Waterloo Records

Music Releases for Friday 01-31-25

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Hurry Up Tomorrow is the upcoming sixth studio album by the Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, scheduled to be released through XO and Republic Records. It will serve as the final part of an album trilogy that began with After Hours (2020) and continued with Dawn FM (2022).
The Weeknd - Hurry Up Tomorrow [LP]
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**we'll have your way shortly**
Penny & Sparrow - Lefty [2 LP]
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L.S. Dunes is a dynamic supergroup formed by members from prominent bands within the punk and alternative rock scenes. The lineup features Anthony Green (Circa Survive, Saosin) on vocals, Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance) on guitar, Travis Stever (Coheed and Cambria) on guitar, Tim Payne (Thursday) on bass, and Tucker Rule (Thursday) on drums. Known for their high-energy performances and unique blend of post-hardcore and punk influences, L.S. Dunes brings together a powerhouse of talent and experience, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar to fans of their respective bands.
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THE WORLD OF HANS ZIMMER - PART II: A NEW DIMENSION is the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed 2019 album The World of Hans Zimmer - A Symphonic Celebration. Melding the grandeur of symphonic music with the dynamic power of his cinematic compositions, Zimmer transforms 17 more of his most successful soundtracks into new epic orchestral suites on this double album. Highlights of the over 2 hours long record include a short, captivating "cello-concerto-like" version of Final Ascent from No Time to Die, a tranquil rendition of A Time of Quiet Between the Storms from Dune II, and a new romantic suite from The Prince of Egypt. Additionally, Zimmer revisits one of his classic 90s soundtracks with a newly crafted suite of The Rock.

THE WORLD OF HANS ZIMMER - PART II: A NEW DIMENSION features Zimmer accompanied by a stellar ensemble of soloists and collaborators, including singers Lebo M, Lisa Gerrard, Gan-ya Ben-gur Akselrod, and Nokukhanya Dlamini; multi-woodwind wizard Pedro Eustache; bass player Juan García-Herreros; guitarist Alexios Anest; pianist Eliane Correa; cellist Mariko Muranaka; violinist Rusanda Panfili; and percussionists Aleksandra cuklar, Luis Ribeiro, and Lucy Landymore. Together, they perform alongside the Odessa Orchestra & Friends and the Nairobi Chamber Choir, under the baton of conductor Gavin Greenaway.

  • 3 x 180g black vinyl, Gatefold, poly lined inner sleeve

The World of Hans Zimmer Part II - A New Dimension

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This new box set gathers both 3 hours marathon sets in all their glory pressed up on some sick tri-color splatter vinyl, each a different color combo over 8 LPs. Splatter Vinyl Box Sets featuring 49 tracks over EIGHT 12" LP's! - Custom Hand-Numbered Collectors Box w. shrink-wrap + hype sticker - Each 12" in a custom photo board inner-sleeve - A unique hypnotic op art inner label for each 12" - Bootleg sticker - Originally made as a poster by Ernie Houk (@leftiesmudges) - Bonus Double-Sided Poster - Photos by Bob Greco (@picturemanbob)
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Bonnie Billy Prince

