Every Monday, Ghettoblaster is looking back to new albums released the previous week.  Below you’ll find several albums released on Friday June 10th that we believe are definitely worth a listen.

Leapling – Suspended Animation (Exploding In Sound)

 
The sophomore album of Brooklyn-based quartet, Leapling, is a dynamic blend of rock genres forming a fresh yet familiar sound. While the record is primarily guitar-driven power pop, the band works in orchestral elements, post-punk experimentation, and components of 90’s indie rock reminiscent of Pavement and Belle & Sebastian. This is an album about learning to “accept your limitations,” while staying true to yourself and your ambitions. Lead by Dan Arnes’ gentle yet powerful vocals, the record is technically intricate, yet appears effortlessly catchy. Great music transports it’s listener to a different time and place, and Suspended Animation accomplishes that flawlessly.

Band Of Horses – Why Are You Ok (Interscope)

 
The indie rock veterans’ fifth record is their best work since 2008’s Infinite Arms and one of the best guitar records of the year. Sometimes this band is stereotyped as being boring or depressing, but that claim cannot be made about this record. Why Are You Ok is full of new life and energy, with poppy guitar licks, and it’s fair share of intimate and engaging ballads. This record has an air of rebirth to it, with lyrics about moving forward while trying to accept, “the dark times of the past.” Whether you want a driving summer anthem or a pensive retrospective, this album has got you covered.

The Gotobeds – Blood//Sugar//Secs//Traffic (Sub Pop)

 
You can tell this band is a little quirky with an album title that parodies The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magic. The second release of the Pittsburgh punk band is a bright, melodic rock record, with the perfect blend of goofiness and intelligence. With clever lyrics that don’t take themselves too seriously, songs go unexpected places and keep the listener constantly captivated. This is an album that is hard to turn off as each song sparks new interest.

Garbage – Strange Little Birds (Stunvolume)

 
The sixth album from Garbage is a departure from the sound they’re known for. While there are some energetic rock tunes, the album is intentionally the bands darkest and deepest work to date. With melancholy tracks about love and desire, with the occasional sliver of light and optimism spilling in. Distorted electronic elements blend seamlessly with their industrial rock style, adding to the eerie environment of the record. The band stays true to their 90’s heritage without coming across as dated. We are in the age of reboots and reunions, and this album is a perfect example of artists from the past finding new ways to remain fresh and relevant.

Other notable albums:
Throws – Throws

Diarrhea Planet – Turn To Gold
https://soundcloud.com/infinity-cat/bob-dylans-grandma-diarrhea-planet