Travis Holcombe, a music journalist from KCRW, joins to discuss the latest album releases. Highlights include SZA's expansive 'SOS Deluxe: LANA' and the emotional depth of Zahara's 'Spiral Your Way Out.' Holcombe dives into Franz Ferdinand's evolution toward pop rock in 'The Human Fear,' while also exploring the experimental nature of Ethel Cain's 'Perverts.' They celebrate vibrant sounds from artists like Moonchild Sanelly and delve into punk energy with notable newcomers, showcasing the rich diversity in today's music scene.
SZA's deluxe album 'SOS', now featuring 38 tracks, creatively maintains listener interest while redefining her artistic expression.
Franz Ferdinand's 'The Human Fear' showcases their evolution through themes of isolation and a shift from dance-punk to pop-rock.
Deep dives
SZA's Strategic Album Release
SZA has released a deluxe version of her album SOS, expanding its tracklist from 23 to 38 songs. This strategic move allows her to keep the momentum of her previous successful record while lowering the pressure of introducing entirely new material. By framing it as an extension of the existing album, she can engage listeners without the same stakes associated with a standalone release. The new tracks, while maintaining her artistic identity, offer a cohesive statement that demonstrates her evolving sound.
Franz Ferdinand's Evolution of Sound
Franz Ferdinand's latest album, The Human Fear, explores themes of isolation and relationship uncertainties while showcasing a sonic shift from their earlier dance-punk roots to a more pop-rock approach. Although some songs echo their classic sound, the band embraces a fresh direction, demonstrating growth as artists. Amid personnel changes, the album still resonates with listeners, capturing the essence of the band's identity while introducing new elements. Tracks like The Birds remind fans of their iconic hits while contributing to the album's contemporary feel.
Ethel Kane's Experimental Ambition
Ethel Kane's new album, Perverts, is a distinct departure from her previous work, offering an experimental landscape characterized by long tracks and ambient guitar drones. The album's 90-minute runtime challenges traditional song structures and showcases her artistic ambition through lengthy explorations and lyrical depth. Kane’s work, while avant-garde, still finds moments of beauty amidst its complexity, attracting listeners who appreciate more introspective soundscapes. This project reveals her desire to push boundaries and experiment with her sound, setting the stage for her future endeavors.
NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by KCRW's Travis Holcombe to run down their four favorite albums out today, as well as the revamped version of SZA's 'LANA' project.