Purple Bird

CD: $13.98 UNAVAILABLE
The Purple Bird finds Bonnie "Prince" Billy working with a "producer" for only the second time in his illustrious catalog. This time it's David "Ferg" Ferguson (Johnny Cash, Sturgill Simpson) who guides the songs backed by "the best band you can get in Nashville right now", country singer John Anderson and Bluegrass legend Tim O'Brien. The Purple Bird is simultaneously like and unlike other BPB records. Many of the songs are a product of multiple composers' voices, making the shape-shifting aspect of the BPB persona more fluid than ever before.
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Venomous Tex-Mex R&B and early rock n'roll from San Antonio's West Side scene. From1961-67, Bexar county kingmaker Abe Epsteincut every teen combo to grace the Patio Andaluz stage, launching the careers of DougSahm, The Royal Jesters, Sonny Ace, TheDreamliners, and hundreds more throughoutthe decade. Spread across two luxurious slabsof vinyl, The Cobra Label compiles 28 neurotoxic sides from Epstein's first bite in the biz.
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Mia Zapata was the greatest rock singer of her time. She may well have been the greatest blues singer in punk rock history, the woman who married the 78 and the '78. Tragedy did not make this true. Mia Zapata made this true, and the ferocious, spring-loaded shrapnel frame that was built around her by Andy Kessler (guitar: metronomic and furious), Matt Dresdner (bass: fluid, punching, beat-addicted and melodic), and Steve Moriarty (drums: martial and explosive) - who, with Mia, combined to form The Gits - made it true. The Gits were formed at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio in mid-1986, grabbing and swapping pieces of art, thrash, noise, punk rock, classic rock, and all the sorts of magical silly and bookish jingle bells that an old-school liberal arts education handed you; for the next few years they worked on turning it all into something tough, sensitive, both brutal and kind. Andy, Matt, Mia, and Steve moved to Seattle in middish 1989, landing in a house on Capitol Hill where they (and fellow travelers) wood-shedded and rehearsed for the next few years. The Gits put out three EPs in 1990 and '91 before signing with C/Z Records and releasing their first full-length album, Frenching the Bully. Seattle quickly claimed the quartet as their own and embraced the Gits blend of ferocious fangs and soft heart, the slug/slap of the guitars, and the gorgeous, soft underbelly of the poetic emotions. These qualities not only fit in with the doe-eyed/sharp-clawed grunge ethos but earned the Gits the respect of their peers, including Nirvana, who tapped them to open a major local show in 1990. Then other stuff happened, and their frantic, confessional barbed-heart snowball began rolling up hill very, very fast; the Gits "quickly" (hah! After half a decade learning to implode and explode hearts and stomping their boots on manifold beer-softened, Marlboro-weeded wood stages!) inspired rapture, awe, and the levitation that happened when peak emotion meets peak grindage in front of amps spitting out something that sounded like the mad marriage of Bolan swagger and Dischord tension... all fronted by a genuinely incomparable woman who held her heart in her mouth and shared it, in all it's celebration and fear, without hesitation. The Gits were an angry, inflamed slinky fully in tune with and tuned by the Bessie Patti Smith of her time, truly the only singer who could summon Joplin, Poly Styrene, Sam Cooke, Iggy Pop and Ian MacKaye all in the same goddamn song.In 1993, less than four weeks after accepting an offer from Atlantic Records, Mia died. I leave it at that, because this is not about death; it's about an extraordinary life. I do not say, "You should have been there," I say, "We are lucky so many of us were, and I am so glad we have this extraordinary evidence of the power and gifts of Mia and the Gits that you now can hold in your hands." And I note that Frenching the Bully, this extraordinary testament to the soul, shock, fury and feeling of the Gits, has been long out of print on vinyl and CD, and this new edition - remastered by legendary Seattle engineer Jack Endino - joyfully rectifies that.-Tim Sommer
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Slow Pulp celebrates five years of their breakout debut album Moveys with a deluxe reissue. Available for the first time on Gatefold vinyl, the double LP release includes live versions of beloved singles like "Falling Apart" and "Idaho," as well as two reimagined versions of Moveys-era tracks. Full of blistering energy and emotional catharsis, Moveys is a testament to hard-fought personal growth. Since it's 2020 release, the band has appeared on late night TV, performed at Lollapalooza, and toured with The Pixies, Alvvays, The Postal Service, and Death Cab For Cutie.
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Cymande

Renascence

Vinyl: $27.98 UNAVAILABLE
Legendary British band Cymande return in 2025 with their first studio album in many years. A true return to form and jewel in the crown of their iconic discography, Renascence picks up where their 1974 album Promised Heights left off - a spiritual and sonic follow-up, bringing a fresh modern edge to their iconic sound, which remains foundational to early hip-hop and funk scenes in the US and UK. Renascence tells the story of a band that never fully got it's due back in the day; but are back to take the crown by remaining true to themselves - politically aware and spiritually positive with infectious grooves. Featuring the lead single, "Chasing An Empty Dream," beckoning you back into the world of Cymande with an unforgettable grizzly bassline hook - as is their way - addictive percussion, global rhythms (inspired by their diasporic origins), layered horns and a powerful message for the world.
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Celebrate two decades of lyrical genius with the re-press of Eyedea & Abilities' seminal album, E&A. Originally released in 2004, this album is a masterclass in expressive ingenuity and sonic experimentation. Eyedea's profound storytelling and introspective themes invite listeners on a journey through identity and the human experience. Paired with DJ Abilities' exceptional production and turntablism, E&A creates a rich and original soundscape, making it a standout in the genre.Critically acclaimed, E&A received praise for it's unique blend of styles and thought-provoking lyrics. Tracks like "Now" showcase how Eyedea's reflective depth is paired with Abilities' infectious rhythms to create a powerful anthem, while "Paradise" explores the pursuit of happiness and the nuances of human desire, balancing vulnerability with an impactful message about the human condition.Overall, E&A highlights the duo's ability to blend profound lyrical content with inventive production, solidifying Eyedea & Abilities' status as innovators in hip-hop. A must-have for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling in music-grab your copy of E&A and join the celebration!
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Double pearl colored vinyl LP pressing. PORTER ROBINSON's debut studio album, Worlds, took the electronic music landscape by storm in 2014. Inspired by themes of fantasy, escapism, fiction, and nostalgia, Worlds continues to transport listeners to new realms a decade later. Worlds (10th Anniversary Edition) comes with holographic cover art and a brand-new bonus song, "Hollowheart (ft. Amy Millan)," originally recorded during the Worlds sessions but never released until now. Enjoy and escape with this electronic classic ten years later.
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Lafourcade, Natalia

