This Weekend's Essential Album Releases
While this New Music Friday appears quieter than most, several significant albums are poised for release, offering a compelling mix of sonic innovation and long-awaited returns. As the year winds down and the festive season approaches, artists like FKA Twigs and The Neighbourhood are delivering substantial new works before the Christmas music takeover begins.
Major Album Drops on November 14th
FKA Twigs leads the charge with her highly anticipated fourth studio album, Eusexua Afterglow. Originally conceived as a deluxe edition of her previous work, the project transformed into a full-fledged sequel featuring 11 entirely new tracks. Preceded by singles 'Cheap Hotel' and 'Predictable Girl,' this release continues the artist's tradition of challenging pop conventions with abrasive yet accessible soundscapes.
The Neighbourhood makes a powerful return with (((((UltraSOUND))))), marking their first new album following a period of hiatus. Recorded with long-time collaborator Justyn Pilbrow and finished with producer Jono Dorr, the album represents a deliberate return to the band's foundational roots, embracing a stripped-back sound that prioritises mood and feeling over pop polish.
Blondshell (Sabrina Teitelbaum) follows her critically acclaimed self-titled debut with Another Picture, a companion album that reimagines and expands her previous material. The project includes both new original songs and covers, showcasing the LA-based indie rock artist's rapidly growing influence and commitment to evolving her narrative.
The Surprise Supergroup Collaboration
In one of the year's most unexpected musical partnerships, The Avett Brothers have teamed up with Faith No More frontman Mike Patton to form the supergroup AVTT/PTTN. Their self-titled album represents a collision of disparate musical worlds, featuring original songs written collaboratively by the trio. The project pushes The Avetts into new sonic territory while leveraging Patton's trademark dynamic range, resulting in an adventurous, boundary-free exploration.
Additional Releases and Streaming Times
Other notable albums arriving this weekend include new works from Cheap Trick (All Washed Up), Austra (Chin Up Buttercup), and The Bros. Landreth (Dog Ear).
For UK listeners, most major albums from international artists typically appear on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music at 5:00 AM GMT on Friday, synchronised with the 12:00 AM ET release in the United States. However, some artists and smaller labels may opt for a local midnight release, so if an album isn't immediately available, it's likely scheduled for the global synchronisation at 5:00 AM.
