5 new albums to listen to this week

From K-Pop, to indie releases that easily slip under the radar, to artists that are constantly pushing and redefining the way in which we perceive a certain genre of music, the release schedule is hectic and overflowing with gems. While Olivia Rodrigo’s latest release, Guts, is deservedly the most hyped album being released this week, there’s plenty of other albums that are worth discovering. We’ve boiled it down to just X but there are plenty others that are worth checking out. Make sure to also give the latest by Tinashe, Angel Du$t, and James Blake a spin, along with the newest posthumous album by Sparklehorse, Bird Machine.

Anjimile — The King

Anjimile’s last album, the 2020 Giver Taker, was one of the best releases of the year. In their latest, The King, the singer-songwriter continues to prove their considerable talent, highlighting a powerful perspective. Their sound is a constant evolution that takes from many different genres and expressions, the opening title song, “The King,” demanding attention. In it, the Boston-based singer pushes back at the adage of “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” singing “What don’t kill you almost killed you//What don’t fill you//pains you//drains you.” Possessing a sense of calculated theatricality, the album is one of our most anticipated. More impressive is that “Nearly every sound you hear on The King comes from two instruments: an acoustic guitar and Anjimile’s own voice.”

Goose — Autumn Crossing EP

In 18 minutes, Connecticut jam band Goose provide their fans with a trio of compelling songs on their Autumn Crossing EP that stand up as some of their best studio recordings. “Travelers I” moves through an atmospheric intro to a triumphant jangly chorus before turning into the proggy instrumental “Travelers II”. That second “Travelers” song feels like one of the band’s live jams. Jam bands don’t often capture their spontaneous, freewheeling jams on their studio recordings, but “Travelers II” encapsulates the spirit of those improvisations as the band moves through synth and guitar solos.

The later in particular, which takes up most of the song, is a thrilling showcase for lead member Rick Mitarotonda as he builds from delicate picking to a shredding crescendo. The final song, the folky “Elkmeg the Wise”, flows out of the outro of “Travelers II” and channels Bon Iver or Wilco, especially in its explosive and emotional final half. While short, Autumn Crossing is a great followup to their breakthrough third album Dripfield from last year, and shows the Goose as one of the best and most rewarding new groups on the jam scene. [Ryan Gibbs]

Olivia Rodrigo — Guts

The rising pop star made an assured name for herself with her debut album Sour, drawing on notes from Paramore to Alanis Morrisette with a finish that was distinctly her own. On her latest, the “Drivers License” singer continues to explore the trials and tribulations of fame, her love life, and other playful self-evaluations. Beginning with a number, “all-american bitch,” a title pulled from a phrase in a Joan Didion book, the singer is expanding her sound.

Romy — Mid Air

As one-third of the band the xx, Romy is the last member to set off on her solo endeavors and the results so far have been superb. The songs released before the album, “Loveher” and “Enjoy Your Life” speak to club music influences, pop-heavy in a way that sets her apart from her bandmates. Writing love songs, the album dabbles in feelings of euphoria, from the sonic distortion of sound and crisp production to Romy’s sweet vocals, and the lyricism that overflow with notes of romance. This is a love letter to the singer’s queerness, her love of dance music, and more and the emotions run big.

V — Layover

The latest BTS member to release his solo music, V’s “Layover” is a more subdued fare than some of his bandmates. Playing with his interest in jazz, and old-school crooners, the singer’s six-song EP may be brief but it allows him to explore his lower register and rumbling baritone while playing into his strengths as a performer. As evidenced by the song “Rainy Days,” these ballads and lo-fi-inspired beats are perfect for gray days ahead.