De Todas Las Flores

Vinyl: $30.98 UNAVAILABLE
"De Todas Las Flores" is Natalia's first release of all new original material since her breakthrough 2015 album 'Hasta La Raiz. The result of this search is 'De Todas Las Flores,' a dazzling and deeply sophisticated collection of original songs that feature Natalia's trademark compositional virtues - the unusual melodic turns, the affecting poetry, her lightness of touch - while also revealing a musical maturity that hints at a new step in her career. 'De Todas Las Flores' was inspired by themes of vulnerability, life and death, the feminine, nature, the mystical, love and heartbreak.
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FIDLAR

Surviving The Dream

Vinyl: $31.98 UNAVAILABLE
Surviving The Dream is FIDLAR's long-awaited fourth studio LP and first in over five years. Previewing the 13-song album's arrival, the group has released their brand new double-single "Get Off My Wave" and "Fix Me" - a pair of red-hot tracks bristling with frenzied, cranked-to-the-max sonics.Self-produced and self-recorded at Balboa Recording Studio in East LA, Surviving The Dream is many things for the Southern California trio comprised of Zac Carper, Max Kuehn, and Brandon Schwartzel. An embrace of their DIY roots. A reaction to the youthful kinetic energy packed into rooms at their recent live shows. A reckoning with aging and evolving.Finding themselves faced with existential downtime several years ago - brought on by a planned hiatus that was incidentally prolonged by the pandemic - FIDLAR returned feeling an odd discombobulation. In some ways everything was the same; and in others, everything was completely different. As a band whose identity has forever been tethered to getting fucked up, their attitude toward it has changed. Partly that's because they're older now, and partly because Carper was recently diagnosed with bi-polar disorder; something that has helped him make sense of how he acted and felt at certain times in the past, especially when making music.As a whole, they've grown up; no longer the young, hedonistic youths they'd been when they started out. And yet, their live shows have felt more feral than ever, with young audiences energized and full of the very reckless abandon FIDLAR stoked in their early days. It's this burning spirit that drives Surviving The Dream: the debauchery, the feelings of angst, the carefree viewpoints, and the questions of belonging that are not, and never have been bound by age. Fucked up, reckless, fun-loving and wild, the record is both a reminiscence of their beginnings and a testament to what they've become.
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Originally released in 2012, The Very Beast of Dio, Vol. 2 is the follow-up compilation to The Very Best of Dio released in 2000, which included tracks from Dio's first six albums and live EP. Picking up where the previous album left off, Vol. 2 includes tracks from the band's seventh to tenth albums, released between 1996-2002. 2 LP set pressed on "Dragon's Fire" color vinyl.
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Swedish high energy rock and roll band The Hellacopters released it's eighth studio album, "Eyes Of Oblivion", on April 1st, 2022. It marked the first full-length since the release of their temporary farewell record "Head Off" in 2008, which Nuclear Blast Records reissued in October 2024. "Eyes Of Oblivion" was met with massive acclaim from fans and media alike. Charting #1 in Sweden, #3 in Germany, #6 in Finland, the band celebrated a triumphant return culminating in a show with the mighty Iron Maiden in Gothenburg in July 2022, and apart from their own string of shows, gigs with Ghost in Germany in June 2023. Eager to keep the rock flowing, February 16th, 2024 saw The Hellacopters release not one, but two stunning versions of their classic "Grande Rock" album, which came out back in 1999. "Grande Rock Revisited" included a remastered original and remixed and partially re-recorded version showing how the album could have sounded in a parallel universe with Dregen being in the band at the time. After making Rock Grande again, the group set sights on new material, debuting the phenomenal "Stay With You" Single in May 2024 and releasing it as limited 7inch via befriended ultra collector Fredrik Magnil's label Lightning Records. Keeping their action rock melodic and powerful, the track marks a strong teaser of the energy, drive, and unashamed hooks and melodies awaiting you on their ninth studio opus "Overdriver" apart from plenty of roaring guitars, brilliant leads and earth-shattering grooves. The release of "Overdriver" also coincides with the celebration of 30 years of The Hellacopters history - so way more than one reason to crank it up until your VU meter bursts! Red Brick LP, LP comes with sleeve and poster
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The Perfume Of Decay (Redux) is a reimagined version of Tigercub's 2023 album The Perfume of Decay featuring brand new arrangements, and new instrumentation for a completely new sound and interpretation of their breakthrough album. The release comes on the heels of an incredible 2023, which saw them tour across North America as a headliner and supporting both Chevelle and Porno For Pyros, while also playing across the UK as a headliner and key rock festivals. Available in a Sky Blue/Marble Mix, Limited to 250 copies worldwide.
