Bret McKenzie contends with conspiracy theorists, Rogê takes on Talking Heads, and Proper Monday Number channels that signature DFA sound. Plus, NYC psych-soul-seven piece ISTA has a late-90s “Buzz Bin” thing going and Blake Mills & Pino Palladino have us basking in the presence of masters at work.
Bret McKenzie – “Freak Out City”
Back in the 2000s, Kiwi musical-comedy duo Flight of the Conchords lived rent free in Millennial brains everywhere with their infinitely quotable songs that turned the banalities of life into comedic gold. Now, one half of the Conchords—Bret McKenzie—is back with a new release telling the oh-so-relatable story of freakin’ out in the workplace. If you’ve recently been subjected to a return-to-office policy, this one’s for you. — Adria Kloke
DFA Records, home label of LCD Soundsystem and other James Murphy-anointed projects, brings us the electronic trio Proper Monday Number. A little bit throwback in its vibe and simplicity, this stripped-down, beat-forward track welcomes you to dance and leaves no room for dissent. Bonus points for a delightful, “f*ck around in public” video that’s mildly offensive in that teenage way we all remember fondly. — AK
ISTA – “Waves”
NYC-based, psych-soul seven piece band ISTA just dropped one of those singles that’ll get your mind going. Think: the first time you heard Temples’ “Shelter Song” in the 2010s, or stumbling upon one of those late-90s MTV “Buzz Bin” bands that you just couldn’t wait to hear again. ISTA gives you all of that, plus a vibey, Kauai-set music video shot on Super 8 film. — Marion Hodges
Rogê – “Road to Nowhere”
A Talking Heads classic, but make it Bossa Nova? Don’t mind if we do. Ahead of BBE Music’s forthcoming tribute compilation, Naive Melodies (due October 24th), our pal Rogê hits us with his vibrant take on “Road to Nowhere.” — MH
Sit back, relax, and listen to masters at work. On the heels of their acclaimed 2021 LP Notes With Attachments, highly sought producer-guitarist Blake Mills and legendary bassist Pino Palladino are at it again. On “Taka,” the lead single from their sophomore album That Wasn’t A Dream, the pair taps their percussionist peer Chris Dave for four minutes of expansive jazz bliss. — MH