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NEW ALBUMS IN NEW ALBUMS IN MUSIC MUSIC!

CAMILA CABELLO

Familia

Epic Records Epic Records

Latina pop star Camila Cabello is bringing the sultry and sexy sounds of Cuba to a worldwide audience with her third studio album. Written during lockdown, Cabello taps into her roots by celebrating her family and culture. Hot single “Don’t Go Yet” dominated as a chart-topper before the spicy tracks were released. Ed Sheeran adds some fl avor to “Bam Bam” while Willow packs a punch in “Psychofreak.” The real highlight here is the love and passion Cabello pours into the Hispanic songs, including “La Buena Vida” and “Hasta Los Dientes.” Her talents are just as masterful in either language. The emotion she infuses makes you feel all of the love and heartbreak simultaneously. This album is rich - a true revelation. Cinderella doesn’t need those glass slippers when she’s got the world as her kingdom. - Marisa Patwa a new genre with an alien Hollywood music video. Barker doesn't just take a backseat. Each set in every song is intentional and hypes the level of musicality even higher. “Make Up Sex” with Blackbear is a fun track. Willow also adds some catchy vocals to “Emo Girl” while Lil Wayne blazes fi re in “Ay!” and “Drug Dealer.” MGK truly bares his soul. He’s sensitive and sweet while still giving us all the teen punk angst of our dreams. I’d check out the colorful music videos released when checking out this album. The creativity radiates throughout. - Marisa Patwa

CHARLI XCX

Crash

Atlantic Records Atlantic Records

There is something so powerful about Charli XCX’s lyrics that instantly gets you hooked. Globally, she’s most famous for absolutely dominating the second half of Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy." But she’s a standout all on her own. Her fi fth studio album is fi lled with dance-pop songs that could have been hits in the 80s and 90s. However, there's also a darker, saucier side to the album - songs with fl ares of femme fatale energy. “Beg for You” is pure 2000 bubblegum pop. “Baby,” “Yuck” and “Lighting” will get stuck in your head. “New Shapes” featuring Christine & the Queens and Caroline Polacheck is an indie electro-punk banger. Put this album on any dance fl oor and people won’t stop moving until all 16 tracks - including four deluxe cuts - are over. - Marisa Patwa

MACHINE GUN KELLY

Mainstreet Sellout

Bad Boy/Interscope Records Bad Boy/Interscope Records

Travis Barker and the rapper-turned-punkrocker are back at it again. Following the immensely popular Tickets to My Downfall, this album is just as fun and fresh. Lead single “Paper Cuts” is a raw look into MGK’s treacherous transition into

MICHAEL ROMEO

War of the Worlds // Pt. 2

Sony/Insideoutmusic

Guitar virtuoso Michael Romeo is best known for his work with Symphony X, a symphonic prog-metal outfi t revered by fans of the genre. His new solo offering, War of the Worlds // Pt. 2, comes four years after part one, and I’m glad he saved the best for last. Romeo and his band create a broader range of moods using piano, a horn section, and orchestral instruments. There are moments of beauty, introspection and... Oh, who am I kidding? The draw here is Romeo’s blistering solos, sweeppicking, and melody-driven arrangements. His band beautifully complements his variegated compositions with exquisite timing and feel. At times I thought I was listening to the opening score for some epic sci-fi fi lm, while other tracks reminded me of Romeo’s metal roots. The track “Destroyer” features the guitarist on a downtuned 7-string, and it is a skull-crusher. Likewise, “Machinenmensch” is nine minutes of breakneck, relentless, face-melting ferocity. Not a bad track on this one. - Matt Alschbach

STABBING WESTWARD

Chasing Ghosts

COP International Records COP International Records

Those who remember Stabbing Westward were likely into industrial/goth metal in the early 90s. The Illinois-based band found commercial success with Wither, Blister, Burn and Peel in 1996, and a modest but devoted fanbase followed. Times change, however, and SW disbanded in 2002. Longtime fans were stunned when a resurrected version of SW announced their fi rst studio album in over 20 years, Chasing Ghosts. Incredibly, this new

album may be their best. Founding member, vocalist and multiinstrumentalist Christopher Hall’s voice sounds stronger than ever, and it is obvious that he has advanced musically. Likewise, keyboardist and programming guru Walter Flakus is back. His ability to overlay emotive and melancholy sound effects on each track creates an immersive experience. Fans who remember SW know they don’t do happy. Most songs focus on loss, regret, betrayal and refl ection - a monochrome palate that resonates with many people. “Damaged Goods” and “Cold” are standouts, but the entire album is tremendous.- Matt Alschbach

