New Music Adds 2/17/25
written by Amir Lahoud on
No . . . your eyes don't deceive you! This is New Music returning for the spring semester! Appearing before you is all of the wonderful music submissions WUVT has received in the new year. Enjoy!
Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Ebo Taylor - Jazz Is Dead 22 - Ebo Taylor
Label: Jazz Is Dead
Genre: Afro Beat
Reviewed by: Len Comaratta
The swirling horns and gritty guitars are reminiscent of his seminal seventies recordings that made him one of Africa’s most prolific and revolutionary artists of all time. This album captures polyrhythmic percussion and twangy, fuzzed out guitars that prove that rhythm is key. The ensemble of Ghanian background vocalists emanates a uniquely spiritual sound that takes the listener back to Ebo’s prime.
Dann Zinn - Two Roads
Label: Ridgeay Records
Genre: Post Bop / Modern Creative
Reviewed by: Len Comaratta
Sax player gets in accident resulting in loss of use in right hand. No longer can play flute, unsure about sax and is a the proverbial ‘fork in the road’ but rather than give up his career, decides to rebuild a sax to accommodate for the loss of his digits. The jazz version of Def Leppard’s drummer. Here Zinn explores a wide swath of musical styles: the Nordic folk-jazz of Jan Garbarek, East Bay funk, gospel, electronically processed atmospheres, and of course, ‘American’ jazz. From post-bop to eerie soundscapes, seamless blends of hard-driving funky aggression with folklike melodies; Latin rhythms with wordless vocals
Dennis Mitcheltree / Johnnes Wallman Duo - Holding Space
Label: Shifting Paradigm Records
Genre: Modern Creative / Post Bop / European Ethno Jazz
Reviewed by: Len Comaratta
Long-term veterans of the NY Jazz Scene, Dennis Mitcheltree and the Jonnes Wallman Duo, with a partnership originating in the late 90s, recorded this release following a brief run of concert duos. Newly written compositions, with a few moments of spontaneity, flow, seamlessly like a stream at first thaw.
Paul Vornhagen - Live at the Blue Llama
Label: Global Pulse
Genre: Post Bop
Reviewed by: Len Comaratta
A veteran of the Detroit jazz scene creates a vibrant chemistry on stage with his working combo, filled with riveting interplay, sensitive accompaniment, and sizzling solos. A diverse selection tapping into rhythmic explorations of swing, Latin, bop, funk, 6/8 time, and jazz waltz. Avoid any vocal tracks (3,6,10)
Joe Alterman with Houson Person - Brisket for Breakfast
Label: Alterman Music
Genre: Post Bop / Soul Jazz
Reviewed by: Len Comaratta
Live recording of pianist Alterman’s trio with Person guesting on sax. Person’s tenor sound has a burly embrace that accompanies the down-home bonhomie and southern-friend soul suggested in the title. Exuberant soul jazz inspired interpretations of some familiar standards, ballads and blues
Mafalda Minnozzi - Riofonic
Label: Musica Populare Italiana
Genre: Bossa Nova / Brazilian Acoustic Jazz
Reviewed by: Len Comaratta
The overall vibe is a slightly higher pitched Astrud Gilberto crossed with Luis Bonfa and a dab of Seu Jorge. Minnozzi’s beautiful tone and gentle swing demonstrate her superb facility for singing in multiple languages (Portuguese, French, Italian, English); her collaboration with guitarist Paul Ricci has led her to develop her own percussive scat singing style, while her improvisation style is informed by her longtime camaraderie with Brazilian musicians. A soundtrack to your Vespa ride in the countryside.
Franz Ferdinand - The Human Fear
Label: Domino
Genre: Alt Pop Rock
Reviewed by: Hayden Swenson
Franz Ferdinand's first release in seven years, The Human Fear, shows a surprising lack of change in their style of energetic, bouncy, and bombastic pop/rock. Some tracks feature hints of glam rock theatrics, while others take a more synth-driven approach. The expected catchy hooks and punchy rhythms are here, but the edge that made FF's early material special is long gone. This is poppy, perfectly serviceable indie rock that is sure to please a crowd; give any of the recommended tracks a try.
Ela Minus - DÍA
Label: Domino
Genre: Indie Electronic / Hyperpop / Dance
Reviewed by: Colin Lewis
Five years after her debut album, Ela Minus comes out swinging with her sophomore album DÍA. This electronic album gives all the texture and industrial feel of a boiler room show. The songs are full of refined, detailed instrumentation from various synthesizers. If you were a fan of Charli XCX's Brat, this is up your alley. With such contrast between droning and hypnotic instrumentation and a light floating voice, Minus has described this album as dancing while crying. The Colombian artist uses both Spanish and English throughout the album. Her transitions in the album make the work feel like one long, beautiful song that shouldn’t end. This album feels like riding a Tron bike through a virtual reality meadow with the sunset at your back.
The Darcys - Warring
Label: Arts & Crafts
Genre: Indie Pop Rock
Reviewed by: Lane Robertson
Warring is the perfect angst rock soundscape for a grungy yet somehow mellow journey. Hunting is the standout track on this album with an engaging rhythm and full bodied sound. Horses Fell, reminds closely of Q Lazzarus' Goodbye Horses, in a fitting equestrian scheme for a classic rock ballad. It is a sincere shame this album was only released in 2025 as it would be a perfect addition to any movie soundtrack from the Twilight Saga, which features other great kings of angst including Thom Yorke, Muse, and Death Cab for Cutie.
Flipturn - Burnout Days
Label: Dualtone Records
Genre: Indie Pop Rock
Reviewed by: Matt Nowinski
Burnout Days is Flipturn's second album that follows an intense period of touring since the release of their debut album, Shadowglow (2022). The band's growing popularity is largely founded on their high-energy live shows; and despite the album's title, much of that energy and improvisational style has been poured into this release. The album is packed with emotional vocals, driving guitar-led melodies, and a soft bed of 80's synth. Flipturn makes music that both your friends and parents are both likely to enjoy.
Thanks for checking out our extra long new music update! If you're interested in submitting anything to our website, email our Webmaster Amir Lahoud.