This year is shaping up to be a big one for music releases. Some breakout artists from the past few years are making their way to the studio, and it seems like plenty of veterans of college radio are making big comebacks in 2016. Here are a few releases we are excited about here at RSU Radio.
February
Animal Collective – Painting With
Any time Animal Collective release new material, the college radio community perks up its ears. If “Floridada” is any indicator, we can assume we’re in for a quirky, catchy, but ultimately unique musical experience.
Ra Ra Riot – Need Your Light
Wolfmother – Victorious
Yuck – Stranger Things
The indie rock group bounced back from what was probably the worst album cover (from a respectable group) of the decade. Their 2013 release Glow & Behold received some unfavorable reviews, but it was on the heels of a pretty significant member change. We’ll see if Stranger Things can pick up where the band started off.
March
Brian Fallon – Painkillers
The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon has already teased the sound of his album with the single “A Wonderful Life”, and if the rest of the album is this good, it could be one of the best of the year. Poliça – United Crushers
Underworld – Barbara Barbara, we face a shining future
Electronic mainstays Underworld return with a new full length. Their career spans everything from synth pop to progressive house, so it is likely to jump stylistically from track to track.
Elliphant – Living Life Golden
April
Parquet Courts – Human Performance
Explosions in the Sky – The Wilderness
The Austin post-rock icons are back! It has been five years since a new album, which the band used to try out film scoring. The first single, “Disintegration Anxiety”, signals more of what we know and love from the group.
Mogwai – Atomic
Yeasayer – Amen & Goodbye
Yeasayer’s first new album since 2012 is likely to be a departure from those looking for another “O.N.E.”. The over the top glam pop style seems to have moved aside for a more experimental and visceral experience.
Sometime in the future…
Band of Horses
Bad Religion
Gorillaz
Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have apparently worked out their difference and are working on bringing the animated band back to the masses. Who knows what direction 2D and the gang will take their sound with this release.
M83
Moses Sumney
With a unique performance style that is constructed through looping, Sumney gathered a lot of media attention last year. Watching his live performances could get any music nut excited to see what Sumney could do in a studio environment.
The xx
(formerly known as) Viet Cong
The group caved to pressures to change their name, but have yet to release any suggestion as to what their new title will be. The group’s 2014 self-titled album was 37 minutes of dark, atmospheric post-punk. They have a lot to live up to with their next album, which may be why they are taking their time with it.
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