With the weekend just around the corner, music lovers have an incredible choice of big new releases to dive into. Among them, Big Thief’s sixth album, Double Infinity, stands out with its emotional depth, largely attributed to Adrianne Lenker’s songwriting. Antipodean quintet Parcels, on the other hand, prove themselves absolute masters of their craft with LOVED, an EP that finds them reconnecting with their raison d’être. Other noteworthy releases include Ayesha Madon’s debut EP, The Unanticipated Prequel, and Geese’s fourth album that pushes the boundaries of rock music.
Adrianne Lenker’s songwriting is still the throbbing emotional core of Big Thief’s expansive sound. Though the band’s new album comes on the heels of a shifting lineup, it’s an album that, like their previous work, is…. Lenker’s songwriting here is a study in restraint and earthiness—a truly human experience that stays on the ground and speaks to something profound. As they all go through their own personal and artistic changes, Big Thief is still moving forward with heart and honesty.
Big Thief’s Emotional Resonance
For years, Big Thief has won over listeners with their aching narratives and heavy beauty. On songs like the longing “So Much,” or the introspective “Dirt Napping,” they’re revealing an honest emotional world that exemplifies Lenker’s remarkable lyrical immediacy. The record is a beautiful tribute to the steadfastness and maturity of the band, who despite having experienced so much change still carry an unmistakable spark and vigor.
Lenker’s songwriting excels when she goes further into how human emotions can be difficult and intricate to navigate. Her ability to translate personal experiences into universal themes allows listeners to connect with the music on a profound level. It’s not only a beautiful collection of songs — it’s an incisive, sometimes painful, always relatable exploration of hope and vulnerability.
Yet the band’s journey has always been one of overcoming personal turmoil and musical transformation. Despite this recent personnel change, they have lost none of their distinctiveness. They’ve added new structures and aspects that breathe new life into their sound.
“Adrianne Lenker’s joy is subtle, grounded, and deeply human.” – Music Critic
Parcels Returns to Their Roots
In the meantime, Parcels has out with LOVED, a groove-heavy album that feels like a back to the start moment for the band. Since their formation in 2014, this Australian five-piece has always pulled from an aesthetic flossed with smooth disco-pop, jazz-funk, and soft rock vibes. Their recent released record Invisible is a testament to their dedication to sonic experimentation. They produced it through the pandemic between multiple studios in Berlin, Byron Bay, Sydney, and Mexico.
Parcels’ sound has a fresh, forward-thinking quality, but there’s an undeniable nostalgia that permeates their music. The album features high-profile collaborations from cool-kid artists such as Scottish producer Hudson Mohawke and German party starter Boyz Noise. Their contributions bring an electric energy to the tracks. The band explains their music as “a meditation on searching for hope through separation and transition.” This emphasis brings attention to their lyrical intricacies, all the while providing infectious hooks.
Their reinvention of traditional Afrobeat and jazz sound is rooted in intricate arrangements and dance-inducing grooves. This mix allows Parcels to provide an intriguing and colorful listening experience that’s enjoyed by people from all walks of life and musical tastes.
“A rumination on finding hope through distance and change,” – Parcels
Emerging Artists Making Waves
In addition to established bands like Big Thief and Parcels, emerging artists are making significant contributions to the musical landscape. Ayesha Madon’s debut EP, The Unanticipated Prequel, serves up six tracks of effervescent pop splendor that vividly illustrates her artistry. Yet the lead single “Eulogy”’s buoyant, sparkling production wraps these sinister themes up in a shimmery package.
Madon artfully balances feel-good hooks with thought-provoking themes. This extraordinary ability to transcend sounds makes her a new, completely original voice in today’s music arena. She stays true to the risks and joys of contemporary pop sensibilities, while continuing to wear lyricism as a badge on her sleeve. This mix of approachability and ingenuity is sure to connect with music fans looking for depth in their listening.
Geese’s fourth album is an exhilarating listen that shatters all rock music conventions in the most exciting ways. Yet, even as they redefine boundaries, their work remains firmly rooted in the spirit of rock’s origins, opening exciting new avenues to explore within the genre.
Cut Copy helps fill out this vibrant arts community with their complex, upbeat synth-pop. Their mood has always come across as more personal than 2000s predecessors such as The Presets and Midnight Juggernauts. More than just a tagline, this intimacy creates a unique emotional engagement with listeners.
