Nobody's Home by Bakar

Bakar’s debut full-length album Nobody’s Home is a thoughtful reflection on identity and place as a second-generation immigrant living in London. Like many of his peers, Bakar ditches static notions of genre and instead effortlessly embodies elements of indie, punk, and hip hop to create a very distinct sound. Nobody’s Home unquestionably sounds like a “coming of age” album, as Bakar has returned from a 4-year hiatus to tell stories of love, spirituality, revolution, and hope. 

Topical Dancer by Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul

Topical Dancer, the debut album by the Belgian duo Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul, is a perfect blend of early-2000’s-esque indie pop and funk-inspired electronic music. Adigery and Pupul have managed to create an incredibly sticky yet politically-charged project, providing witty lyrics which denounce xenophobia atop thumping electropop beats. Topical Dancer’s hypnotic and delightful repetition will be sure to make you run out to the dance floor.

Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You by Big Thief

Following up on their two spectacular 2019 albums, Big Thief has just released their 20-song indie-folk masterpiece Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You. The project was recorded as a series of four EPs within four different studios within four very different regions and terrains within the United States, yet still maintains a very cohesive sound and message. The album’s country-folk sound and Adrienne Lenker’s beautiful nature-inspired lyrics make Dragon the perfect cross-country roadtrip playlist.

by Lexi Sather

Laurel Hell by Mitski

Mitski’s most recent release Laurel Hell is a reflection on her relationship with her fans, her art, and herself. Her previous album Be The Cowboy (2018), launched her into indie pop fame, with tracks such as “Nobody” and “Me and My Husband” blowing up on TikTok and leaving her a much younger and larger audience than ever before. Whilst grappling with this newfound fame, a few online incidents occurred which left Mitski feeling like she had no choice other than to quit social media and music altogether in 2019. Because the contract with her label required her to complete one more album, Mitski has provided us with this 33 minute long synth-pop record that grapples with the consequences of being perceived by a very large audience. Mitski still loves her fans simply because she would not be able to create art without them, however she recognizes that the parasocial relationships that people form with her are concerning and dangerous. Laurel Hell contains many complexities and contradictions, and despite its short length, its catchy 1980’s-reminiscent hooks and expectedly thought-provoking lyrics make for a beautiful project.

Butterfly 3001 by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Australian psych-rock band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have followed up last year's stunning Butterfly 3000 with new remix album Butterfly 3001, collaborating with artists such as DJ Shadow, The Flaming Lips, Peaches, and The Scientist. Each guest brings their own unique twist to King Gizzard's typical synthy, vintage sound, bringing in elements of funk and electronic dance music. Peaches stated about their track, "[I] wanted to make this remix sound like a lizard. Slippery wet and scaly dry. Something that wiggles through wide open spaces...with slits for eyeballs...And danceable." Danceable and lizard-like it is, making for a groovy and exciting addition to their 18-album (!!!) catalogue.

by Lexi Sather

CAPRISONGS by FKA Twigs

FKA twigs' new surprise mixtape CAPRISONGS differs majorly from her previous releases, shapeshifting between her typical ethereal vocals and tracks heavily influenced by hip hop, Afrobeats, and dancehall. The 17-track project has something for everyone, with features by artists ranging from Shygirl to The Weekend, making it stick out as a distinct and inimitable collaborative project. 

By Lexi Sather