Weekly Release Spotlight
That one perfect album that we (and you) almost missed.
By The Time I Get To Phoenix by Injury Reserve
By The Time I Get To Phoenix is Injury Reserve’s third and final studio album. Dedicated to Jordan Alexander Groggs aka Stepa J. Groggs — one of the members of Injury Reserve who tragically passed away in 2020 — the album is reflective of the hardships and social upheaval experienced by the group over the past few years. Groggs had suggested the title of By The Time I Get To Phoenix shortly before his passing, as an homage to the group’s hometown of Phoenix as well as to the classic Isaac Hayes song of the same name that has been covered and repurposed countless times. Undoubtedly their most experimental record to date, this album is a bittersweet reminder of Injury Reserve’s promise and a somber indication of the exciting directions Groggs and the rest of the group were headed in. Rest in peace Stepa J Groggs.
by Paul Schoening
MANG FI by Papa Mbye
Following the success of singles “IDONTSENDSEX” and “NOFOODINMYTUMMY,” Minneapolis-based rising star Papa Mbye has released his long-awaited debut EP titled MANG FI. MANG FI is a common phrase in Wolof, one of the most popular languages spoken in Senegal, where Papa was born and spent the first two years of life before relocating to Minneapolis. Translating to “I’m fine” or “I’m here,” the phrase is a fitting title to the EP, which is dedicated to his loved ones, including his late cousin who he mourns on the opening track, “WEB(si)+e.” With his incredible rapping, singing, and producing skills on full display on MANG FI, it’s hard to believe that Papa only started taking music seriously in 2019 after a performance at a house show in the Como neighborhood. Clocking in at just under twenty minutes with strong electronic elements, MANG FI is a short but sweet introduction to one of the most promising hip hop artists coming out of the Twin Cities.
by Paul Schoening
Glow On by Turnstile
GLOW ON is Turnstile’s most ambitious yet polished album to date. Building on the success of their 2018 release TIME & SPACE as well as their Turnstile Love Connection EP released earlier this summer, GLOW ON sees the band continuing to push the boundaries of hardcore punk to unprecedented lengths. Featuring guest vocals from Blood Orange on 3 of the album’s 15 tracks, GLOW ON is a spectacular blending of elements from punk, indie rock, shoegaze, glam rock, and countless other genres to form infectious anthems that you can scream along and dance to simultaneously.
by Paul Schoening
Only Up by Breeze
Breeze’s sophomore album Only Up was written, mixed, and recorded in only 8 days. Collaborating with some of the biggest names in the Toronto music scene such as TOPS, Orville Peck, and Broken Social Scene, Breeze’s Josh Korody infused elements of dance, glam and psych rock, new wave, and hip hop into the 10-track album. The result is a beautifully messy collage of three decades of music and a celebration of the UK’s sound evolution.
by Paul Schoening
'Mulholland Drive' by Eyedress
On his fifth studio album, Mulholland Drive, Eyedress’ Idris Vicuña drifts in and out of the lanes of distortion-heavy rock, synthed-out funk, and charming indie-pop. The album’s features are as refreshingly unique as its sound — with contributions from an all-star lineup including King Krule, Dâm-Funk, Paul Cherry, and Dent May. Overall, Mulholland Drive is dedicated to appreciating the beauty in simple pleasures like family car rides as well as the complicated journey of self-acceptance. As his music starts to get the attention it deserves, Mulholland Drive is a testament to Vicuña’s determination to not lose sight of himself or those close to him on his journey to the top.
by Paul Schoening
'City Slicker' by Ginger Root
On his 5th studio album City Slicker, Ginger Root synthesizes influences ranging from Japanese films to genres such as Philly Soul to create a bedroom pop masterpiece. While reminiscent of contemporaries like Mild High Club and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Ginger Root’s sound is uniquely his own. With some describing his sound as “aggressive elevator soul,” City Slicker feels like a ride through Ginger Root's carefully layered soundscape of synths, horns, and reverb.
by Paul Schoening