New and upcoming releases by Cage the Elephant, The Marías and more
Cage the Elephant — “Neon Pill”
For the indie rock lovers who when faced with a painful situation say, “Eh, I’ve been through worse.”
The Kentucky-based band is back with their new album “Neon Pill,” which was released on Friday. “Neon Pill” sounds as if they picked up where their previous album, “Social Cues,” left off — the former keeps a similar tempo while adding a touch of punk rock and blues.
The lyrics of the album come from the hard times that lead singer Matt Shultz experienced in the years between the albums, he told NME in an interview, when he suffered from psychosis. Shultz’s raspy voice and catchy lyrics are paired with drums, guitars and fast beats that get listeners’ heads nodding and feet tapping.
Dehd — “Poetry”
For a sunset drive to the beach.
This trio from Chicago released their fifth studio album, titled “Poetry,” with over 14 tracks on May 10. The opener, “Dog Days,” sets an upbeat tone for the album, exuding a sense of adventure, love and optimism.
The alternative rock album features Emily Kempf on bass and vocals and Jason Balla on guitar and vocals. Drummer Eric McGrady builds up the pace with his drums, and even his tambourine, while Kempf and Balla harmonize amongst heavy guitar.
Hana Vu — “Romanticism”
For those who may not be a teenager anymore, but in their heart still feel like one.
Hana Vu released her second full-length, full-emotion album on May 3. In the 12-track album, Vu opens up about how worried she is of the future and how all she can do is sing about it.
Vu’s voice shines in the album as she lets out her raw emotions, nearly screaming the lyrics while still having control of her voice. The sounds throughout the album change as musician Jackson Phillips plays the acoustic guitar, piano, synths and drums behind Vu’s voice.
Justice — “Hyperdrama”
For the house party you’re hosting while the neighbors are out of town.
After eight years since their last album release, the French duo Justice released “Hyperdrama” on April 26. Justice said the album does not feature but rather stars big artists such as Tame Impala, Miguel, Thundercat and more.
The album is filled with electronic music that feels like the product of a long and mature career. It spans electro-pop, with songs “Neverender” and “Mannequin Love,” and house music with “Generator” and “Explorer.”
The Marías — “Submarine”
For those looking to unwind with tranquil tunes after a long day.
This indie pop bilingual band from Los Angeles will be releasing their second album, “Submarine,” on May 31. The album consists of 14 tracks, four of which — “Run Your Mouth,” “Lejos de Ti,” “No One Noticed” and “If Only” — are out right now.
The Marías’ unique sound encompasses a mix of pop, Latin R&B and even jazz. Lead singer María Zardoya has a soft and soothing voice that can calm listeners. Pop songs like “Run Your Mouth” make you sway your head, and those like “No One Noticed” make you feel as if you’re in a dimly lit jazz club and María’s singing directly at you.
Washed Out — “Notes from a Quiet Life”
For those who daydream about every little thing in life.
Washed Out’s fifth studio album is just around the corner, with a release date of June 28. The man behind the name, Ernest Greene, released a single from the album called “The Hardest Part,” which is an electronic, upbeat pop song with somber lyrics that explore themes of love and nostalgia.
Washed Out is known for its nostalgic and dreamy sound with hits such as “Feel It All Around” and “It All Feels Alright.” In the album’s documentary, Greene said each of his albums is a diary entry documenting his life at the time, and ”Notes from a Quiet Life” comes from a happy place.
Cassandra Jenkins — “My Light, My Destroyer”
For fans of Mitski, boygenius and the like.
Cassandra Jenkins dropped two singles for her upcoming album that’s set to release on July 12. The sound of the album so far, with “Delphinium Blue” and “Only One,” is a mix of both pop and folk music, which is right up Jenkins’s alley.
What could be of Jenkins’s new album is an echo of her past ones, “Play Till You Win” and “An Overview on Phenomenal Nature,” which ignite listeners’ emotions with levitating beats.
Fontaines D.C. — “Romance”
For those who stop to read underground rock concert posters on the street.
This post-punk band from Dublin, Ireland is set to release their fourth studio album, “Romance,” on Aug. 23. They released a single from the album called “Starburster,” which was inspired by lead singer Grian Chatten having a panic attack in London, according to the band.
Fontaines D.C. transports listeners to a garage concert with high-octane energy and intense musical delivery. Their music is exhilarating, possibly inducing anxiety while nearly forcing listeners to move to the sounds of the guitar, drums and Chatten’s voice.
