Week 2: 07.01.2024 - 13.01.2024
A snapshot of the major music releases for the week.
Hi Pal,
Fresh on the Shelf is a new content series that I started to highlight weekly releases. Links are embedded in the titles. Before we get into it, I’d like to welcome all those who subscribed this past week.
Spun — Coquí
Indie Rock, Post Punk Revival (Single)
I’m hopeful that in 2024, we get a new album or EP from Samuel Jacob Lopez Jr. (a.k.a Coquí) because he is too good at this indie rock thing not to have a project out. I love how he tells relatable stories that keep his faith right at the centre of the narrative.
Backwater — Samuel Sterk
Indie Rock (Single)
Samuel Sterk always has a way of making me feel nostalgic. I want to say that I missed his music, but then I remembered that he released an EP last year. I guess he’s one of those artists I want to hear more from every time.
More In Seconds — Darla Baltazar
Alternative R&B (Single)
Is this year that we finally get the new Darla Baltazar album? I certainly hope so. Darla Baltazar has been one of the most consistent creators in the Christian alternative indie scene for years now. This song is another great addition to her growing catalogue of hits.
Yet Always Rejoicing — Braille, Lynnea
Hip-Hop (Single)
It’s always a good time when Braille drops a new single and he has been dropping singles consistently over the last couple of years. I’m hopeful that we will get a new album from him soon because he is one of the best MCs out there.
Many Moons — Cade Kellam
Singer-songwriter, Progressive Rock (Single)
This is probably the most soothing listen of the week. It starts as a simple piano ballad that tells of the beautiful love of God for us and builds up to a blissful alternative rock climax. I enjoyed this one from Cade Kellam.
Somehow — Young Oceans
Experimental Indie (Single)
If this song is any indication of what is to come from the new album, then Eric Marshall is cooking up something really special for 2024. This tune is musically stunning and in typical Young Oceans fashion, reverent and full of love for God.
Upward — Raphah
Ambient (Single)
As someone who has been listening to ambient music for a little while, it’s easy to identify the different types of ambient sounds. On this tune, Raphah utilizes a lot of sounds from nature and you can hear birds chirping blended in with subtle forest noises. Raphah continues to be a top creator in this genre for me.
above and below — Cross Gray
Indie/Alternative (Single)
This has become an earworm for me after repeated listens. Cross Gray is an artist I should listen to more because I do not remember a time I heard his song(s) and did not love them. In summary, this song is great!
Battlelands, Vol. 2 — Ian Yates
Indie Rock (EP)
There are two broad aspects to Ian Yates’ sound and I love them both. He has his folky, Americana albums and his indie rock albums. In 2019, he released Deconstruction, Vol. 1 and it remains one of my favourite indie rock albums of that year. I’m glad he’s finally followed up that amazing release with this EP.
The Poetry of Prayer: Instrumentals — Caroline Cobb
Instrumental, Folk (Album)
Caroline Cobb released her first instrumental album yesterday. As an instrumental re-interpretation of her album from last year, it does what it is supposed to do. It doesn’t take anything away from the original material but has enough uniqueness about it to draw in new listeners.
The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two — Neal Morse
Progressive Rock (Album)
Last year, Neal Morse released the first part of a concept album inspired by the story of Joseph in the Bible. It was one of my highlights of 2023 and after listening to this album, I’m sure this will be on my list of favourites come the end of 2024.
That’s it for today.
Catch you at the next one!
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