March is going to be big this year, and not just because of St. Patrick’s Day parades, huge amounts of snow or finals week. This windy month is filled with dozens of album drops, but here’s a narrowed down list of albums and records to check out when the time comes.
“Aureate Gloom,” Of Montreal
Of Montreal has never been known for coloring inside the lines. A five-piece rock band led by Kevin Barnes, Of Montreal released its thirteenth studio album “Aureate Gloom” on March 3. Characterized by plucky guitar grooves and wildly unique synths, the band’s style is so dynamic that each album is it’s own art piece, and “Aureate Gloom” continues with that tradition.
“Another Eternity,” Purity Ring
The electronic pair Purity Ring—hailing from Edmonton, Canada—released its first album, “Shrines,” in 2012. The dreamy duo is back, and delivered “Another Eternity” on March 3. “Push Pull,” a single off the album, seemed like a good indication that “Another Eternity” would be a glorious continuation of the ethereal work that was “Shrines”—and it delivered.NPR streamed “Another Eternity” on its website on Feb. 26, so, if you don’t want to drop the dough to buy the album, stream it there.
“Strangers to Ourselves,” Modest Mouse
After an eight-year hiatus, indie rock group Modest Mouse is finally releasing a new, highly anticipated album, “Strangers to Ourselves.” The six-member band, fronted by Isaac Brock, dropped the first single for the album “Lampshades on Fire” last December, a frantic and overtly loud piece that caught the attention of many listeners. Nobody seems to know what to expect from Modest Mouse on “Strangers to Ourselves.” Will the band stray from its typical sound and give us something fresh? Modest Mouse needs to change it up a bit in order to make that eight-year break worth it. “Strangers to Ourselves” is set to be released on March 17.
“Kintsugi,” Death Cab For Cutie
The band that brought us songs such as “Soul Meets Body” and “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” is back with a new album under its belt after four years without a new record. “Kintsugi,” Death Cab For Cutie’s eighth studio album, will be out March 31. The album is supported by dozens of summer shows, including a concert at Red Rocks on July 15. Chances are, “Kintsugi” will depart from Death Cab For Cutie’s typical emo alternative sound, as this is the first album without founding member Chris Walla, who left the band last year. For now, check out the first single from the album, “Black Sun.”
“For All My Sisters,” The Cribs
Receiving positive criticism for their 2012 album “In the Belly of the Brazen Bull,” The Cribs is ready to strike again. The Cribs, armed with a solid rock sound and garage and pop undertones, is releasing “For All My Sisters” on March 24. The music world has high expectations for this album. NME, a highly influential and popular music magazine, had an early listen and gave it a very positive review. A smattering of tour dates on both of the USA’s coasts will support “For All My Sisters.”
All of these albums represent a great mix of talent and are sure to be, at the very least, interesting compilations. Take a listen and post what you think on our social media pages.
