In No Particular Order: Back to Business (09/04/20)
Yes, I know. It’s not New Music Friday anymore.
Hopefully you managed to support one or two of your favourite artists on Bandcamp this past Friday during their monthly Bandcamp Day where 100% of sales goes to the artist. If not, the first Friday of October is your next chance!
Speaking on missing out, you won’t want to skip on this week’s collection of new albums, including the return of French electronic duo Yelle, Toronto singer-songwriter Hannah Georgas’ collaboration with The National’s Aaron Dressner, Nashville-via-Mississippi rock group The Weeks‘ latest release, and an impressive third LP from a soon-to-be known name in hip-hop, Justin Time the Rookie.
As always, you can find Dusty Organ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify to stay up to date on new releases. Also, you can find tracks from these albums and more on our Monthly Spotify playlist.
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Hannah Georgas – All That Emotion
8/10
Singer-songwriter/Indie pop
For singer-songwriter Hannah Georgas, her new album All That Emotion was a chance to step out of her usual process in her Toronto apartment and into the studio with Aaron Dressner of The National, making solo road trips to upstate New York to immerse herself in the creative sessions. All That Emotion began its journey in 2017, compiling stories, interactions, and human connection along the way to build the emotive collection about family and relationships to the tune of ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’.
While Georgas has always been known for her lush, sweeping vocals, it finds new life on the record thanks to the dense production of Dressner. From echoing piano chords to balanced percussion, glowing synthesizers, and vocal harmonies, All That Emotion magnifies Georgas’ heartfelt lyricism and bold vocal presence with grandiose results.
On the surface, the sonic strength of the album is alluring and captivating, but the true drawing factor is Georgas’ candid and introspective songwriting. A combination of journal entry and therapy session, All That Emotion is built on her mistakes and wanting to grow and improve from them in all facets of her life. She realizes her childhood upbringing has seeped into her adult relationships on “Same Mistakes” and “Dreams”, as she finds new ways to experience love, the latter bringing out the heartfelt lyric, “When you say my name I hear it a different way / When you say my name new expressions cross my face”.
But as the name suggests, All That Emotion explores these themes from different angles, as she supports a partner on “Punching Bag”, and looks for closure and a healthy ending to a recent breakup on both the synth-pop single “Easy” and the Feist-esque “Someone I Don’t Know”.
Although the topics feel heavy and melancholic, Georgas’ voice and upfront approach gives the album a cathartic and relatable energy that is refreshing and genuine, like a late night conversation with a friend about life.
Notable tracks: “All That Emotion” // “Easy” // “Just A Phase”
Justin Time the Rookie – Rookie 2 King
7.5/10
Hip-hop/Soul/R&B
At just 19 years old, Justin Time the Rookie has already put out three full-length records and a handful of singles and EPs. The Atlanta-based rapper already proved himself worthy this year with I Not Sorry back in January, but has doubled down on the releases with his 3rd LP Rookie 2 King.
After heading to L.A. to finalize the recording, Justin spent just 12 hours in a Hollywood studio to pump out his new album, solidifying himself as an underground artist worth the attention. And not only is this is an impressive release, but also a triumph of sorts, as Justin lets go of his abusive and challenging upbringing as he becomes the king of his own life and career.
Opening with the one-two punch of “King Peanut”, Justin showcases his confidence as a hip-hop artist, making for one of his best singles to date. It’s fast flow and aggressive production takes control of the record early on, before shifting into the power-hungry ode to his hometown on “Atlanta Bull”.
Rookie 2 King gradually changes gears, as Justin shifts from bouncing hip-hop into soul, R&B, and jazz to close out the record. “West Hollywood Anthem” is the junction of the album, switching into groovy soul-R&B as he sings about the glowing excitement of Hollywood. He even brings out the acoustic guitar on the R&B tune “Head in the Clouds” and does his best John Legend rendition on “Rainy Days”.
While as an album, the mix-and-match of genres takes away from its consistent and flow, but as an artist, Justin Time flexes his musical star power – so stop sleeping on the Rookie. Listen below:
Notable tracks: “King Peanut” // “Atlanta Bull” // “Rainy Days”
The Weeks – Twisted Rivers
8.5/10
Southern rock/Alternative rock
Since delivering their renowned debut Comeback Cadillac in 2008, Nashville-based southern alternative rock quartet The Weeks have been reshaping their gritty, muddy, and reverberating sound over the course of five albums. On their sixth and latest Twisted Rivers, they continue to remain true to their roots, bringing together southern rock with ’50s rock n’ roll, blues, and Austin-sized instrumentation.
In the style of their 2013 release Dear Bo Jackson, the group switches between jam-rock hits and late night twang on the new record, combining their rock n’ roll roots with more introspective lyrics and themes. It’s easy to get lost in the rich, rootsy vocals of lead singer Cyle Barnes as his rugged baritone plays into the signature Weeks sound.
Over a decade later, The Weeks still manage to sound the same but with a slight evolution into a richer, more meaningful sound. Through various characters and stories, Twisted Rivers captures the spirit of the south and is a welcomed addition to the Week’s already stellar collection.
Notable tracks: “This Dance” // “Slips” // “Bobbie”
Yelle – L’Ère Du Verseau
8/10
Electronic
It’s been 15 years since French electronic duo Yelle made their way into viral status in the dance music genre. Now onto their third full-length after a six year break, Yelle are once again showing us how to move with L’Ére Du Verseau. The combination of Julie Budet and Jean-François Perrier bring together a half hour experience of French house, electro-pop, and genuinely fun dance music.
Opening with the dance-trance “Emancipense”, the album’s tone is set – you know things are heading in the right direction. Easy comparisons to Röyksopp and Robyn can be made on the album, like the glossy lead single “Je t’aime encore” and slow-burning closer “Un million”. As Yelle branch into their second decade as producers, they keep up to date with the sounds and power of the 2020s in line with Sofi Tukker and Georgia on “Karaté” and “menu du jour”.
L’Ère Du Verseau dips into electro-pop and future-pop, bringing along textures with each track, but it makes a full appearance on the starry-eyed “Vue d’en face” and follow up ’80s-pop tune “Noir”.
It’s never too late to enjoy the formidable electronic music of Yelle, and L’Ère Du Verseau is a great place to start.
Notable tracks: “Emancipense” // “Je T’aime Encore” // “Karaté”
