Songs for the spring semester: 3 new albums coming out soon

Each new year, we look back at all the music and memories that made our year so special. In 2018, we celebrated yet another year of incredible music filled with exciting and innovative records from around the world. We’ll never forget thrashing to Guerilla Toss’ “Twisted Crystal,” crying to Mitski’s “Be the Cowboy” and dancing for hours on end to Kero Kero Bonito’s “Time ‘n’ Place.”

But as always, the new year brings new things. At Radio 1190, we can’t help but to look forward to all the new and exciting music this year will bring. Here’s a list of the some of the records we’re most excited to listen to in 2019.

‘Outer Peace’ by Toro Y Moi

Jan. 18

Toro Y Moi has been teasing us with tracks from his upcoming album for months, and I can’t think of a better way to start off the new year. Releasing just two weeks into 2019, “Outer Peace” is sure to be a fun ride. He’s released two singles so far, and both of them have been funkier and dancier than anything he’s put out before, which, considering his previous releases, is very impressive. The first single, “Freelance,” is infectiously catchy. Its groovy bass licks and perfectly crafted synth melodies call on you to just start dancing. The song was released with a video that matches the mood perfectly. Chaz Bundick (the man behind Toro Y Moi) dances and sings without a care in a surreal, colorful room filled with synthesizers. The second single, “Ordinary Pleasure,” is just as fun as the first, with its catchy hook drawing you in from the start. The songs follow Bundick’s signature retro “chillwave” style, but they feel deeper and more deliberate than before. We’ve been following Toro Y Moi’s music for years now and can’t wait to see where he takes this album.

‘Highway Hypnosis’ by Sneaks

Jan. 25

Sneak’s third record is set to release in late January, and the singles so far have been more than promising. Her first record had a distinctive lo-fi sound, with most songs consisting of only bass guitar and vocals. Since then, we’ve watched Sneaks slowly progress toward a more pop-influenced sound, and we’re stoked on the change. The singles off her upcoming record are clearly influenced by rap and dance music, but they also hold a nostalgic ’90s hip-hop feeling. We got a sneak peak of some of her new songs at the SXSW music festival last year and loved every second of it. Even though we liked the simplicity of her earlier records, we welcome the change in sound.

‘American Football (LP3)’ by American Football

March 22

Critically acclaimed Midwest emo band American Football made a comeback in 2016 with their first release in 17 years: “American Football (LP2).” In the time since their first album, the band had gained notoriety for their heartfelt lyrics and unique style. Throughout their discography, technically impressive, relaxed guitar riffs and rolling drums compliment singer Mike Kinsella’s emotional vocals.

With their third album, the band is mixing shoegaze into their sound. We were skeptical at first, but a listen to their first single from the album, “Silhouettes,” is all it took for us to be convinced. The classic American Football sound is very much intact but is now complemented with reverberant guitar and mallet instruments. Guest artists on the album include Rachel Goswell of Slowdive and Hayley Williams of Paramore. Both groups have recently released great material, and we look forward to seeing what they add to this newest album. To boot, drummer Steve Lamos is also an English professor here at CU!