FLOOD

Expanding her palette with grungy new influences, the LA-via-Kansas-City songwriter’s second album is often higher-octane while retaining her debut’s emotional core.

Rising above the odd brand partnerships it came paired with, this opulent quadruple-LP reissue builds off of the already-expansive source material with unearthed live recordings from the band’s creative prime.

Natalie Lu’s debut leans into the “pop” side of dream pop, exploring the double-edged sword of yearning with big builds and a combination of delicacy and pummeling sound.

Tears become a sign of joy on the songwriter’s fourth album as she celebrates new beginnings with empathy, resolve, and a bold new pop-forward sound.

Informed by the dualities of harm and healing, the English saxophonist and poet weaves a tapestry of sounds—spiritual jazz, folk, classical, and beyond—into a potent missive of grace.

The Richmond band strips down their alt-country, emo, and post-rock influences on their third LP in a full-force reckoning with mortality and metamorphosis.

The Boston slowcore trio stitch their gentle and heavy sounds back together with a newfound clarity while considering nihilism from a more hopeful angle on their cathartic fourth album.

The British-Brazilian songwriter’s debut collection of pop-friendly jazz and folk-infused mysticism uses nature as a guiding star for understanding our own place within the world.

The Baton Rouge sludge-metal ensemble leans into their punk side with a litany of scorching, fast-paced tracks with a reflective edge on their first full-length since 2018’s doomy Magus.

The Big Thief vocalist’s new solo record is a meditation on loving that revels in duality as Lenker shows off her ability to turn words and memories on their head to reveal new perspectives.

Jilian Medford’s shift to a poppier sound is handled with confidence on her fourth record, which documents the giddy highs and reeling aftermath of a relationship.

The Chicago indie-pop group feel it all on their fifth album, with moments of elation beautifully contrasting with those of sorrow.