April could easily be the hottest month for albums yet this year. More specifically, April 7th. I don’t remember there being a release day as massive as this coming Friday. It kind of exemplifies what music in the internet age can bring; variety, hype for albums without the push from mainstream outlets, and hopefully, great albums. If that isn’t enough for you, then wait till the end of month, where everyone’s favourite virtual band returns with their first album 7 years.
Future Islands – The Far Field (7th)
These guys do synthpop like no other band. Samuel Herring has one of the best voices around (he can even rap as well) and this kind of versatility is much needed in modern music. “Seasons (Waiting On You)” will go down as one of the greatest singles of the decade, and their single from the new album “Ran” is a reminder that they can still lure you in with their incredible sound.
Kendrick Lamar – ‘TBC’ (7th)?
Kendrick fans have been freaking out as of late as it seems that he’s teasing up to a new release. I might be one of those people freaking out as well, but since I don’t want to make myself look weak, let’s just say I’m not freaking out. The near flawless To Pimp A Butterfly from 2015 is still getting regular plays, last year he put out a bloody demos album that was better than most albums, and now there’s going be another. I don’t know if he can top GKMC or TPAB but I know that this could be something special, once again.
Joey Bada$$ – ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ (7th)
Unfortunately, Joey has to compete with Kendrick on the release of his album. I’m hoping that the hype for this album isn’t completely eclipsed, as B4.DA.$$ was one of the best albums of 2015, and with “Rockabye Baby” with ScHoolboy Q just dropping (and easily being one of his best singles to date), I believe he can produce his best album here.
Father John Misty – Pure Comedy (7th)
I’ve attempted to hide myself from these singles as I don’t want to ruin the album as a whole when it comes out. I did, however, hear the title track from this album and it’s safe to say that Josh Tillman is ready to rip apart everything within culture. He stated that he was done with writing love songs, which I’m happy with because it would be very hard to top ‘I Love You, Honeybear’. In exchange, I’m hoping that we don’t get a bunch of pretentious “my society sucks” songs, but it still could be an excellent album even if that turns out to be the case.
Timber Timbre – Sincerely, Future Pollution (7th)
It’s a real shame that more people didn’t talk about the brilliant ‘Hot Dreams’ in 2014, especially the endearing (albeit, steamy) title track. It’s very unique sound left me wanting more of this band in the future, but the lead track from this upcoming album went into a more lo-fi sound which I’m not sure is the best direction for the band. Perhaps in context with the rest of the album it could work, it’s just not what I was expecting from Timber Timbre.
Arca – Arca (7th)
This could be the freakiest album of 2017, and I really don’t know if I’m ready for it.
Actress – AZD (14th)
This underrated electronic producer has been putting out great albums for a while now. His consistency is quite remarkable, and I’m expecting another outstanding release from him.
Artificial Pleasure – Like Never Before (21st)
I don’t know much about this band but they put out an excellent, dancey post punk track near the end of last year, which I fell in love with. I’m anticipating more of that for this new album.
Feist – Pleasure (28th)
I fear that most people don’t really care about The Reminder anymore. It’s an album that easily holds up and is worth hearing anytime. The power on display in the new single has got me very excited to hear more music from her. She sounds amped up, her voice is gruffer than ever, and the verses make me feel like a leaf that’s floating around in the wind. I am ready for this, Feist.
Gorillaz – Humanz (28th)
Okay, I’ll be honest, I’m not loving the new tracks so far. Well, Ascension with Vince Staples is fantastic, but I’m struggling to get into the others. The thing is though, this album will be very long with lots of interludes throughout, so there’s still potential for it to be amazing, with just these tracks being the low points. I’m hoping we hear more Damon on the album and the features don’t steal the light on every track. For now I’m sceptical, but very curious.
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