It’s another week, another NYC summer, and – thus – another batch of CDs set to debut. Releases from Brooklyn artists The London Souls, Reni Lane, My Summer, Das Racist, Alec Gross, and Extra Arms are candidates to become the soundtracks for your summery runs around the Hudson and beach-side work-outs.
Southern-rock inspired, classic rock revivalists, vlucanic performers The London Souls debuted their self-titled album July 12th. This fresh threesome awakens the raw, old school melodies we all (secretly) yearn for. Songs off the debut CD such as I Think I Like it, Under Control, and Stand Up all yield to influences from classic rock icons such as Jimi Hendrix and Lynard Skynard, to more modern rock kings like The Queens of The Stone Age. One thing is for certain, however, The London Souls bring about the ideal summer album for those looking to kick back and revel. Don’t miss them live at The Bowery Ballroom on July 20th.
We won’t spend too many words on celebrated, Pitchfork blessed, ex Deli Artist of the Month hip-hop/experimental trio Das Racist (they are already kind of too big for us!). Their upcoming album "Relax", announced for September 13, combines influences that span from People Under The Stairs, to Immortal Technique, to Shabazz Palaces. Artists Himanshu Kumar Suri, Victor Vasquez, AND Ashok Kondabolu sample Hare Krishna melodies, Thievery Corporation-inspired beats, and underground raps to develop a unique hip-hop sound.
Long Island natives indie rockers My Summer Mike Longo released theirtheir third EP "Ice In The Loveliest Vein" on July 8th. Songs off the new album like So Much to Say and My Penance reveal Kings of Leon influences combined with some math rock moments and hints of Silversun Pickups’ unpredictable guitar riffs.
In the mood for something a little bit more mellow? Country-influenced artist Alec Gross (pictured) is set to debut his EP Strip The Lanterns on the 30th of July. Heavy on the harmonica, this classic-rock influenced artists brings about something a little different for an audience looking for something a little bit more relaxed. Alec Gross’s 11-track album promises the perfect mixture of country and rock for the summer’s impending hot, sun-drenched afternoons.
Last, but, most definitely, not least, music group Extra Arms anticipate their upcoming show at Union Hall, July 15th. Their latest single Race To Sleep combine influences from indie groups like Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie into a catchy, new sound with alt rock leanings. Fans of the band will have to wait until October for their full-album to drop, but the band’s single hopefully will provide enough aural fuel to last far into the changing of the leaves. – Madison Silvers