ICYMI is a series featuring new and notable releases you (and we) may have missed
I have lived an entire lifetime since the last ICYMI (2021…). Clearly there has been a lot of good shit out since then, but will keep this to the best things we missed (i.e. didn’t cover) in 2022.
Wunderhorse
Not going to limit this to one track because I’d already be breaking my 2022 rule, but you need to be listening to Wunderhorse. Jacob Slater writes objectively good, melodic, rock music — a songwriter through and through. He even has an almost Elliot Smith moment on “One for the Pigeons”. Whether he’s telling stories of anticipated betrayal, addiction, or infatuation, it’s impossible to not be drawn in. Currently on tour with Fontaines D.C., he’ll be playing a headline show at Mercury Lounge October 7th and you should be there.
Jockstrap – I Love You Jennifer B
Jockstrap’s full length feels truly revolutionary. Their blend of genres, experimentation with song structure, the vast swath of orchestral elements they implement, all comes together in an avant-pop masterpiece. “Concrete Over Water” is one of my favorite songs of all time. “Greatest Hits” is Jockstrap’s own disco dreamland. They’re doing something bold and unique and doing it very well.
Black Country, New Road – Ants From Up There
The most egregious oversight is not covering easily the best album of 2022. Ants From Up There is a masterpiece of a record. The first few seconds of the “Intro” strings set the tone for the record before catapulting into “Chaos Space Marine” — the stage is set for theatrics and melodrama, but not at the expense of crushing vulnerability. It’s hard to not be grossly complementary, but it is a perfect record. There’s an immense sense of catharsis at moments, a soul crushing painfulness at others. It’s an album that deals with heartbreak and its various forms. It’s also tragically prophetic with its symbolism of the Concord — a revolutionary creation that burned to bright and then burnt out. With their lead singer Isaac Wood departing the band publicly during the release of the record, the band has now entered a new era (one that by the looks of the two sold out shows at Bowery Ballroom seems to be on a great path). Ants From Up There remains a treasured time capsule of a truly prolific band coming into their own and for the first and only time sharing that with their audience.
Sorry – “Let the Lights On”
We just shared Sorry’s latest single “Key To The City”, but would be remiss to not give “Let The Lights On” the hype it deserves. “Let The Lights On” is pure euphoria, maybe to its inevitable detriment, but we’re not gonna focus on that. It’s giving Robyn, but less crying in the club, like shit might turn out okay this time. Sorry has been impressive since their debut back in 2020, but this is on another level. Contender for song of the year.
Been Stellar – Been Stellar
I’m definitely biased on this one, but I truly love this EP. I think it’s a perfect introduction to the band and where they’re capable of going musically. They’ll be joining Just Mustard on tour this November — you can catch them at Baby’s All Right on November 5th.
The Lounge Society
Post-punk has become a dirty word almost and to put that on The Lounge Society is something I’d rather not do and also something I don’t think is entirely fair or accurate. Talented beyond their years, they’ve just put out their debut record via legends Speedy Wunderground and aren’t showing signs of stopping any time soon. My fingers are crossed they’ll be coming stateside in 2023. Standout track is “Upheaval”.