What a nice month. We had some super decent releases in May, covering a wide variety of styles. As usual, this potpourri of records will definitely sweeten up your listening habits, so come closer and enjoy the ride!
Syncre – Correlation
May 7 // Rafage
Tokyo-based trio Syncre have a special way of combining math rock with electronics. While a lot of Japanese bands in the math rock scene use electronic elements as a tender layer, Syncre tend to establish it as a more aggressive part of their sound, which lets them sound fresh and unique. A great gem!
Stuff. – T(h)reats
May 7 // Sdban Records
I admit, I’m a bit biased here. Stuff. were one of the last bands I’ve seen live on stage, and listening to their fantastic new album T(h)reats brings me back to the energy this nu jazz/electronic band brought into their stage presence. Criminally overlooked, Stuff. deserve every bit of attention.
Grey Aura – Zwart vierkant
May 7 // Onism Productions
Squid – Bright Green Field
May 7 // Warp Records
mt.ida – mt.ida
May 7 // Independent
We’re always getting there, eventually. Skramz is part of The Noise Of‘s DNA, like my weird obsession with the movement, so I will dump in the finest skramz every month. mt.ida came together bound by their admiration for screamo and ’90s indie like Pinback, and you can hear those influences in every second of this fantastic release.
Hundreds of AU – Acting From Remote Satellites
May 7 // Independent
Graham Costello – Second Lives
May 7 // Gearbox Records
Obelisk, Graham Costello‘s previous record from 2019, was one of my favorite jazz records of that year. There was a certain elegance and a special pulse to that record, which usually comes from having a drummer as the leader. Naturally, I was super curious about Second Lives. Costello easily exceeded my expectations with a smoothly floating and crisply produced modern jazz record.
Tingsek – Home
May 7 // World Of Its Own Recordings
God, I love those little surprises. Stumbling over great records by accident is one of the things that can really brighten your day, which was the case when I found Tingsek‘s Scandinavian soul gem Home. This is fun, sunny, groovy and smooth. Perfect for the warm days.
Contour – Love Suite
May 13 // Good Question
With a runtime around 20 minutes, Love Suite is rather short, but it uses its time to display a forward-thinking piece of art, settling somewhere between dark art pop and soul. Those songs and ideas are more about vibe and atmosphere, but the unusual pacing and gripping sound design make this something you shouldn’t miss.
Sons Of Kemet – Black To the Future
May 14 // Impulse! Records
Aloa Input – Devil’s Diamond Memory Collection
May 14 // Siluh Records
Vola – Witness
May 21 // Mascot Label Group
Not gonna lie here: after Applause Of A Distant Crowd left me disappointed, I lost a bit of interest in Vola, a band I followed and supported even before the release of their first album Inmazes. The fact that their new album, Witness, is not only a return to form, but also contains some of the best songs the band has ever written, brings all the good feelings. I’m happy for the band, and I’m happy for myself for reconnecting with this band which is so dear to my hear.
La Jungle – Fall Off The Apex
May 21 // Black Basset Records
Trade Wind – The Day We Got What We Deserved
May 21 // Other People Records
Trade Wind was a fascinating project right from the start. The hardcore roots it was born from are nowhere to be found; instead, the band established a sound between prog and post-rock, adding elements of dream pop to their newest album The Day We Got What We Deserved. Another addition to an already impressive discography.
Storefront Church – As We Pass
May 21 // Sargent House
Critically overlooked, Storefront Church made an entrance with the magical As We Pass. The project was created by Lukas Frank, and channels art rock and the dreaminess of Radiohead. That Frank’s vocal performance resemble Thom Yorke‘s definitely helps with that impression. As We Pass goes way beyond that, though, but why not find that out for yourself?
FACS – Present Tense
May 21 // Trouble In Mind Records
Epiphanic Truth – Dark Triad: Bitter Psalms To A Sordid Species
May 21 // Church Road Records
Never heard about Epiphanic Truth? Don’t worry, neither have I before this piece of art dropped. This is simply some of the best prog death I’ve heard in years, and one of the best things happening in metal in 2021. On three songs and over 40 minutes of runtime, this album will suck you in and twist you real good. Don’t hesitate to jump in.
Colleen – The Tunnel and the Clearing
May 21 // Thrill Jockey Records
The Tunnel and the Clearing starts nice. Pleasant. A beautiful, angelic voice, soft synths, relaxed beats. When you reached the end of the album, its beginning felt like an act of luring. Colleen‘s newest album is darker and stronger than its first impression, and creates an emotional turmoil throughout its fantastic soundscapes.
CHAI – Wink
May 21 // Sub Pop
Biig Piig – The Sky Is Bleeding
May 21 // RCA
Deciding upon one sound idea and just mastering it with phenomenal songwriting is something that always fascinates me. The Sky Is Bleeding is a shining example for this, and Biig Piig does it all with grace and elegance.
Nadja – Luminous Rot
May 21 // Southern Lord
Good Sleepy – everysinglelittlebit
May 21 // No Sleep
Can’t get enough of the sunny math rock/pop punk vibes of Tiny Moving Parts? Massachusetts-based outfit Good Sleepy captured my heart with awesome songs and irresistible never-stop-smiling vibes.
Daði Freyr – Welcome
May 21 // Samlist
‘Baby, I can’t wait to know
What do you think about things?
Believe me, I will always be there, so
You can tell me anything and I’ll listen‘
The catchiest stuff.
Body San – Reborn While Shopping
May 27 // Noumenal Loom
Penelope Trappes – Penelope Three
May 28 // Houndstooth
Alluvial – Sarcoma
May 28 // Nuclear Blast
Who would have thought that an exciting little instrumental project by Wes Hauch and Keith Merrow would ultimately turn into one of the most exciting metal bands of the year? Alluvial‘s Sarcoma balances technicality with compelling songwriting and catchy melodies. If you’re craving something in the vein of Rivers Of Nihil‘s Where Owls Know My Name, Sarcoma is a must-listen!
Pledge – Haunted Visions
May 28 // ragingplanet
Zachary Utz – direct deposit
May 28 // sound as language
sneaky jesus – For Joseph Riddle
May 28 // Shapes Of Rhythm
Dödsrit – Mortal Coil
May 28 // Independent
black midi – Cavalcade
May 28 // Rough Trade Records
The hype is still a bit annoying, but damn, this is some next level shit. black midi definitely stepped up their game with Calvacade, even after the interesting start Schlagenheim provided. At the end, the hype paves the way for math rock and forward-thinking rock music in general for a wider audience, and I’m cool with that!
Portal – AVOW & Hagbulbia
May 28 // Profound Lore Records
Dissonant death metal monster Portal just released two record. No, you don’t have to play them simultaneaously. You can, of course, but you don’t have to. Both are pretty great, though.
Thanks for scrolling!