New Music Report – May 8, 2020
Well, it was bound to happen. Ever since the Coronavirus shut down the live music industry, people have been wondering whether the same would happen to the release schedule of new studio albums. And there have been a few here and there, but this week marks the first time it’s happened to a high profile album that I’ve been tracking, personally. I was very much looking forward to talking about the new Lamb of God album this week – every single was pointing towards this being a real invigoration of their sound, so I was really looking forward to it, but it looks like we’re waiting another couple months. That said, there are still some highlights this week, so please check them out.
Actor|Observer – I know I rarely mention singles, and if I do, I throw them in at the end, but these guys are homies of mine and this is my post, so I can do what I want. It also helps that this new single is INCREDIBLE. I’ve been following these guys for years, since back when I lived in Boston 10 years ago, but man, this is one of their best. As always, the vocals are profoundly emotional, powerful, and dynamic; traits that perfectly emulate the intricate and beautiful written post hardcore instrumentals that make up foundation of the track. There’s something deeply human and real about everything A|O releases, filled with a raw, soul baring honesty that’s carried them through their entire career, and indeed through this song, as well.
Petals for Armor – This one was actually really neat, this is Hayley Williams’ solo project, and it’s a kind of indie pop/electronic sound that you’d hear from bands like PVRIS and such, but with a bit more of a unique twist. This is very obviously a Hayley Williams’ project, you can hear her influence that you’ve come to expect from Paramore, but there’s something more playful and personal about this. Petals for Armor has given Williams’ the agency to play with new ideas – both musically and thematically – that she would not otherwise have had the opportunity to work into a Paramore song. The result is a really fun record, nothing game changing, but genuinely fun and well written, I’d definitely recommend checking it out.