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"ANTIFRAGILE" marks All That Remains' first full length release since 2018.All That Remains have built an unbreakable axis between pit-splitting metal and anthemic melodies. This signature balance has defined the platinum-certified band's output since day one. It's why the quintet- Philip Labonte [lead vocals], Jason Richardson [lead guitar], Mike Martin [rhythm guitar], Anthony Barone [drums], and Matt Deis [bass]-have notched multiple Top 10 Active Rock Radio hits, sold out shows worldwide, and generated over half-a-billion streams. For as far as they've come, they've never lost sight of the cold Massachusetts underground where the guys first cut their teeth, preserving the same spirit without compromise. They've weathered the changing tides of a fickle business, unspeakable tragedy, and all manner of conflict only to come out stronger than ever on the other side. This strength surges through their tenth full-length album and first independent offering. The album embodies everything All That Remains are at the highest level."I think we've managed to forge our own identity independent of every other group," notes Phil. "From our scene, we were among a very few bands who didn't go on a long-term hiatus, stop playing, or find other jobs. All That Remains has been what I do for the last 20 years. The fact that we managed to dodge all of the trends and be ourselves is something I'm very proud of."By sticking to their guns, All That Remains have continued to thrive on their own terms as well. Among many accolades, signature hit "Two Weeks" received a platinum certification from the RIAA, while "What If I Was Nothing" and their cover of "The Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks each reached gold status. Meanwhile, 2008's Overcome went gold, and For We Are Many cracked the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. Not to mention, they have scored five Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart, landing four in the Top 5. During 2022, the group launched a successful sold-out anniversary tour in celebration of their seminal LP The Fall of Ideals-which Revolver hailed as "one of metalcore's most essential records" and Loudwire christened "a genre-defining album." However, they have also endured trials and tribulations that might've ended most bands. Following the death of original lead guitarist Oli Herbert, the band welcomed Jason Richardson to the fold. "We spent a long time trying to figure out what All That Remains looks like without Oli," admits Phil. "It was weird, and it's probably why it took so long to get started. We remodeled our studio too. Except for what we'd written in my mom's basement, everything we'd made with Oli was done in that studio. The dynamic was different. Mike has written a whole lot more on this record. At the same time, Jason has his own style and sound, and it's filtered through what we do."Ultimately, All That Remains are still standing strong."I'm incredibly grateful to anyone who has listened to our music or come to a show," Phil leaves off. "We survived in a changing business and world. I'm hugely satisfied with the success we've seen, but there's so much more to come. If you were a fan before, I think you're going to be a fan of this record." - Rick Florino, December 2023
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Everyone Says Hi is the brand-new band created byfrontman and ex-Kaiser Cheifs member, Nick Hodgson.The band also includes members Pete Denton (TheKooks), Ben Gordon (The Dead 60s), Glenn Moule(Howling Bells) and Tom Dawson. Their debut album withChrysalis Records is a collection of dreamy-pop soundsinspired by the likes of REM, The Strokes, Daft Punk,Cigarettes After Sex and Mac Demarco.The sound of Everyone Says Hi is owed to what Nick calls'analogue hour': "After dinner at my house, we listen to arecord, no phones, TV, or remote control, just put it onand take it all in." Nick remarks on the feelings ofwanting to create an album that focuses on authenticityover production "I wanted to make an album that I'dlisten to at night on the record player""The band's approach to the changing music landscape ispragmatic yet passionate" - DORK
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2025 release. Includes photo book, photo / photo card, poster, sticker.
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‘The new album from the acclaimed trumpeter is his second release for Nonesuch Records. The album follows up his recent GRAMMY nominated album (For Best Jazz Instrumental Album) Owl Song. It’s loosely a follow up to his critically acclaimed 2018 album Origami Harvest. The sprawling album album addresses what it is like to be a Black man in America. It features both a string quartet (Mivos Quartet) and a jazz quartet that includes Sam Harris (piano), Chiquita Magic (synthesizers) and Justin Brown (drums), accompanied by the poet/rapper/vocalist Kokayi.
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Big Al & Heavyweights

