Featuring new music from Amyl and the Sniffers, Nappy Nina, Elias Rønnenfelt, and more.

1. Cartoon Darkness by Amyl and the Sniffers

Today, Amyl and the Sniffers have returned with their epic third LP, Cartoon Darkness. A reflection of the current state of the world merged with the band’s journey at this stage of their career. The four-piece have achieved the perfect level of balance with their gut-punching, high-octane empowering tracks such as “Tiny Bikini,’” “U Should Not Be Doing That,” and “Me and The Girls,” along with heartfelt ballads including, “Bailing On Me” and “Big Dreams.” They even touch on darker social and political themes, while expanding their sound. Cartoon Darkness is a raw, and uncompromising record with an emphasis on the importance of shutting out the noise.

2. Heavy Glory by Elias Rønnenfelt

Iceage frontman Elias Rønnenfelt has unveiled his debut solo album, Heavy Glory, a collection of self-reflective indie rock songs. The musician has enlisted bandmate Dan Kjær Nielsen, and vocalists Joanne Robertson and Fauzia, who are featured throughout the LP. Rønnenfelt also incorporates a pair of covers: “No Place to Fall” by Townes Van Zandt and Spaceman 3’s “Sound of Confusion.” Heavy Glory consists of a beautiful collection of poetry country-folk songs.

3.TRAИƧA: Selects by Red Hot Org

The non-profit music organization Red Hot has unveiled TRAИƧA: Selects, the first chapter of their upcoming 46-track concept album celebrating the transgender community. Featuring over 100 artists, the compilation record consists of an ambitious body of work, highlighting the talents of various trans and non-binary artists, with contributions from Adrianne Lenker, Allison Russell, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, claire rousay, Helado Negro, Kelela, Laraaji, and many more.

TRAИƧA: Selects features five blissful tracks. The record commences with “Young Lion,” a heartfelt tribute from Sade to her trans son, Izaak. André 3000 delivers a riveting 26 and a half-minute ambient composition with “Something Is Happening And I May Not Fully Understand But I’m Happy To Stand For The Understanding (Awakening).” The song marks his first release since his audacious solo LP, New Blue Sun. L’Rain delivers a beautiful homage to Anohni on “People Are Small / Rapture,” a reimagining of her songs. The selection also includes previously released singles: “I Would Die 4 U” by Lauren Auder + Wendy & Lisa of the Revolution, Sam Smith and Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s historic rendition of the legendary composer’s 1986 track, “Ever New.”

4. Motherland by Lia Kuri

Montreal-based multi-instrumentalist Lia Kuri’s debut album, Motherland, is an illuminating body of work, packed with upbeat experimental tunes. Over the kaleidoscopic soundscape lay 10 tracks reflective of Earth’s chaotic state. Part blissful meditation, part critique, Motherland amplifies the need for regeneration, drawing attention to how environmental degradation, capitalism, and greed continues to impact us negatively. Above all, Kuri reminds listeners that awareness is the first step that will lead us to hope.

5. Nothing Is My Favorite Thing by Nappy Nina and Swarvy

Brooklyn-based rapper Nappy Nina has returned with Nothing Is My Favorite Thing, a collaborative record with LA-based producer Swarvy. Between Nina’s witty bars and Swarvy smooth production, the duo have put together a bright and cohesive body of work. The rapper effortlessly switches flows mid track, and fitting vocal samples tie the stories together. The project also features contributions from E L U C I D, Maassai, Lauren Whitehead, and more. Nothing Is My Favorite Thing delivers on every level. Nappy Nina and Swarvy truly make the perfect musical pairing.