’t have to tell us to release ‘no poms’ or ‘chapstick’ ever again,” referring to two unreleased songs they’ve been playing during their live sets for quite a while now, creating an excited roar from their followers. The band really brought back their old indie pop sound that we know and love through these demos, making it feel like summer 2017, during their Landmark era. Tracks such as “Pin,” “Joy,” and “Ease up Kid” remind me a lot of I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose by Bombay Bicycle Club, delivering that timeless summer feel with their infectious guitars — I honestly can’t stop listening to them. These demos could honestly pass for more than what they intended them to be, and hopefully they start playing more of them live. Meet me in the pit for “No Poms?”

— Melissa Resurreccion