By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
This week’s New Music Releases showcases a whole lot of alternative with sprinkles of Hip-hop and the Boss.
Savages by Breathe Carolina
The fourth studio album from the Denver, Colorado band marks a new chapter in Breathe Carolina’s eight years in the industry. This album marks the “final appearance” of founding member Kyle Dean, who stepped down from the group due to his responsibilities as a dad. Nonetheless, Savages successfully merges several different worlds including electropop, EDM and Post-hardcore music together. Keep an ear out for Karmin, Asking Alexandria’s Danny Worsnop and Issues’ Tyler Carter, who make cameo appearances throughout the album. I look forward to see what this line-up has in store for us in the future. A
Tracks to Download: “Bury Me,” “Bang It Out,” “Please Don’t Stay,” “Savages” & “Chasing Hearts”
Pop Psychology by Neon Trees
Neon Trees’ third studio album, Pop Psychology, has a great vibe about it. It would be hard to not have a smile on your face, while you are listening to it. The hooks are superb and the lyrics are strong. Tyler Glenn is one of the best-underrated front men in today’s industry and I think that Branden Campbell, Christopher Allen and Elaine Bradley are amazing at what they do. Well done, Neon Trees! B+
Tracks to Download: “Love In the 21st Century”, Sleeping With a Friend,” “American Zero” & “Unavoidable”
The New Classic by Iggy Azalea
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to watch Iggy Azalea perform at the first Dancefestopia. She had a very strong stage presence and the audience rallied behind her. Two years later, Ms. Azalea has released her first studio album: The New Classic. I think the Australian MC released a robust debut that features sturdy beats and solid tracks that feature support from T.I., Charli XCX, Adam Messinger and Benny Blanco. I have a feeling that Ms. Azalea is going to have a strong presence in the recording industry for years to come. A-
Tracks to Download: “Change Your Life,” “Fancy,” “Goddess,” “Impossible is Nothing” & “Bounce”
American Beauty EP by Bruce Springsteen
In honor of this past Saturday’s Record Store Day, the Boss released a four-song EP that features tracks that missed the High Hopes cut. This is Bruce at his finest. It is a shame that these tracks missed the cut for the album, but it gives a lot of hardcore Bruce fans a little extra helping if they missed High Hopes. A+
Tracks to Download: “American Beauty,” “Mary Mary,” “Hey Blue Eyes” & “Hurry Up Sundown”
“Midnight (Giorgio Moroder Remix)” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s Ghost Stories is ramping up as the English band released its second single! This go-around, the band released two versions of “Midnight.” I am going to be focusing on the Giorgio Moroder remix. This eight-minute and 38-second track takes viewers on an impressive instrumental tour of Coldplay’s world and pays homage to the early days of EDM. A must listen! A
“Aviation High” by Semi Precious Weapons
One band that recently got on my radar is Semi Precious Weapons. The Brooklyn-turned-LA quartet’s first single off of their third upcoming third studio album has impeccable guitar and vocal licks. Their alternative rock sound will be ear candy to music lovers’ ears and is a perfect song to daydream. I look forward to hearing the rest of their material from their album! A-
I do not own the images or clips that are sprinkled in this article. They belong to the artists and their record companies.