You don’t need a degree in advanced mathematics to enjoy this week’s new albums (but if you do have a degree in advanced mathematics, good for you!). Soulful Chicago rocker Neal Francis delivers on Return to Zero; the follow-up to his 2021 breakthrough features contributions from Say She She. As he approaches the 10th anniversary of his full-length debut, prolific Americana journeyman Charley Crockett shows no signs of slowing down on the Shooter Jennings-produced Lonesome Drifter. New England college rock heroes Throwing Muses offer observational anthems on their 11th LP, Moonlight Concessions.

Longtime Wilco guitarist Nels Cline’s Consentrik Quartet recruits saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, bassist Chris Lightcap, and drummer Tom Rainey for a set of adventurous, genre-defying compositions. On Georgie, his most stripped-down album to date, Twin Shadow’s George Lewis Jr. floats through sparse and ruminative arrangements; the record is dedicated to the memory of his father.  Following the announcement of his retirement from touring, Edwyn Collins makes good on his promise to continue recording and releasing music with his wizened 10th solo LP, Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation. Brooklyn-based trio Bambara conjure dead-end locales and desperate characters on their fifth album, Birthmarks.

Listen for spotlights on new records like these (and more) every week on the XPN Morning Show and Indie Rock Hit Parade.

PRESS PLAY on these new releases

Neal FrancisReturn to Zero
CHECK OUT: “Back it Up” “What’s Left of Me”

Charley CrockettLonesome Drifter
CHECK OUT: “Lonesome Drifter” “Jamestown Ferry”

Throwing MusesMoonlight Concessions
CHECK OUT: “South Coast” “Summer of Love”

Nels ClineConsentrik Quartet
CHECK OUT: “The 23” “Slipping into Something”

Twin ShadowGeorgie
CHECK OUT: “Good Times” “As Soon as You Can”

Edwyn CollinsNation Shall Speak Unto Nation
CHECK OUT: “Knowledge” “The Heart is a Foolish Little Thing”

BambaraBirthmarks
CHECK OUT: “Letters from Sing Sing” “Face of Love”

The PRESS PLAY-list

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