Must-Hear New Albums: billy woods, Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke, Plus More Exciting Releases!

billy woods: Golliwog [Backwoodz Studioz]

In a significant departure, billy woods’ latest project Golliwog marks his first solo album since the release of Terror Management in 2019. The album features a robust lineup of guest artists and producers, including notable figures such as Elucid, the Alchemist, El-P, Preservation, DJ Haram, Kenny Segal, and Despot among others. Through 18 diverse tracks, woods explores a complex narrative that originated from a story he wrote at age nine about an “evil golliwog,” using it as a metaphor to delve into themes like displacement, war trauma, romantic entanglements, and chilling real-world events.

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Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke: Tall Tales [Warp]

Thom Yorke revisits his iconic dispirited lyricism on “Back in the Game,” the lead track of his collaborative album with Mark Pritchard, Tall Tales. This album signals a renewed partnership, blending Pritchard’s eclectic electronic compositions with Yorke’s signature vocals from Radiohead. Initially somber, the album quickly transitions to more vibrant and rhythmic expressions, as evident in tracks like “This Conversation Is Missing Your Voice,” “Gangsters,” and “The Spirit.”

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PinkPantheress: Fancy That [Warner]

Emerging from her viral success on TikTok and high-profile collaborations, PinkPantheress shifts from her drum’n’bass roots to a softer, more melodic pop sound reminiscent of early 2000s British hits in her new mixtape Fancy That. While retaining some of her signature bass-heavy sound, the mixtape also experiments with icy synths, vintage rave elements, and relaxed vocal styles, with production support from a variety of talent including Aksel Arvid, Count Baldor, Phil, Oscar Scheller, and the Dare. Her track “Stateside” is highlighted as her personal favorite and symbolizes her new musical direction.

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MIKE & Tony Seltzer: Pinball II [10k]

Following their initial collaboration, MIKE and Tony Seltzer return with Pinball II, a sequel that pushes through 17 tracks in just over 30 minutes. This album sees contributions from friends like Earl Sweatshirt, Niontay, Sideshow, and Lunchbox, offering a dynamic and playful exploration of their combined artistic energies beyond just a collection of additional songs.

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Erika de Casier: Lifetime [Independent Jeep Music]

Surprising fans with an unexpected release, Erika de Casier presents Lifetime, a follow-up to her previous album Still. This album immerses listeners into a blend of spacey trip-hop and laid-back, sultry tracks, all carried by de Casier’s smooth and ethereal vocals.

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Kali Uchis: Sincerely, [Capitol]

Kali Uchis continues her prolific output with Sincerely,, hot on the heels of her prior albums Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞ and Red Moon in Venus. The album features a preview with its last two tracks, offering a glimpse into its fresh pop direction with “Sunshine & Rain…” and “LYSMIH.”

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Cole Pulice: Land’s End Eternal [Leaving]

With a move from Minneapolis to Oakland and after a three-year hiatus, Cole Pulice’s Land’s End Eternal captures the essence of a dreamlike journey across the country. This album showcases Pulice’s refined electroacoustic saxophone skills alongside ambient soundscapes and electric guitars, inviting listeners into a meditative state with tracks like “After the Rain” and “Fragments of a Slipstream Dream.”

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Preoccupations: Ill at Ease [Born Losers]

From their beginnings as Viet Cong to their current incarnation, Preoccupations have evolved significantly. Their fifth album, Ill at Ease, dives into themes of existential dread and societal collapse through eight compelling tracks that maintain a nimble, yet intense, sound.

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Kara-Lis Coverdale: From Where You Came [Smalltown Supersound]

Kara-Lis Coverdale returns after an eight-year hiatus with From Where You Came, exploring themes of rootlessness and vitality through her distinctive blend of digital and classical music influences. The album features collaborations with cellist Anne Bourne and trombonist Kalia Vandever, adding depth to tracks like “Daze,” “Freedom,” and “Offload Flip.”

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Mclusky: The World Is Still Here and So Are We [Ipecac]

Over two decades since their last release, Mclusky makes a thunderous return with The World Is Still Here and So Are We. Known for their intense live performances, the band’s latest work remains true to their loud, irreverent style, complete with provocatively humorous lyrics across its tracks.

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