This week’s batch of new albums marks grand returns from reliable favorites as well as career-making statements from newcomers. On This Stupid World, their 17th (!!) album, New Jersey icons Yo La Tengo sound refreshed and reenergized. Hayley Williams reunites with her band Paramore for their ’00s Brit-rock inspired sixth album, This is Why. Denver duo Tennis enter their second decade of sleek and slinky pop with their own sixth album, POLLEN.
Pacific Northwest singer-songwriter Katherine Paul offers their third LP as Black Belt Eagle Scout; The Land, the Water, the Sky is a self-described “love letter to indigenous strength and healing.” Though a decade has passed since their last album, Portland duo Quasi make up for lost time on the rollicking Breaking the Balls of History. After years as an in-demand collaborator for artists like Solange and Gorillaz, Kelela makes her long-awaited solo return on her stunning sophomore release Raven.
PRESS PLAY on these new releases below. Listen for spotlights on new records like these (and more) every Friday on the XPN Morning Show and Indie Rock Hit Parade.