*INTERESTING* NEW MUSIC RELEASES: FRIDAY MAY 9TH 2025
<another joke about the new pope being from chicago, or something>
Apparently the new Pope went to Villanova University outside of Philadelphia, PA, so I *know* that dude has a go-to HoagieFest™ order from WaWa.
Just a reminder that each week, we will be adding all the releases highlighted on these pages to Spotify playlists - divided up by each month. We’ve entered May, so the new May 2025 playlist (2025 - 05) is below. Smash the little ⨁ sign next to the shuffle icon of each playlist if you want to save it to your library (recommended).
January 2025 Spotify Playlist - 2025 - 01
February 2025 Spotify Playlist - 2025 - 02
March 2025 Spotify Playlist - 2025 - 03
April 2025 Spotify Playlist - 2025 - 04
May 2025 Spotify Playlist - 2025 - 05
Now, then, let’s get into some select new releases from FRIDAY, MAY 9th, 2025, and let us know if we missed anything worth hearing!
::THE KNOWNS::
Adult Mom ::NATURAL CAUSES:: When they were writing these songs during 2020-2023, while the outside world was in tumult, songwriter Stevie Knipe was also undergoing cancer treatments. Don’t let the soft presentation of Adult Mom’s lilting indie rock fool you here…these songs contain some interpersonal rage.
Arlo McKinley ::LIVE AT THE BURL:: Usually not a space to promote live records, but the Burl in Lexington is one of my favorite venues in the country…and this recording sounds great. If, like me, you’re not that familiar with McKinley’s brand of Cincinnati-based Americana, this is a great primer; especially if you like steel guitar.
The Head and the Heart ::APERTURE:: TIL: The Head and the Heart decamped in my old stompin grounds of Richmond, VA to write and record this record. Speaking of “stompin”, this band has always been a “hey” chant away from being one of those stomp-clap bands…but YMMV.
I’m With Her ::WILD AND CLEAR AND BLUE:: The only time in my life I’ve ever been completely tongue-tied was the night I met Sara Watkins. I’m still in awe of her talent and beauty, and I am here to support that in any form, but particularly one where she is flanked by heavyweight songwriters like Aoife O’Donovan and Sarah Jarosz.
The Wonder Years ::BURSY & DECAY VOL. III:: Aging emo/pop-punk from my home state of PA scratching that 2010s itch.
::THE NEWS::
Alex Orange Drink ::VICTORY LAP (#23):: From his bandcamp bio: “Alex Orange Drink is the solo moniker for Alex Zarou Levine, lead singer and songwriter of The So So Glos. Alex is known for his "streetwise and irreverent lyrics", which have drawn comparisons from William Wordsworth to the Beastie Boys.”
Alien Boy ::YOU WANNA FADE?:: Another great description from the band bio: “The Portland outfit crafts songs big enough to fill an arena while simultaneously conjuring the emotional intimacy of making out in the bathroom of your favorite karaoke bar.”
billy woods ::GOLLIWOG:: left-of-center hip hop.
Ghost Bath ::ROSE THORN NECKLACE:: Black Metal meets post rock from Minot, South Dakota, and featuring my White Water Tavern Holiday Hangout stalwart Josh Jaye (and if you know Josh and Kerri, maybe give Ghost Bath some streams to show some love).
TVOD ::PARTY TIME:: Blending post-punk, egg punk, and krautrock with simplistic melodies, this eclectic Brookly-based band is hitting some of the right spots for me (which is odd given this isn’t my normal speed).
With Patience ::TRIPTYCH:: Punk veterans from various scenes in Richmond VA, Indiana, and Chicago collaborated to make a record, mixed by J Robbins (Jawbox). RIYL: Fugazi, Shellac, Quicksand, Hot Snakes. This record sounds like a basement punk show.