The Cult, Librarians With Hickeys, Billy Idol and Mountain City Four are back with essential new releases.
Title: Under The Midnight Sun (Black Hill Records)
You might like if you enjoy: AC/DC, The Cult, Interpol
Tell me more: Blending hard rock and soaring gothic melancholy has always marked The Cult's best work and that winning approach is displayed across the band's most recent album Under The Midnight Sun. Although this marks the English outfit's first new disc since 2016's Hidden City, the British quintet sounds as great as ever. Songs such as the shimmering "Mirror," edgy "A Cut Inside" (the latter showcasing Ian Astbury's vocal firepower), ambitious "Knife Through Butterfly Heart" with its acoustic-to-electric arc and dramatic closer "Under The Midnight Sun" deliver on the band's sonic imprint. The standout cut on the album is the rousing "Give Me Mercy," a track that is wonderfully nuanced and showcases Billy Duffy's stunning guitar work along with an explosive build. Information: TheCult.us.
Title: Handclaps & Tambourines (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello & The Attractions, early R.E.M., Todd Rundgren
Tell me more: With a sound that evokes an array of melodic heroes from the '60s, '70s and '80s, the four members of Akron, Ohio's Librarians With Hickeys also put a decidedly original stamp on their melody-minded rock. The group's latest album Handclaps & Tambourines features a dozen magical tracks that shine via smart songwriting, sharp hooks, enticing vocal harmonies and the collective talents of Mike Crooker (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Ray Carmen (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Rob Crossley (drums, percussion) and Andrew Wilco (bass guitar). Highlights abound on the disc, including the lovely "Ghost Singer," dynamic "Fairground," wistful "Can't Wait 'Till Summer" (the latter bolstered by some sweet guitar harmonics), rollicking "Lady Overdrive," magical "I Can't Stop Thinking About You," gorgeous Celtic-tinged "Last Days Of Summer" and inspired power pop closer "Me and My Big Mouth." Information: BigStirRecords.com.
Title: The Cage EP (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Billy Idol, The Cult, Muse
Tell me more: Billy Idol makes the most of his newly-issued The Cage EP, with the rocker delivering four fantastic tracks that recall his most beloved '80s material. Idol's signature baritone vocals are powerful and used in the service of songs where he is exploring his life with artful candor across the disc. "Cage" is a catchy rocker, its fierceness a welcome opener for the 66-year-old singer who was among the first to blend punk, new wave and hard rock styles. "Running From The Ghost" is a reflective original, whose musical run includes a relatively quiet intro before a choir of otherworldly voices and Steve Stevens' blazing guitar work elevate the track. "Rebel Like You" is a winning riff rocker enhanced by a heavy rhythm and AC/DC-worthy thunder. "Miss Nobody" is an interesting cut that blends Idol's spoken word, gospel backing vocals and a funky dance soundscape to perfection. Information: BillyIdol.net.
Title: Mountain City Four (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Linda Ronstadt, Maria Muldaur, American folk music
Tell me more: Canadian folk group Mountain City Four are celebrated on their self-titled album, which features 15 previously-unissued recordings completed between 1963 and 1970. The marvelous album simultaneously documents the early career of sisters Kate and Anna McGarrigle, who released their eponymous debut in 1976 and released a number of more albums together through 2008; Kate died in 2010, at the age of 63, from a rare form of cancer. Mountain City Four features the talents of the McGarrigle sisters along with Jack Nissenson and Peter Weldon. The group's stellar harmonies and enduring folk sound are used in the service of creating reworking a range of selections in their signature Americana style. Works by the far-flung likes of Willie Johnson, Bill Monroe, Rosetta Tharpe and Wade Hemsworth are covered. Produced by original member Weldon and Jane McGarrigle (the latter was a sister of Kate and Anna and served as their long-time business manager), the album packaging includes photos and liner notes from Weldon, Jane and Anna McGarrigle, and Joe Boyd. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Robert Kinsler
