New Music Reviews (10/20)

Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. These reviews help our DJs decide on what they want to play. See what we added this week below (and on our Charts page), including new releases from Sudan Archives, Tame Impala, bar italia, and more. 

Sudan Archives - THE BPM (Stones Throw)
On her third album, LA-via-Cincinnati musician Brittney Parks, aka Sudan Archives, dives deeper into electronic and hip-hop spaces, while still keeping her trusty violin in the mix. Her most dynamic release to date explores themes of sexual liberation, technology, self-love, mental illness, and romance through innovative, genre-blurring soundscapes. Effortlessly shifting from seductive R&B jams to beat-driven dancefloor bangers, THE BPM finds Sudan Archives breaking the mold once again as she invites listeners into her intoxicating sonic universe. –CS

Tame Impala - Deadbeat (Columbia)
The fifth studio album from Australian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker’s Tame Impala is a mesmerizing set of kaleidoscopic psychedelia. With layered, affected vocals, bright synths, bouncy bass, and driving beats, Deadbeat is lush, warm, and inviting, leaning into dreamy, hook-laden psych-pop (“Dracula”) while also venturing into headier territory (“Ethereal Connection”). Marking his Columbia Records debut and first full-length in over five years, the album is another vibrant feather in Parker’s deservedly celebrated cap.  –CS

bar italia - Some Like It Hot (Matador)
Prolific London-based trio bar italia return with their fifth studio album. Some Like It Hot showcases their signature witty lyricism and off-kilter post-punk, with distorted guitars, dynamic vocals, dramatic lulls, and dark undertones, resulting in a beguiling, riveting listen.  –CS

Katie McBride - RHODO (Blue Water)
The third full-length album from Toronto-based electronic producer, singer, and songwriter Katie McBride is another strong collection of sparkling synth-pop propelled by her kinetic beats, ethereal vocals, and dreamy melodies. Similar to her breakout 2024 album THE ANGELS ARE CALLING, RHODO confidently balances sleek pop moments (“No Performer,” “Broken Glass Animal Heart”) with bold forays into adventurous high-BPM terrain (“Vacancy”) while still retaining her celestial pop vision. –AR

Militarie Gun - God Save The Gun (Loma Vista Recordings)
The sophomore album from the LA outfit led by Ian Shelton (who is also the frontman of LA-via-Seattle band Regional Justice Center) is an exhilarating fusion of hardcore, pop-punk, and alt-rock. Without sacrificing melody, Militarie Gun channels a raw intensity through emphatic vocals, pummeling percussion, and incendiary guitars, delivering an urgent set of anthemic rockers. –CS

Orchestra Gold - Dakan (self-released)
The fourth album from this Oakland-based outfit fronted by Malian singer Mariam Diakite is another stellar set of African psychedelic rock that’s soulful, funky, groovy, and hypnotic. Translated as “Destiny,” Dakan is a vibrant fusion of fiery electric guitars, boisterous horns, soaring saxophone, propulsive rhythms, and Mariam’s transfixing vocals inspired by her deep faith and devotion to the Baye Fall tradition, a mystical branch of West African Islam that favors direct communion with the divine over dogma. –AR

POLIÇA - Dreams Go (Memphis Industries)
The sixth, and potentially final, album from Minneapolis outfit POLIÇA perfectly encapsulates their dreamy synth-driven indie pop sound. Channy Leaneagh’s pristine vocals and emotive lyrics take center stage as Dreams Go washes listeners in a delightful haze. Full of hooks and tinged with melancholy, it feels like a swan song, yet leaves hope that this isn’t truly the end. –CS

Soulwax - All Systems Are Lying (DEEWEE/Because)
On their first album in seven years, David Dewaele and Stephen Dewaele – aka Soulwax – return in prime form with a bold, muscular, and infectious fusion of synth-driven alt-rock and dance. All Systems Are Lying delivers intricate textures and dark twists and turns that eventually lead to the light, urging folks to “run free with the music” as the Dewaele brothers examine the pitfalls of modern society.  –CS

Wargirl - Good Things (Clouds Hill)
The third studio album from this Long Beach, California collective is a ripping set of psychedelic soul, garage rock, retro art-pop, and groovy dance-punk with a funky, charismatic, genre-blurring streak that consistently delivers. “Bidness” is a glorious starting point to this politically-charged party. –AR

Barnet - Galen och kär (sing a song fighter)
The second album from this Swedish all-female trio is a sublime set of dreamy synth-accented indie pop full of gorgeous vocal harmonies, divine melodies, shimmery synths, rich instrumentation, and a timeless pop sensibility. Entirely sung in Swedish, there’s a magical and transportive element to Galen och kär that makes it standout amongst its Swedish peers, while also imbuing it with a whimsical Icelandic quality. –AR

Casey Dienel - My Heart is an Outlaw (Jealous Butcher Records)
On her seventh album, Casey Dienel (fka White Hinterland) returns after an eight-year hiatus from the bullshit of the music industry to take her most traditional step yet: recording a proper studio album. Working closely with producer Adam Schatz and a cast of talented players, from Spencer Zahn to Meg Duffy, they’ve crafted eleven ornate, enrapturing tracks that showcase her rich, emotive vocals and unparalleled artistry. Here, Dienel emerges as an unbridled force, confidently dancing through complicated emotions with sweeping pop opuses, heart-wrenching ballads, and an outlaw heart worn proudly on her singular sleeve.  –CS

