Week 4&5: 21.01.2024 - 03.02.2024
A snapshot of the major music releases for the past two weeks.
Hi Pal,
Fresh on the Shelf is a new content series that I started to highlight weekly releases. I was AWOL last weekend because I’ve been a bit under the weather lately. Links are embedded in the titles.
Also, if you are new…welcome!
MATIN: Rest — Jess Ray
Folk, Worship (Album)
This one feels more like an EP and as Jess Ray has alluded to, we should be getting more parts of this before the year runs out. I’ve always been a fan of records that reimagine hymns or psalms and I have had this on repeat since it came out.
Paper Kingdoms — Steph Andrews
Singer-songwriter (EP)
My only qualms with this project is that it is so short! This EP is beautiful with folk, gospel and even 80’s synthpop influences in some parts. I hope we get a new album from Steph Andrews soon.
hollow — Jaisua
Hyperpop, EDM (Single)
I’m hoping we have an epic electronic year and this tune and the next entry make me excited for what we have in store. Jaisua is an artist that I have been following for a bit and I hope you check him out.
GRAVITY — Sam Bowman
Electropop (Single)
Sam Bowman released one of my favourite electronic albums of 2023. He’s back this year and he sounds as amazing as ever. I’m surprised by how quickly I have come to identify what I’ll call his signature sound and that is a testament to his quality.
Foolish & Ruined — Eliza King, Kate Gurren
Indie Worship (Single)
I’ve been waiting for Eliza King’s new album for months now and every new single only increases that anticipation. On this one, she features Kate Gurren — another artist I love — to sing a tune inspired by the breaking of the Alabaster Box by Mary in scripture. It’s a magnificent tune.
Go With Me — Young Oceans
Experimental Indie (Single)
Two singles in, and I think it’s safe to say that the new Young Oceans album is going to ruin me. There’s something about this man’s music! It’s beyond whatever analysis or breakdowns I can give you about the sound. You just need to experience it for yourself.
You Give Me Joy — Ben Potter
Folk Pop, Indie Pop (Single)
I’ve been listening to Ben Potter for a bit and I get the sense that every project is carefully curated towards a particular theme or emotional pallet. If this new single is any indication of what’s to come, then I am excited about what Ben Potter has in store for us in 2024.
get better — OM53
Synthwave, Indie Pop (EP)
This inclusion is a bit of a cheat because these tunes were released as singles last year. But I didn’t talk about them back then anyway, so here we are. OM53 is unique even in a scene with many eclectic artists. All fans of indie should check them out.
Cocoon — Heir
Ambient, Cinematic Post-Rock (Album)
I’ve often heard the expression “Let people like what they like”. But if there was any genre of music I wish I could make people love, it would be ambient/post-rock music. This album is beautiful and is probably going to be on repeat for much of 2024.
My Promised Land — Josiah Queen
Indie Folk (Single)
One thing I can trust Josiah Queen for is to bring me some feel-good indie folk. I know I have said this about a few artists already, but I hope this is the year we get an album from him.
Bonus Recommendations
Passing by Eonia — Progressive Metalcore (Single)
Eremo by Jeff Johnson, John Van Deusen — Ambient, Experimental (Album)
How Many Days? by Braille — Hip-Hop (EP)
When I Trust by Eva Swanson — R&B (Single)
Sing Thy Grace by Brice Davis — Singer-songwriter, Folk (EP)
Abundance by SSTEDI — R&B (Single)
Psalm 63:4 by Verses, Callan Brown, Yaz Williams — Folk (Single)
Keepin’ On by John Lee, Lazy Elias — Lofi (Single)
KMFTF by Austin Koukal, sxxnt. — Indie Folk (Single)
sweet by FLF, Warren Christian — Hip-Hop (Single)
That’s it for today.
Catch you at the next one!
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Feel free to leave a comment. Also, I am always open to hearing from you so feel free to send an email to me at
stismavo@gmail.com