The Alt Weekly Roundup (3/9)
Posted: by The Editor
The Alternative Weekly Roundup is a column where our staff plugs a variety of new releases in a concise, streamlined format. Albums, singles, videos, and live sets. Check back each Monday to see what we were jamming the week prior.
Pedazo de carne con ojo—¿Pero Like Cómo E’tá?
Pedazo de carne con ojo makes experimental hip-hop that warps time itself. Citrus City released the latest project from the Philly producer/rapper in mid-February, and it’s a hot one that packs weirdo hip-hop, latin pop, salsa, and delirious beats into one joint. The kooky samples and psychedelic vocal panning make for a totally idiosyncratic listen that’s perfect for warmer weather.
Eli Enis | @eli_enis
Same—“It’s Lonely in Doggy Hell”
The first track from Same’s debut Plastic Western immediately recalls the scraggly indie rock of the ‘90s Pacific Northwest; slinky and distance-gazing with bursts of aggression. “It’s Lonely in Doggy Hell” sounds like something off of This is a Long Drive For Someone With Nothing to Think About that’s cut down to size, a song that feels like it’s in for the long haul but cuts off in under three minutes, leaving you feeling like you’re still in motion.
Jordan Walsh | @jordalsh
Viagra Boys—Common Sense
Right off the bat, the new EP from Swedish post-punk mutts Viagra Boys sets a pathetic scene of drug abuse, a trashed apartment and pissing in the bed. But anyone who fell in love with their dirty, nasty 2018 record Street Worms, which cleverly railed against toxic masculinity through relentless self-deprecation, won’t be surprised to hear these boys are still licking bags and causing chaos. The musicianship on this one is relatively restrained, but the energy is joyfully caustic; dive right in.
Eil Enis | @eli_enis
Bartees Strange—”Lemonworld” (The National cover)
Bartees Strange’s “Lemonworld” cover takes the “do do do” vocal dripping of the original National track and infuses it into a staccato synth backdrop, a point of fixation that turns out to be a fake-out when the cover explodes like the source material never does. Here, the low tension of The National’s song gloriously boils over and Strange’s vocals rise to a cathartic shout, all making for an outstanding re-imagination of a classic track.
Jordan Walsh | @jordalsh
Minor Movements—”Low Hum”
I think part of growing up—really getting into that last-semester-of-college groove—is recognizing that post-rock is the most exciting genre of music. Minor Movements are here to make that process happen quicker, and their new single “Low Hum” plays like a best of the genre medley. From am ambient intro to a crescendoing climax, it really makes you wonder who needs vocals anyway.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Fearing—”Pictured Perfect”
Fearing’s “Pictured Perfect” is an overcast, muddy post-punk track with grunge influence. It feels like Soundgarden, but more bleary. The rest of the album will be out April 10.
Bineet Kaur | @hellobineet
JPEGMAFIA—”BALD!”
After last year’s more subdued All My Heroes Are Cornballs, teh new JPEGMAFIA single “BALD!” is a return to the frenetic style of Veteran. That’s to say it’s one of his best tracks yet. Two-and-a-half minutes of jagged, gnarled hip-hop again proving why he’s one of the most exciting rappers around.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
The Alternative’s ‘New Music Friday’ playlist
Each week our editor Lindsy Carrasquillo compiles a playlist of songs our staff has been jamming. We’ll post it on Fridays on Twitter and then include it in each edition of the ‘Weekly Roundup’ to make sure you don’t miss all of the great music we’re recommending.
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