Good Flying Birds - Talulah’s Tape (Carpark)
The debut album from this Indianapolis-based “jangling noisy guitar pop music group” is a sweet set of scrappy, fuzzy, catchy lo-fi rock jams full of sharp songwriting, big hooks, and a jagged DIY charm. Originally released earlier this year on cassette tape through the boutique label Rotten Apple and quickly becoming a word-of-mouth success, Talulah’s Tape has now been remastered and given a wide release through Carpark Records. –AR

Linda From Work - Linda From Work (self-released)
The third studio album from Seattle’s Linda From Work is a lively set of punk-infused garage rock. Fueled by searing guitars, potent percussion, and Hillary Tusick’s fierce vocals, this aptly self-titled release showcases a tight, assured outfit delivering well-crafted, melodic rippers with a bite. –CS

Massage - Coaster (Bobo Integral)
The third album from this LA-based band is another sharp set of classic indie pop and melancholic New Wave that’s carried by the band’s jangly guitars, lively rhythms, lush keyboards, dreamy melodies, and reflective lyrics. –AR

Megatronic - There’s Truth in Gospel (Razor-N-Tape)
Billed as “A Modern-Day Congregation on the Dancefloor,” the latest EP from London-based DJ/producer Megatronic (aka Megane Quashie) is a jubilant set of soulful, gospel-flavored house grooves carried by Megatronic’s infectious club-ready rhythms and stirring vocal contributions from Philadelphia singer Fawziyya Heart, NYC singer Chiqo Casidi, and versatile NYC musician Aku Orraca-Tetteh who’s previously collaborated with Santigold, Florence & The Machine, TV on the Radio, and more. –AR

Mondo Freaks - Mondo Freaks (Every Star)
The debut album from this Melbourne-based 10-piece outfit is a sweet time portal to the tasty disco, slippery boogie, loose funk, and kinetic R&B of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Formed by the rhythm section of in-demand session bassist Luke Hodgson and drummer Graeme Pogson (member of The Bamboos and GL) and featuring five alternating vocalists, Mondo Freaks deliver an eclectic, nostalgic, analog-rich dance party on their proper introduction. –AR

Semisoft - Semisoft (Den Tapes)
The second EP from this rising Tacoma trio is a brief but potent set of psychedelic garage rock and dreamy post-grunge with an expansive range and a swirly swagger. While it’s sharp from start to finish, closing track “BDS” ends on a particularly heavy tip for a distinctive standout. –AR

Silvana Estrada - Vendrán Suaves Lluvias (Glassnote)
The sophomore album from Mexican singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Silvana Estrada is a breathtaking display of her distinct indie folk. Entirely self-produced and composed, then co-arranged with visionary Owen Pallett, Vendrán Suaves Lluvias features her spellbinding vocals, sweeping strings, and enchanting woodwinds, resulting in a dreamlike sonic tapestry. Translated as "Soft Rains Will Come," this second outing from Estrada offers a much-needed calm, whether before the storm or in the midst of it. –CS

Siselabonga - Halo’s Glitter (A Tree in a Field)
The sophomore album from Swiss-South African-Zimbabwean duo Siselabonga showcases their entrancing blend of Afro soul, indie pop, and electronica, a sound they’ve coined as “Afro Soul Tronic.” With vocal looping, hypnotic percussion, and intoxicating rhythms, the intricately layered textures of Halo’s Glitter leave a lasting impression as the duo explores themes of human connection, spirituality, and emotional security.  –CS

Sunbörn Meets Clap! Clap! - Earth Is Begging (Wah Wah 45s)
Danish instrumental sextet Sunbörn teams up with Italian DJ/producer Clap! Clap! (aka Cristiano Crisci) for a “vibrant celebration of global culture and sonic fusion” as they blend together Afrobeat, funk, jazz, soul, and electronic styles through a myriad of worldly flavors and rhythms. It’s a colorful and celebratory instrumental-heavy journey with robust, high-energy arrangements that includes a pair of standout vocal-laced tracks, “Nigeria 1984” featuring Afro-Italian vocalist Oumy and “Vuvuzuela Dourada” featuring Brazilian vocalist Carolina Lelis.  –AR

The Expert - Vivid Visions (Rucksack)
The latest album from Dublin-based producer Cian Galvin (aka The Expert) is a top-notch set of underground hip-hop with a woozy, psychedelic, kaleidoscopic bent. His clever, twisting, sample-heavy  beats shine bright throughout, and a massive roster of guest MCs – including Seattle’s AJ Suede, PDX’s Milc, Canadian vet Buck 65, NYC’s Rob Cave, LA’s Blu, and countless more – all bring quality bars to the festivities to usher in a diverse under-the-radar gem of an underground rap record. –AR

The Wytches - Talking Machine (Alcopop Records)
The fifth studio album from Brighton outfit The Wytches is a moody collection of fuzzed-out glory. Blending psych, surf, punk, and noise, Talking Machine channels a dose of ‘60s nostalgia while staying grounded in the present with menacing guitars, explosive percussion, and frontman Kristian Bell’s signature vocals. –CS