New Music Friday: The best albums out Oct. 4

See You At The Maypole is Half Waif's first album since 2021's Mythopoetics, deeply personal and reflective of loss and healing. The album's creation was marked by a miscarriage and subsequent medical complications, shaping its themes of loss, grief, and the journey toward recovery. The music explores various forms of loss—loss of life, dreams, trust, and faith—while simultaneously celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. Half Waif's introspective lyrics and emotionally charged melodies create a powerful and moving listening experience. The album is a testament to the artist's vulnerability and her ability to transform personal trauma into art.

Absolute Elsewhere is a death metal album by Blood Incantation, praised for its unique blend of death metal traditions with progressive rock and science fiction themes. The album features two tracks, divided into 'tablets,' and is inspired by science fiction novels and comics. The music incorporates elements of 70s prog rock, thrash metal, and death metal, creating a dynamic and multifaceted listening experience. The lyrics, delivered in growls and occasional singing, explore themes of alien civilizations and the history of human consciousness. Absolute Elsewhere is a testament to Blood Incantation's innovative approach to death metal, pushing the boundaries of the genre while staying true to its roots.

Dulling the Horns is a new album by Wild Pink, an indie rock band known for their blend of indie rock and other genres. The album likely features a collection of songs showcasing Wild Pink's signature sound, which may incorporate elements of indie rock, alternative rock, and perhaps other genres. The title suggests a focus on themes of conflict, resolution, or perhaps a softening of harsh edges. While specific details about the album's themes and musical style are limited, it is expected to continue Wild Pink's tradition of creating engaging and thought-provoking music. Dulling the Horns is an anticipated release for fans of Wild Pink and indie rock music.

Legend of e'Boi (The Hypervigilant Eye) is the seventh installment in Darius Jones's nine-part Manish Boy Epic, exploring themes of Black trauma through free jazz. The album features Jones's distinctive saxophone playing, which can be both powerful and mournful, alongside his longtime drummer Gerald Cleaver and bassist Chris Lightcap. The music incorporates elements of free jazz, incorporating a song based on a prison song recorded by Alan Lomax at Parchman Farm. The album's exploration of Black trauma is both intense and deeply moving, showcasing Jones's ability to convey complex emotions through his music. Legend of e'Boi is a significant contribution to the free jazz genre and a powerful statement on social justice.

Rosemary Hill is a new EP by Sixpence None the Richer, marking their return after several years of absence. The EP likely features a collection of songs showcasing the band's signature blend of Christian pop and other genres. The title, 'Rosemary Hill,' suggests a focus on themes of nostalgia, reflection, or perhaps a specific place or memory. While specific details about the EP's themes and musical style are limited, it is expected to continue Sixpence None the Richer's tradition of creating catchy and emotionally resonant music. Rosemary Hill is an anticipated release for fans of Sixpence None the Richer and Christian pop music.

Dov Charney is a prominent figure in the fashion industry, having founded American Apparel and later Los Angeles Apparel. However, there is no record of him publishing a book titled 'Dove Charney's Works'.

Acadia is Yasmin Williams's new album, showcasing her innovative fingerstyle guitar technique and storytelling abilities. The album features several collaborators, including Don Flemons, Khaki King, and others, expanding the sonic landscape of her music. Williams's unique approach involves flipping the guitar onto her lap and using various finger tapping techniques to create diverse textures and sounds. The music is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, inviting listeners into a world of comfort and tranquility. Acadia is a testament to Williams's artistry and her ability to create music that is both technically brilliant and deeply moving.

Cutouts is the second album released in 2024 by The Smile, a supergroup consisting of Radiohead members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, along with drummer Tom Skinner. The album was recorded in Oxford and Abbey Road studios, featuring string arrangements by the London Contemporary Orchestra. The music blends Radiohead's signature sound with Skinner's energetic drumming, creating a unique and dynamic listening experience. The album explores themes of identity and artistic evolution, showcasing Yorke's vocal experimentation and Greenwood's innovative guitar work. Cutouts is a testament to the band's creative synergy and their ability to push boundaries within the alternative rock genre.

NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD is an album by Godspeed You! Black Emperor, a Canadian post-rock band known for their instrumental music and politically charged themes. The album's title directly references the number of Palestinians killed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as of February 13, 2024. The music is instrumental, relying on atmospheric soundscapes and dynamic shifts in intensity to convey its message. The album's lack of lyrics forces listeners to engage with the music on an emotional and visceral level, making it a powerful statement on the ongoing conflict. NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD is a significant contribution to the post-rock genre and a powerful statement on social justice.

Selected Ambient Works Volume 2 is an expanded edition of Aphex Twin's 1994 classic album, a seminal work in ambient electronic music. The expanded edition likely includes bonus tracks, remixes, or other previously unreleased material, offering fans a more comprehensive experience. The original album is known for its atmospheric and deeply immersive soundscapes, characterized by its use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments. The expanded edition is a welcome opportunity for both longtime fans and new listeners to explore Aphex Twin's groundbreaking work in ambient electronica. The album's influence on electronic music is undeniable, shaping the sound of the genre for decades to come.

Quiet in a World Full of Noise is a new album by Spencer Zahn, described as an ambient torch balladeer. The album likely features atmospheric and emotionally resonant music, characterized by its use of ambient soundscapes and perhaps melancholic melodies. The title suggests a focus on the contrast between inner peace and the chaos of the external world. While specific details about the album's themes and musical style are limited, the description suggests a focus on creating a calming and introspective listening experience. Quiet in a World Full of Noise is an anticipated release for fans of ambient and atmospheric music.

Joan Shelley's 'Mood Ring' EP is a poignant collection of folk music, marking her first new release in almost three years. The EP explores themes of personal change, love, and the passage of time, with tracks like 'Mood Ring' and 'Singing To You' showcasing her gentle yet powerful songwriting.