This month, French Police dropped a new EP, Espera, and Optometry’s sophomore album, Lemuria, hit the web. Plus, Marie Davidson’s latest album, City of Clowns, came out today. And, on the rarities front, Drop Nineteens’ demo collection, 1991 was officially released in early February and new compilation Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus, which I reviewed for Bandcamp, digs into the vast and eclectic catalog of the late singer.
But, there’s a lot more music that came out in February, so much that I’ve probably heard a fraction of one percent of it, which includes the handful of releases that I’ve recommended below. Give them a listen when you have the chance.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Perfect Right Now: A Slumberland Collection 2008-2010
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart emerged during the MySpace era with a sound that much closer to ‘80s and ‘90s U.K. than ‘00s New York. With a jangly, shoegaze-adjacent sound that brought to mind beloved indie labels like Creation and Sarah Records, the band earned a cult following in its heyday and, since reforming last year, are poised for a revival. Perfect Right Now, which was released via Slumberland on February 7, compiles the band’s early B-sides and is as much for newbies as it is for seasoned fans. “Falling Over,” with its Orange Juice vibe, is my personal favorite, but the whole 10 song collection is solid.
Get Perfect Right Now by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Big Black Delta
Adoni
On his fifth album as Big Black Delta, Jonathan Bates takes dark synthpop down various avenues. New wave, darkwave, even house makes an appearance on this stellar album. “YNAlone” and “Move Forward” are standouts on the album. The former takes a turn towards new romantic-style pop with an Italo disco edge, the latter has an air of I’m Your Man-era Leonard Cohen to it. While Bates’ versatile, emotional vocals drive the album, “Pik Pok,” a bouncy, house-inflected instrumental track, is also a highlight.
Anish Kumar & Hagop Tchaparian
Kino
Hagop Tchaparian’s 2022 album, Bolts, blew my mind for the way that he used field recordings from travels, including in historic Armenian regions, to make killer leftfield techno. Meanwhile, Anish Kumar has been making captivating dance music with South Asian samples. Together, the two released Kino, a two-track EP of bangin’ warehouse techno, earlier this month. “Part II” of the EP is my favorite, as their individual styles converge flawlessly in a dynamic way.
Get Kino by Anish Kumar & Hagop Tchaparian
Robert Ascroft
Echo Still Remains
This Mortal Coil is the obvious point of reference for guitarist/producer Robert Ascroft’s latest album, Echo Still Remains. Like the 4AD super-collab, Ascroft brings together an all-star roster of vocalists for this collection of songs. The cast for Echo Still Remains includes Ruth Radelet (Chromatics), Zumi Rosow (Black Lips), Britta Phillips (Dean & Britta, Luna), Christopher Owens (Girls), Ora Coogan, Kid Congo Powers (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Gun Club), Guy Blakeslee (The Entrance Band) and Tess Parks. The range of vocalists is impressive and adds a bit of eclecticism to the album, from Radelet’s melancholy opener, “Faded Photograph,” to Powers’ menacing turn on “Devil Opens the Door.”
Get Echo Still Remains by Robert Ascroft
V/A
For the Z-Ranch: A Benefit Compilation for Zorthian Ranch
Amongst the historic places devastated by the Eaton Fire is Zorthian Ranch, which was founded by the artist Jirayr Zorthian in 1946 and not only remained in the family, but became a hub for artists. For the Z-Ranch, released in early February, is a compilation album benefitting this very special place. It opens with the lofi pop of Tara Zorthian and then expands into a 40 song collection of contributions from artists across genres. TBH, this has become my go-to album to play while working, in part because it’s so eclectic. Get yourself a copy on Bandcamp and help support the Z-Ranch.
Get For the Z-Ranch: A Benefit Compilation for Zorthian Ranch
Neutrino Effect
Famine
If you’re looking for instrumental music with more of a darkwave vibe, pick up Famine, the latest album from Neutrino Effect. Omaha-based Jon Sanford also makes music for video games and he brings some of that action-driven style of composition to what is really a rock-rooted music. Just based on my own experience, this is really good music to play when you’re writing on a deadline, when lyrics are distracting, but you need something to motivate you.
Liz O. is an L.A.-based writer and DJ. Read her recently published work and check out her upcoming gigs or listen to the latest Beatique Mix. Follow on Instagram for more updates
Keep reading:
L.A. Duo Optometry Returns With Sophomore Album, Lemuria
Drop Nineteens’ New-Old Album, 1991, Is Essential Shoegaze