Paste Magazine has curated a selection of standout new albums released this week, featuring diverse genres from post-punk to folk. Highlights include Dry Cleaning's introspective Secret Love and Zach Bryan's expansive With Heaven On Top. These releases offer fresh sounds for listeners seeking new musical obsessions.
This week's New Music Friday brings a rich array of albums, as recommended by Paste Magazine, spanning post-punk introspection, alt-country collaborations, and heartfelt folk narratives.
Dry Cleaning's Secret Love marks a strong return for the South London post-punk outfit, building on their 2021 debut New Long Leg and 2022's Stumpwork. Frontwoman Florence Shaw's lyrical monologues shine, capturing everyday absurdities with lines like, “We’re meant to be from the same egg, but you confuse me,” from “The Cute Things.” Tracks such as “Cruise Ship Designer” delve into themes of belonging and productivity, underscoring the band's knack for elevating the ordinary.
Zach Bryan delivers his sixth album, With Heaven On Top, a 25-track double set following the expansive The Great American Bar Scene. The Oklahoma songwriter, fresh from a New Year's Eve wedding in Spain, explores personal losses and the American Dream in songs like “DeAnn’s Denim” and “Miles.” His raw voice continues to resonate with fans, filling massive stadiums.
Other notables include the collaborative alt-country effort Destination Heaven by Euphoria Again and Dogwood Tales, praised for its majestic arrangements and a cover of Neil Young's “Albuquerque.” Jenny Hollingsworth, of Let's Eat Grandma, debuts solo as Jenny On Holiday with Quicksand Heart, led by the catchy '80s-infused “Every Ounce of Me.” Joe Glass's Snakewards channels power-pop energy, while Mon Rovîa's Bloodline draws from his refugee background for poetic folk tales. Pullman's III, a post-rock supergroup reunion after 24 years, carries somber depth amid member Tim Barnes's health challenges. Will Epstein's Yeah, mostly captures fleeting thoughts in modest arrangements, and Winged Wheel's Desert So Green refines krautrock grooves with focused intensity.
These albums reflect a vibrant week in music, blending personal stories with innovative sounds for diverse tastes.