This week, NPR’s First Listen series is streaming new releases from Savannah, Georgia sludge metal band Baroness, Providence, Rhode Island indie-rock band Fang Island, Nashville rock duo JEFF the Brotherhood, and Afropop duo The Very Best.
— Baroness’ third album, Yellow and Green, will be released on July 17th via Relapse Records. The 18-track double LP was produced by John Congleton and promises a “much broader palette of songs.” Stream it here.
— Fang Island’s sophomore album, Major, will be released on July 24th via Sargent House. Over 11 tracks, the band aims to go all-in with their confident exuberance, focusing on crafting dynamic pop songs. “We wanted to be the band that’s nothing but your favorite hooks back to back,” says guitarist/vocalist Jason Bartell. Stream it here.
— JEFF the Brotherhood’s sophomore album, Hypnotic Nights, will be released on July 17th via Warner Bros. Records. The 11-track effort was co-produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and recorded at Eye Sound Studio in Nashville. Stream it here.
— The Very Best’s new album, MTMTMK, will be released on July 17th via Moshi Moshi and Cooperative Music. The 13-track effort was recorded in singer Esau Mwamwaya’s hometown of Lilongwe, Malawi and features Amadou and Mariam, Baaba Maal, K’naan, and more. Stream it here.