Blues Power

CD: $15.98 UNAVAILABLE
Big Al and the Heavyweights, who hail from South Louisiana, have absolutely absorbed the multi rhythms and rich cultural diversity of the region on their newest Vizztone release, BLUES POWER. With the tragic loss of long time keyboard player and vocalist, Wayne Lohr, the band has returned to it's original lineup of harmonica, bass, drums and guitar. On their eighth recording of original music, the band is soaring with energy infused from new members, Dangerous Dale Robertson on harp and Dennis the Menace Cedeno on bass, along with longtime guitarist vocalist Marcel Anton and Big Al Lauro on drums. From greasy funk to grinding blues mixed with some dance hall bayou soul and infectious zydeco, this album is truly a fine representation of American Roots Music. 1. Big Freight Train 2. Blues Power 3. IF 4. Red Line 5. Tired Of Waiting 6. Wasted So Much Time With You 7. Got What I Like 8. Good Bye 9. I Want To Know 10. Fast Drivin'
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Acclaimed Swedish rockers THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA are set to release their cinematic seventh studio album and Napalm Records debut, Give Us The Moon, on January 31, 2025! Founded in 2007 by members of high-profile bands such as Soilwork, Arch Enemy and Mean Streak, over the years THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA have been nominated three times for the Swedish Grammis, gathering millions of streams via their hits. The band has also won over live audiences internationally with their incredibly entertaining performances, including enormous festivals like Wacken Open Air and even opening for Kiss on their very last two shows in Sweden at legendary Dalhalla, as well as several successful European tours and a Latin American tour in summer 2024. The multifaceted new offering continues THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA’s mission of protecting true AOR and will impress fans and critics alike with its spellbinding storylines, brilliant musicianship and unique sound. The 13-track album takes the listener on an exciting sonic journey, balancing between uplifting escapism and captivating stories inspired by real life events. The album's themes span the likes of heroines and temptresses to liberation and romantic nostalgia, set to backdrops of abandoned cities and cosmic tides. The intro track “Final Call” sets the scene for Give Us The Moon before impressive opening track “Stratus” is followed by the beautifully nostalgic “Shooting Velvet”. The intro of “Like The Beating Of A Heart” captures the listener from its first notes, leading into an irresistibly catchy chorus. Massive “Melbourne, May I?” is a classic THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA anthem, featuring captivating solos that are equally prominent on following track “Miraculous”. THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA slows it down for the emotional “Paloma”, before again diving into different soundscapes on the exciting, uplifting “Cosmic Tide”. The title track “Give Us The Moon” builds into a singalong chorus, before the band continues their trademark of name-dropping streets and cities on “A Paris Point Of View”, that features fascinating instrumentation including particularly 80s-inspired keys and groovy bass. Sentimental “Runaways” feels like a part of a movie, only partially because of the attention-grabbing intro track before the first notes. THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA gets the tempo up once more for “Way To Spend The Night” before epic closing track “Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (And The Captain Of Pain)” wraps up THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA’s most cinematic masterpiece so far. Give Us The Moon is free from the limitations of one genre or style, although many of the soundscapes of the album draw inspiration from the 80s, making the album a varied, exciting adventure. Give Us The Moon is produced by THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA and Sebastian Forslund, who also mixed the album, and is mastered by Plec Johansson at award-winning The Panic Room Studios. To celebrate the release of the new full-length, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA will embark on a full European tour in late January, 2025. Boarding is completed - fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the flight!
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Circle of Giants is the 14th studio album by moe. In a nod to the band’s enduring resilience and musical evolution, Circle of Giants reflects on the journey of the band through decades of highs and lows, bringing fans a fresh sound infused with introspective lyrics, masterful instrumentation, and dynamic energy.
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Vinyl LP pressing. 2025 release from the former Spandau Ballet guitarist and songwriter. This Destination features 12 new songs all written and co-produced by Gary, and lyrically the album marks a journey in discovery for Kemp and is his most personal body of work to date.
