“Javelin” by Sufjan Stevens – Oct. 6
On Sept. 20, Sufjan Stevens announced on social media that he had been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that damages the nervous system.
As the 48-year-old singer learns to walk again, he has also prepared for the release of his 10th studio-length album, “Javelin.”
Though he has been unable to promote the release of the new LP, Stevens wrote to his Tumblr profile that he is “very excited about having new music to share.”
Throughout his 25-year-long career, Stevens has explored various genres including baroque pop, alternative folk and even electronica. In “Javelin,” Stevens returns to his tender singer-songwriter roots as he reflects on the powerful force of nature that is love.
Additionally, Stevens will release a 48-page book containing an art series and a collection of 10 essays to accompany each song on the album’s tracklist.
“Javelin” is Stevens’ first solo project since his 2020 release, “The Ascension.” The album was released on Oct. 6 through Asthmatic Kitty Records.
“Calling the Dogs” by Citizen – Oct. 6
Citizen was a leading band in the post-emo revival of the late 2000s and early 10s. The Midwest band emerged in 2009 and faced rapid success after the arrival of their debut album, “Youth.” By 2014, the group had already established their name at the Vans Warped tour and played a full North American headlining tour.
In July 2023, Citizen announced their fifth LP, “Calling the Dogs.” The album’s first single, “If You’re Lonely,” illustrated the band’s ability to transform with rock’s constantly developing sound, making this release highly anticipated by fans and critics.
Citizen is currently composed of vocalist Mat Kerekes, lead guitarist Nick Kerekes, rhythm guitarist Mason Mercer, bassist Eric Hamm and drummer Ben Russin.
“Calling the Dogs” was released on Oct. 6 under the label Run for Cover Records. The band’s U.S. tour begins on Oct. 18 with supporting bands Narrow Head and Modern Color.
“Johnny” by The Drums – Oct. 13
The Drums’ Johnny Pierce has made it clear that he does not fear transparency. Though the band started as a synth-pop duo, Pierce went solo in 2017 with the release of “Abysmal Thoughts,” an honest portrait of grief and the quest for hope.
Fans of the indie rock singer should not expect anything less from his upcoming album “Johnny,” which is scheduled to release on Oct. 13.
“16 songs birthed out of my deepest wounds and out of my wildest joys,” Pierce shared on an Instagram post in July. “When I listen back to it, I hear my soul reflected back at me.”
Pierce has released seven singles in the span of five months, all capturing the highs and lows of a tumultuous romantic connection.
The Drums will be performing “Johnny” in its entirety on its release date at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s Masonic Lodge.
“Demon Compass” by Provoker – Oct. 13
The band Provoker was originally Johnathon Lopez’s outlet for creating horror film scores. Upon meeting singer Christian Petty at a screening of “The Greasy Strangler,” the two began sending recordings back and forth and developed their signature synth-dominated sound.
Bassist Wil Palacios joined the two musicians in 2018 on their EP “Dark Angel,” and the three-piece delivered their first LP, “Body Jumper,” three years later. The album’s success landed the group a place in Paste Magazine’s “The Best of What’s Next” profile column for their July 2021 issue.
Provoker’s latest single, “It’s In My Head,” recalls elements of post-punk with its punchy, leading bassline that carries the melody.
The Bay Area band will release their sophomore album “Demon Compass” under the record label Year0001 on Oct. 13.
“Hard Light” by Drop Nineteens – Nov. 3
Drop Nineteens released two genre-defining shoegaze albums in the 90s —“Delaware” and “National Coma”— then abruptly shared their final goodbyes.
That was what the music world thought until singer Greg Ackell announced the band’s reunion in January 2022 via X, formerly known as Twitter. After a 30-year pause, the band dropped their latest single titled “Scapa Flow,” an atmospheric track led by Ackell’s lyrics.
In addition to Ackell, original members Steve Zimmerman, Peter Koeplin and Motohiro Yasue collaborated to record their third LP, “Hard Light”.
“The one thing I was certain of, more than anything in my life, was that I would never make music again,” Ackell told Stereogum in an interview.
Despite Ackell’s assertions, Drop Nineteen’s long-awaited LP arrives Nov. 3 on Wharf Cat Records.
Listen to singles from these albums on our Anticipated Fall Releases playlist below and on Spotify @kcpr913.
