Every Friday in September I was oofed by another myriad of fantastic records. Around the middle of the month, I got scared – how should I manage to squeeze all those records into The Noise Of September? Surprisingly, when it came to putting those albums together, it was very easy. Those records below stand out, and I’m curious about your favorite picks!
Sermon Of Flames – I Have Seen The Light, And It Was Repulsive
September 3 // I, Voidhanger Records
This is just pure, glorious filth. Sermon Of Flames released one of the most relentlessly heavy records of the 2021, a year with tons of great heavy records. There is no escape. Blistering bleakness and a dense atmosphere is what makes I Have Seen The Light, And It Was Repulsive a highlight for everyone interested in extreme metal.
Defacement – Defacement
September 3 // I, Voidhanger Records
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
September 3 // Age 101 Music/AWAL
What to say about this record? Little Simz stepped up her game again, delivering one of the narratively strongest records of the year. Her decision to explore genres like soul or jazz even more makes Sometimes I Might Be Introvert a very warm and personal record, manifesting Simz’ artistic vision with elegance and confidence!
Suuns – The Witness
September 3 // Joyful Noise Recordings
Low – HEY WHAT
September 10 // Sub Pop
Chrome Waves – The Rain Will Cleanse
September 10 // Disorder Recordings/Transcending Records
Ditching a lot of their former heaviness and embracing a more shoegazey sound did wonders for Chrome Waves. I liked the project before, but they outdid themselves with the fantastic The Rain Will Cleanse. It’s awesome to hear their great sense for catchy, yet fresh-sounding vocal hooks and driving songwriting, so give this a spin!
백예린 (Yerin Baek) – Love, Yerin
September 10 // Blue Vinyl
Oh yeah, I’m in love as well. These songs are balm for the soul, radiating coziness and warmth. Yerin Baek charms the listener with sweet J-pop, influenced by bossa nova, jazz, and western indie pop.
Replicant – Malignant Reality
September 10 // Transcending Obscurity Records
Maston – Souvenir
September 10 // Innovative Leisure
Nate Smith – Kinfolk 2: See the Birds
September 17 // Edition Records
You shouldn’t talk about modern drumming without talking about Nate Smith. The outstanding artist is known for his work with Brittany Howard, Dave Holland, and The Fearless Flyers, and furthermore impresses his audience with groundbreaking solo records. His newest, Kinfolk 2, is his catchiest work to date, and shows a musician with no boundaries just making fulfilling art.
Lehnen – Negative Space
September 17 // Noise Appeal Records/Post.Recordings
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this album and its mixture of industrial, post-rock, and indie. Nevertheless, my first spin with this album was meant to be a short one, but turned out to be way more intense. This is just a collection of great songs from a band with a great sound idea. Lehnen might be overlooked, but I highly recommend giving them a spin.
Buffalo Daughter – We Are The Times
September 17 // Anniversary
Plum Green – Somnambulistic
September 17 // Nefarious Industries
Thrice – Horizons/East
September 17 // Epitaph Records
Moor Mother – Black Encyclopedia of the Air
September 17 // Anti- Records
I’ve been following Camae Ayewa aka Moor Mother for quite a while by now, be it within her solo work, as part of Black Quantum Futurism, or with Irreversible Entanglement. The multi-talented artist is delivering thought-provoking and meaningful art for years, and this newest offering solidifies your need to dive right into this well of greatness.
Mild High Club – Going Going Gone
September 17 // Stones Throw
Kyle Dion – SASSY
September 17 // Independent
VIBEZ! I was so stoked for a new Kyle Dion album after the fantastic SUGA, which was basically Prince-worship; a good thing, after all. SASSY is a bit more contemporary, but equally catchy and great.
Kinkajous – Being Waves
September 17 // Running Circle
Injury Reserve – By The Time I Get To Phoenix
September 15 // Indepedent
It’s a tough pill to swallow that probably no other album will surpass By The Time I Get To Phoenix. No other record in 2021 moved me the way this one did, and Injury Reserve immortalized themselves.
Graceful – Demiurgia
September 17 // Vlad Productions
This record is a bit rough around the edges, but establishes a very unique charm. Hopping through different genres like playing potsy, Graceful surprise with mature songwriting and fascinating ideas.
Judas Knife – Death is the Thing with Feathers
September 24 // Translation Loss Records
There is something truly special going on with this album. Coming off as a bit… well, off, Judas Knife have a very particular vibe going on. With a charming vocal performance, catchy songwriting, and a unique sound. Channeling some ’90s alt rock with a modern twist, this is a gem that deserves recognition.
Blodet – Vision
September 24 // Church Road Records
Kehlvin – Holistic Dreams
September 24 // Division Records
This year has some of the finest post-metal laying around. A new album by Swiss veterans Kehlvin has every fan of the genre marking it on the calendar. With no surprises, Holistic Dreams delivers on nearly every level. While this album doesn’t reinvent the genre or the band, the quintet knows exactly what they are doing in every second.
LLNN – Unmaker
September 24 // Pelagic Records
Speaking of great post-metal: Unmaker. LLNN from Denmark already released two very solid albums (at least under the LLNN moniker), bringing them to the table as a quality part of the genre. With their newest record, the band not only outdid themselves, but spearheaded to the forefront of post-metal, releasing one of the most phenomenal representatives in its vein.
One Step Closer – This Place You Know
September 24 // Run For Cover Records
This is how nostalgia works. Clicking play on This Place You Know transported me back to basement shows at venues where I grew up, jumping around to great hardcore bands like Verse, Have Heart, or Bane. One Step Closer aren’t the most original band around, but they are creating this very special vibe with such care and passion that you wish for a sweaty crowd to share it with.
Soccer96 – Dopamine
September 24 // Moshi Moshi Music
Love this shit. They have a really cool way approaching synthwave sensiblities, using eleconica and jazz influences to create an amazing cyberpunk vibe. First and foremost, this is an intense and very compelling conceptual record, unleashing way more depth and narrative than the first impression it makes on the listener. Very rewarding!
Film School – We Weren’t Here
September 24 // Sonic Ritual
I’m still not able to really poinpoint it, but there is some serious magic going on with We Weren’t Here. Somewhere between indie, neo-psychedelia, and space rock, Film School created a very warm album that also somehow conveys a certain The Last Unicorn vibe, which is something I love.
D Smoke – War & Wonders
September 24 // WoodWorks Records / EMPIRE
I’ll keep this short. D Smoke deserves more praise and spotlight. One of best behind the mic right now.
Thanks for scrolling.
