Music fans have a lot to look forward to this autumn: September alone is seeing releases from several industry giants. Whether it's standard rock fare or the most daring avant−garde experiments, this coming season is primed to keep the most demanding musical tastes satisfied. Renowned artists ranging from metal/funk fusionists Primus to electronic pop rockers Neon Indian will be releasing new material to hungry fans.
Some of the most promising material arriving this season is from up−and−coming acts like Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent. Clark, who got her start in The Polyphonic Spree. She didn't rise to prominence until her second solo album, "Actor" (2009), received glowing praise from reviewers ranging from Pitchfork Music to the notoriously implacable Robert Christgau. Her penchant for lush textures, straightforward beats, and direct pop melodies makes her an instantly likable addition to the alternative scene. St. Vincent's latest album, "Strange Mercy," will come out on Sept. 13.
For those with a taste for harder rock, progressive metal icons Dream Theater will be releasing a new album, "A Dramatic Turn of Events," on the same day. This album is a bit of a gamble for the group since their legendary drummer, Mike Portnoy, left the group last September. Portnoy'svirtuosic blend of melodic and aggressive drumming styles gave Dream Theater one of the most compelling rhythm sections in contemporary music. It is unclear how the band's new drummer, Mike Manginini, will alter Dream Theater's sound in their new album, but it's hard to imagine them playing anything but the most rhythmically complex rock around.
For listeners who want to hearken back to their middle school days, blink−182 will be releasing a new album on Sept. 27. The first album produced after their reformation in 2009, "Neighborhoods" promises another romp through addictive guitar hooks and delightfully sophomoric lyrics. Blink−182 has been honing their music since a tour in 2009, and the upcoming "Neighborhoods" is one of this month's most anticipated releases.
Legions of Wilco fans are dying to listen to the group's latest album, "The Whole Love," which will also be released on Sept. 27. The band released a single from the album, "I Might," at their music festival over the summer. "I Might" is a deliciously catchy, undeniably fun track that mixes a guttural, abrasive bass line with Jeff Tweedy's insouciant vocals and Nels Cline's snarling guitar commentary. This new album promises to be another win for Wilco, who has released streams of critically acclaimed albums since the release of their magnum opus, "Yankee Foxtrot Hotel" (2002).
Looking farther down the line, Björk's"Biophilia" will be released in its entirety on Oct. 11. This new outing from one of today's most challenging artists is a strange combination of conventional composition and radical experimentalism. Björk has been creating the songs for the album using everything from iPads to advanced electronic devices that were created specifically for the album. One such instrument channels the Earth's rotations into a harp, while another transfers the electric emissions of a Tesla coil into audio. "Biophilia" has been released in bits and pieces as iPad and iPhone apps. The gem "Chrystalline" is a perfect example. The track opens with strangely melodic percussion and concludes with a startling percussion breakdown that would make any intelligent dance music fan go crazy with delight.
Coldplay, arguably the world's pleasantest alternative rock band, will be releasing the quirkily named "MyloXyloto" on Oct. 24. Their latest promises to be another melodic, pseudo sentimental album that keeps fans everywhere satisfied. The single "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" gives a sneak peak into the album's sound. Coldplay trademarks like reverbed−out wails from Chris Martin and joyful power chord breakdowns characterize the new track, which barely strays from Coldplay's signature sound.
