Tuned In-Spin These New Releases, February 10th

By Alex Dye

Our selection of new releases for this week; what are you listening to, what’d we get right, and what did we miss?

Paramore–This is Why

Paramore returns with their first album in five years. Not that the band has been completely silent in the interim. Front person Hayley Williams released two solos albums following Paramore’s After Laughter. The band continues their exploration into post-punk soundscapes, with the titular track sounding like an angular, jangly Talking Heads tune that would’ve lit up the radio in their hey day.

Andy Shauf–Norm

Singer-songwriter Andy Shauf returns with his seventh album Norm. This time, he has completely eschewed guitar for piano and clarinet, with some synth overlaid. It fits very well in the easy listening category without being schmaltzy or croony. Norm is filled with stories from the profound to the seemingly mundane and rewards listening along with lyric sheet in hand.

Narrow Head–Moments of Clarity

Post-gaze heavies Narrow Head have dropped their third album Moments of Clarity. Filled with aggressive vocals, fuzzy guitars, and shoe-gazy time signatures, the album hearkens back to some well-loved artists of the 90’s as a part of a revival of a sound that has increasingly gained respect over the years. While they could certainly fit in well with bands like My Bloody Valentine and Ride, their vocals capture latter-day Deftones emotion that puts them on the heavier end of the spectrum. This is an easy album for fans of the genres to enjoy. Read our full review HERE.

Yo La Tengo–This Stupid World

Indie-Jam entrepreneurs are back with their 17th album in nearly 40 years. Despite the years under their collective belts, the new music doesn’t sound tired or forced. Together, the band creates a very chill yet exploratory atmosphere for listeners to get lost in.

Pierce The Veil–The Jaws of Life

Heavyweights from the latter days of Warped Tour, Pierce the Veil, have released their sixth studio album, The Jaws of Life. Teased with three singles, the band continues forward with its alternative brand of heavy music, driven largely by Vic Fuentes crystalline tenor.