The Best of New Music Friday:
Adrianne Lenker – “Sadness As A Gift”
If the current generation of music listeners were tasked to write a list of the most recognized artists in alphabetical order, Adrianne Lenker would find herself at the top of many. Her new single “Sadness As A Gift” continues a devastating stream of powerful tracks. The lyrics feature the line “You have my heart // I want it back.”
“Sadness As A Gift” explores the tough questions needing asked in relationships and not quite making progress by the ponderer shying away from opening their mouth to avoid heartbreaking answers. Lenker talks about getting lost in a partner’s charm instead. This makes her re-fall in love with the same glamour that drew the Big Thief songwriter to the song’s other character in the first place. It’s a track on course to be relatable for years.
Lenker didn’t just release one of the best songs this week but made fan-catering announcements too. She shared that her new album Bright Future will drop on March 22 via 4AD. Bright Future will have 12 songs, including the December 2023 single “Ruined” as its closing track. It’ll be Lenker’s sixth solo album and first since her two 2020 releases Songs and Instrumentals. Lenker even scheduled a tour spanning the EU, UK and North America for spring and summer 2024. North American tickets go on sale today and can be purchased here.
English Teacher – “Albert Road”
English Teacher are a pack of young British musicians who have made a name across the UK’s guitar scene and are now prepared to release their debut LP This Could Be Texas, to the masses. It’s set for an April 12 release.
The new single “Albert Road” debuted Thursday on BBC Radio 6 Music. It’s a churner that focuses on lyrics, slower noisy builds and strums that could accompany anyone wanting to stare out the window or stand outside thinking about life while letting their angst guide them to better and more fulfilling futures.
English Teacher first burst on the scene in 2021 with their single “R&B,” followed by the track “Song About Love” which was produced with modern rock pioneer Dan Carey and released on his Speedy Wunderground label. The band reached new heights in late 2023 by performing their tune “The World’s Biggest Paving Slab” on Later…With Jools Holland.
They’re a group that’s been budding and making splashes that could turn into a big wave on the whole rock scene at any minute. The new single and forthcoming album release could be that moment.
New Music Friday Top Picks:
Green Day – Saviors
IDLES – “Gift Horse”
Sleater-Kinney – Little Rope
Touché Amoré – Is Survived By (Revived [Remixed / Remastered])
Yard Act – “We Make Hits”
Which of these tracks from New Music Friday will you be adding to your favorite playlists today? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!
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