2023 was another incredible year for music. Mainstays in music culture released influential album, and new up-and-coming acts released albums that shot them into the mainstream. As we ring in 2024, we find that the same excitement that came from last year's music is continuing. These are five records that are releasing in the next few months that you need to lookout for.
February 2 - The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy
This English quintet burst onto the scene last year with their powerful, catchy, and controversial debut single "Nothing Matters." The song was such a hit that many critics labeled them as industry plants. As the band released more singles, however, it was clear that this wasn't just some hit-making sell-out pop band. Their songs are incredibly intricate with hints of classical tones and 70s rock with lyrics that read like poetry, something seldom seen in the current pop-rock scene.
February 16 - Friko - Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here
The Chicago band Friko's rise has been slow and steady since their EP Whenever Forever gained traction in 2022. Ever since then, the band has slowly came into its own, becoming one of the Chicago scene’s hottest underground bands following its peers Horsegirl and Lifeguard in pursuit of worldwide indie prosperity. The singles "Crimson to Chrome" and "For Ella" are outstanding tracks to listen to as we await a new indie classic.
February 23 - MGMT - Loss of Life
MGMT has been in the zeitgeist for years ever since they burst into the mainstream with their singles "Time to Pretend", "Kids", and "Electric Feel". Since then they have been crafting meticulous indie pop/rock records that have both isolated their fans and gained them new ones. The singles that have been coming out from their new album Loss of Life sees the band taking a more pop-oriented approach yet sticking to their weird hipster roots. Listen to "Bubblegum Dog" and try not to softly head-bang.
March 1 - Faye Webster - Underdressed at the Symphony
Alternative country has not been the same since Faye Webster burst onto the scene with her breakout record Atlanta Millionaires Club in 2019. With her articulate blend of R&B, classic indie, and grassroots influence, Webster's signature sound has captivated audiences and has continued to do so as she's teased us with spacious, beautiful singles such as "But Not Kiss" and "Lego Ring" featuring former classmate Lil Yachty for her upcoming fifth album Underdressed at the Symphony.
March 8 - Bleachers - Bleachers
Bleachers, the brainchild of Grammy-winning producer Jack Antonoff, has gone through a revelation as of late. What was once the origin of H&M and Target advertisement background indie songs has now become a celebration of the American dream, and more specifically, the American dream according to Bruce Springsteen. After the classic rock influence that took hold of their third album Take the Sadness out of Saturday Night, the singles "Modern Girl" and "Alma Mater" prove that classic rock isn't just an influence, it's the album itself.