BIG THIEF

Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You Believe in You

4AD 4AD

If you haven’t heard of Big Thief yet, I implore you to listen to any song they’ve released up to this point. Get on your preferred streaming service and randomly select any track - they have yet to write or record a single bad song. If you have heard of Big Thief, but have yet to listen to any of their music, please get with the freaking program. The Brooklyn-based indie band returns with their fi rst release in three years (following two perfect albums from 2019) - 20 songs that transcend any one genre as country, folk, pop, and rock fl ow from Big Thief with the greatest of ease. Not to mention Adrianne Lenker is possibly the greatest Millennial songwriter. Please listen to their latest masterpiece - a perfect album from a perfect band - Russ Finn

THE CHISEL

Retaliation

La Vida Es Un Mu La Vida Es Un Mu

After two years of single and EP releases, London punk band The Chisel released their debut album Retaliation in late 2021. The intensity is nonstop, each song filled to the brim with feedback and treble, while providing angry storytelling about revenge for the working class. Song after song flies by, until The Chisel slow down for closing track “Will I Ever See You Again,” a surprisingly affecting slow acoustic number. Other highlights include opener “Unlawful Execution” and the title track, but the entire album is top-tier British “oi” punk. With political lyrics that rail against cops, politicians, and the elite ruling class and a sound that recalls 1980s hardcore, Retaliation has everything you could want in a punk album.- Russ Finn

GLAMPER

Rat Race

Self-Released Self-Released

Nashville garage rockers Glamper kick off their debut album with the titular “Rat Race,” a raw grunge rocker with coarse, growling vocals. Its ferocity makes for a great opener, but its seriousness is a bit of a tonal misnomer. As “Rat Race” ends and the skit “Snour Skittles” begins, you realize Glamper may have pulled a fast one on you - these guys are cool, but not too cool to joke around. The following songs on Rat Race frequently lean into humor, especially on tracks “Snackworld” and “Take Your Cat Back.” Though nothing comes close to the intensity of “Rat Race,” Glamper still showcase some seriousness in “Klepto” and “Lose My Cool,” two standouts. The overall result is a really fun garage punk album that doesn’t take itself too seriously in the best way possible. - Russ Finn

BLUES WITH BRAGIN

LEW JETTON & 61 SOUTH

Deja Hoodoo

Endless Blues Records Endless Blues Records

Known far and wide for their incomparable brand of "Mississippi River Electric Blues," Lew Jetton & 61 South celebrate 30 years together with the release of Deja Hoodoo. The album opens with “2 Lane Road,” featuring a guitar solo reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. Greg Walker’s bass adds a funky element to the song. “Mexico” is a rocking tune with a message about falling on hard times when your job gets relocated south of the border. Jetton sings about fi nding the right partner in “Waffl e House Woman” with a classic sound backing him. “Homegrown Tomato” spotlights JD Wilkes providing a stellar harmonica performance. More phenomenal harmonica from Wilkes comes through on “You Betcha.” “I Been Cheated” offers a Latin-inspired groove that will start your toes tapping.

“Move On, Yvonne” sounds like something out of the 1950s with a modern twist and a great guest vocal from Miranda Louise. Saxophone from Terry Mike Jeffrey on “Nighttime Into Day” fi ts wells with the waltz ballad about loving someone. “Keeping Me Awake” features a top notch performance from local legend Alonzo Pennington on guitar. Jetton sings about his woman’s fresh ink on “Tattoo Blues” with another guest spot from Wilkes on harmonica and Bob Lohr on keyboards. Dan Bell takes a turn providing the great keyboard playing on “Sandy Lee.” Searing guitar and more of Wilkes’ harmonica shine through in “State Line Blues.” This is a great album for every blues lover. For more info, visit 61south.com. - Paul Bragin