I’ll admit it’s a real struggle trying to write these #NewMusicFriday introductions every week, especially when there are weeks like this. As you can see from the list below, there are a lot of new releases but very few stand out to me. Thankfully, Liverpool DIY punks Coughin’ Vicars are on hand to come to the rescue.
Coughin’ Vicars – ‘Curses & Prayers’
Having joined Venn Records, their latest album, ‘Curses & Prayers’, sees Coughin’ Vicars create a unique and striking sound. Weaving in elements of 80’s goth, and DIY punk rock, with hints of psychedelic and experimentation, the Scouse quintet are authentic in their delivery.
Sure, there are hints of AFI (see ‘Anti-Faction’) and The Cure (‘Until The Feeling Turns Cold’), yet Coughin’ Vicars are from worshipping their influences. ‘One Cuff Fits All’ is executed with plenty of bite, partly thanks to the duel vocal work of frontman Roman Remains and synth keyboardist Gabriella Rose King. Later on, ‘Doomsday Lottery’ sees the pair border on becoming unhinged, battling jangly guitars. Recent single, ‘Reverse The Wound’ brilliantly highlights the aforementioned blend of goth and punk rock. A sinister black cloud rears over before King’s vocals and soft synths provide a moment of reflection.
Then there are moments where they wander off to be weird and wonderful. ‘The Act’ fools you with its scratchy guitars, and Oliver Turner’s bubbling bass line, before spiralling away. While ‘The Reach’ serves as a lengthy instrumentation piece, building with confidence as guest saxophonist Daniel Thorne (of Erased Tapes) takes over.
‘Curses & Prayers’ is an intriguing outing. Coughin’ Vicars‘ melting pot of sounds isn’t entirely defined yet there’s something about them that’s worth taking note of.
Elsewhere, Britpop legends, Blur, document last summer’s shows at Wembley Stadium. Powerwolf returns with their brand of eccentric power metal in the form of ‘Wake Up The Wicked’. While New Zealand quartet Written By Wolves‘ second album, ‘The Lighthouse’, sees them expand on their cinematic brand of hard rock.
Closer to home, Mancunian punk outfit Loose Articles deliver their debut album, ‘Scream If You Wanna Go Faster’, with South London four-piece Potato also sharing their debut release. Titled ‘Stew’, is a breezy mix of experimental rhythms, twinkling guitars, hushed vocals, and lo-fi jazz.
There are also new releases from State Faults, Sinai Vessel, Kississippi, Thousand Foot Krutch, and more.
What is out on #NewMusicFriday?
Blur – Live At Wembley Stadium
Loose Articles – Scream If You Wanna Go Faster
Coughin’ Vicars – Curses & Prayers
Written By Wolves – The Lighthouse
Powerwolf – Wake Up The Wicked
POTATO – Stew
Sinai Vessel – I Sing
State Faults – Children Of The Moon
Kississippi – Damned If I Do It For You
Respire – Hiraeth
Thousand Foot Krutch – The End Is Where We Begin (Reignited)
Cabal – Magno Interitus Reworks
Category 7 – Category 7
Ben Seretan – Allora
Already Dead – Something Like A War
American Aquarium – The Fear Of Standing Still
Tremendous – Transcendence on the Cheap
Earthquake Lights – Signs of Life
A Wake In Providence – I Write To You, My Darling Decay
Kaonashi – A Second Chance At Forever: The Brilliant Lies From Casey Diamond
Iress – Sleep Now, In Reverse
The Bedside Morale – Still Life
Velvet Rouge – Velvet Rouge
Vestigial – Wither
SharkLung – Depths
Mountaineer – Dawn And All That Follows
If you think I’ve missed something or have a new album/EP/song to tell us about, tell us about it here.
If you’re looking for the latest tracks focusing on rock, punk, hardcore, metal, emo, and everything in between, then check out our ‘Newish Music’ playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.
