Spring has ushered in a wave of genre-spanning new tracks and albums. From a timeless look at the triumphs and struggles of our inner lives to an ode to the iconic Boston R&B group New Edition, our music critics round up some of their favorite music from the month.
I usually consider it a cop-out to describe music as “timeless” – isn’t all music a product of its time? But the word immediately came to mind on my first listen of Jessye DeSilva’s new album “Glitter Up the Dark.” Maybe “timeless” is cliché, but it gets at an essential quality of the music, something DeSilva nods to in her lyrics. “Take a look/ Ban a book/ It’s nothing new,” she sings on “Punk Rock Joy,” in an apparent reference to the PBS show (and millennial touchstone) “Reading Rainbow” and a wry acknowledgment of the cynical repetitions of America’s culture wars. DeSilva is trans, and with her latest project, she locates herself firmly within a legacy of LGBTQ+ activists and protest singers. She’s part of a new crop of queer musicians who sing with refreshing honesty about their triumphs and struggles and the messy topography of their inner lives. For this reason, “Glitter Up the Dark” could only ever be a product of its time. But the album’s tasteful folk-rock arrangements, coupled with anthemic choruses celebrating the resilience of the downtrodden, make me think of Springsteen. For better or worse, the truth-telling troubadour who speaks for the nation’s underclass will always have a place in American music. Like I said – timeless. — Amelia Mason
New Edition might not have made it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, but they remain icons around these parts. Just in the past year, they’ve had a street naming, a triumphant TD Garden appearance, and spin-off group Bell Biv Devoe sang with the Boston Pops on July 4. Now comes this ode to the new jack swing era from two relentlessly original local artists: Producer-songwriter Hasaan Barclay and rapper ET of Brockton’s Van Buren Records.
Given their track records, it’s no surprise that this meeting of the 617 and the 508 is full of both confident lyrics and a wild sonic palette. “$sleeeeeeeeep” sounds like what might have happened if Brian Wilson and Boyz II Men had ever met up, while “Brandy” might just be an ode to both the beverage and the ‘90s singer. Despite the throwback inspiration, the sound is anything but retro, and if it makes you want to hear more of Barclay, you’re in luck. On Friday, May 1, he’ll release “PACE,” a new track that shows his experimental rock side. — Noah Schaffer
Boston-based indie-folk outfit Jesus The Dinosaur’s latest single, “Empty Space,” crafts a lush soundscape within an imaginary world of pleasant solitude. It’s peaceful and breezy, exploring alone time as a sacred space. Vocalist, lyricist and acoustic guitarist Tommy Ng explained in a press release that they used to imagine a fantastical place they could retreat to when the world became too overstimulating. “Empty Space” is an anthem for the introverts of the world. “But as for me, I’d wish for an empty space/ Outside of time/ Endlessly open wide,” they sing. “Empty Space” precedes the band’s debut album “Nothing To The Branches” out May 15. Ahead of the release, Jesus The Dinosaur will play Warehouse XI in Somerville on May 8. — Maddie Browning
Guitarist Eric Hofbauer has long been one of Boston’s most creative and prolific jazz artists. Much of his sizable discography has been devoted to compositions by Hofbauer and his bandmates, but for the debut of this new ensemble, Hofbauer looked to his influences. There are pieces by jazz greats Charlie Parker and Paul Bley, but the vast majority of the double album consists of intriguing and successful reworkings of songs by the likes of Radiohead, Jimi Hendrix, Björk and Joni Mitchell. Saxophonist Temidayo Balogun shows tremendous versatility as he always finds the right tone for the piece. The group also includes cellist Ana Ospina, bassist Tony Leva and drummer Miki Matsuki, with Hayley Thompson-King adding intriguing vocals to several of the tracks. The record ends on a strong note with Hofbauer playing a solo take on Sly Stone’s “Everybody is a Star” before the rest of the band joins in on a soulful interpretation of Abbey Lincoln’s “Long as You’re Living.” — Noah Schaffer
Alt-country and Americana band Other Brother Darryl is deeply introspective, sifting through personal memories and life lessons to shape its music. On its latest track, “Take It With You,” the band implores listeners to hold onto their difficult moments and grow from them. Soaked in nostalgia and soaring harmonies, the song follows the story of a woman who wishes she could change the past. “All of the wishes and promises broken/ All the successes and lovers who’ve fallen.” And later, “Take it with you, babe, it just made you stronger.” Other Brother Darryl’s sophomore album “Hey Yeah Hey” will be released June 26. The band has two upcoming performances at The Town and The City Festival in Lowell on May 1 and the New England Americana Festival at Bellforge Arts Center in Medfield on June 6. — Maddie Browning
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