10 Must-Listen New Albums: Featuring Perfume Genius, Destroyer, Lucy Dacus, and More
New Sounds for Your Weekend: Perfume Genius, Destroyer, and More
With a dizzying array of fresh music dropping every week, navigating the sea of new releases can feel like an onslaught for any avid listener. Thankfully, we’ve curated a list of noteworthy albums hitting streaming services this Friday, ensuring your playlist stays as vibrant as your Thursday night karaoke.
Perfume Genius: Glory [Matador]
In Glory, Perfume Genius mastermind Mike Hadreas strikes a stunning balance between introspection and allure. Following the abstract beauty of 2022’s Ugly Season, this seventh studio effort finds Hadreas rediscovering the heartfelt singer-songwriter motif. Lead singles “It’s a Mirror” and the enchanting duet with Aldous Harding, “No Front Teeth,” initially promise fiery audacity, yet Hadreas subverts expectations with a collection that is, paradoxically, his most subdued work in over a decade. Still, moments of profound beauty emerge, particularly in the striking “Me & Angel,” perhaps a homage to the pop balladry of Celine Dion. Meanwhile, “In a Row” stands as a testament to Hadreas’ knack for crafting rapturous anthems, threatening to replace older favorites as the closing number at his gigs.
Listen to Glory on Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp.
Destroyer: Dan’s Boogie [Merge]
Canadian indie rock icon Destroyer, led by enigmatic frontman Dan Bejar, offers up a collection of loose, gleefully experimental soundscapes in Dan’s Boogie. This latest offering ventures into rhythmic territory, blending Bejar’s signature lyrical whimsy with eclectic instrumentation. Drawing upon the diverse influences of the ’70s and ’80s, the album bursts with playful melodies that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly visceral. The playfulness in songs like "Love is a Trap" is just right for dancing with reckless abandon, while tracks like "Before I’m Outta Here" weave together eloquent storytelling and sublime musicality.
Bejar continues to push the boundaries of his craft without losing the charm that has garnered him a devoted fanbase. This is the sound of an artist fully embracing spontaneity, and it’s a ride worth taking.
This week also sees new releases from rising talents like Lucy Dacus and Aya, as well as veterans such as Deafheaven and Eiko Ishibashi, each bringing their unique flavors to the table. Whether you’re vibing with the earnest storytelling of Great Grandpa or getting lost in the intricate textures of Sandwell District, there’s a little something for everyone.
So make sure to subscribe to our New Music Friday newsletter to keep your playlists updated and discover the tracks poised to define your listening experience this weekend. Happy streaming!