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Nashville rock duo The Criticals (Parker Forbes and Cole Shugart) released their debut EP for Fantasy Records titled Front Door Confrontations, in 2023. Friends for more than a decade, having first met as children at music camp - Forbes and Shugart logged time together in Nashville’s wild DIY rock scene. The two musicians quite simply feed off one another’s energy and not only has it made for a close friendship, but an incomparable musical partnership that blends tuneful classicism and indie-rock thrash into a seductive, unforgettable mix. Now, following a pair of highly-regarded EPs—2019’s Mimosa Hygiene and the following year’s Sour Grapes—not to mention a steady diet of raucous live shows, the band’s most accomplished work yet, is Front Door Confrontations.
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Nashville rock duo The Criticals (Parker Forbes and Cole Shugart) released their debut EP for Fantasy Records titled Front Door Confrontations, in 2023. Friends for more than a decade, having first met as children at music camp - Forbes and Shugart logged time together in Nashville’s wild DIY rock scene. The two musicians quite simply feed off one another’s energy and not only has it made for a close friendship, but an incomparable musical partnership that blends tuneful classicism and indie-rock thrash into a seductive, unforgettable mix. Now, following a pair of highly-regarded EPs—2019’s Mimosa Hygiene and the following year’s Sour Grapes—not to mention a steady diet of raucous live shows, the band’s most accomplished work yet, is Front Door Confrontations.
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Nashville rock duo The Criticals (Parker Forbes and Cole Shugart) released their debut EP for Fantasy Records titled Front Door Confrontations, in 2023. Friends for more than a decade, having first met as children at music camp - Forbes and Shugart logged time together in Nashville’s wild DIY rock scene. The two musicians quite simply feed off one another’s energy and not only has it made for a close friendship, but an incomparable musical partnership that blends tuneful classicism and indie-rock thrash into a seductive, unforgettable mix. Now, following a pair of highly-regarded EPs—2019’s Mimosa Hygiene and the following year’s Sour Grapes—not to mention a steady diet of raucous live shows, the band’s most accomplished work yet, is Front Door Confrontations.
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Seattle’s beloved subterranean music iconoclast Skerik has long found the city of New Orleans a balm for his inherently subversive musical approach. Currently calling the Crescent City his second home, the saxophonist fully embraces this dichotomy between his own profane instincts and the Big Easy’s rich jazz traditions with Compersion Quartet — a band in which the he’s joined by fellow incendiary musicians: pianist Brian Hass, bassist James Singleton and drummer Simon Lott. Recorded in New Orleans, the quartet's self-titled debut album presents a series of studio improvisations that amalgamate in fits and starts of cinematic beauty, syncopated melodism and mystic sonic experimentalism. The inception of Compersion Quartet can be traced back to Saucefest, the multimedia festival within a festival, founded and curated by Skerik, that happens annually on the middle Tuesday night of New Orleans Jazzfest when a disparate gathering of local and traveling musicians come together in various configurations for an evening of fearless, no-holds-barred musical collaboration. "The history between the four of us goes way back, but this specific quartet would eventually come together through Saucefest," explains Skerik. "I met Brian Haas in the early years of his trio Jacob Jazz Odyssey after he heard me in Critters Buggin. I used to play with Simon Lott in Malestrom Trio along with Brian Coogan. They were both part of the early Saucefest events. I started playing with James Singleton on Johnny Vidacovich gigs and in other combinations. He also did some early Saucefest performances. We share a related collective history. We all are from the same mother of music, siblings without rivalry." Throughout the album's 11 tracks, Compersion Quartet explores deconstruction and rebirth, while undermining the math of music through enigmatic human vibrations intrinsic to improvisation. Like the green lizard adorning the album's cover art, just when the listener thinks they've captured the music’s essence, its tail detaches and it escapes back into the unknown. "To us, Compersion Quartet means to support each other and everyone on earth. Let's leave it at that. I want there to be more mystery and less analytical talk about this music," concludes Skerik. "There's really no point in trying to describe the indescribable."


        
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