7 new albums by local artists that you need to hear
There’s a recurring theme related to the best new Milwaukee music: familiar faces, new places.
Paper Holland, for instance, has drastically reshaped its sound for its sophomore album. And Jen Ledger, the drummer for Skillet, is front and center with her own rock project bearing her last name.
Here are seven Milwaukee albums released last month, or set to be released this month, you need to hear.
1. Amanda Huff, “Hemiptera”: Amanda Huff is always a bright spot on any recording, from her work with experimental jazz band Strangelander to electonic producer Thane. Working with electronic producer Strehlow, she steps into the spotlight she’s long been ready for on this debut solo album, which includes a dazzling cover of “Wicked Game,” with gorgeous lead vocals that surpass Chris Isaak’s original. Amanda Huff performs June 19 at High Dive, 701 E. Center St.
2. Dogs in Ecstasy, “Dreams and Gripes”: Dogs in Ecstasy’s ultra-distorted, synth-rumbling pop rock on sophomore album “Dreams and Gripes” is a fitting soundtrack for the our anxious, fast-paced times, whether they’re comically lamenting a depleted smartphone battery on “Rage Against the Dying of My Phone,” or soaking in self-loathing on “I’m Nothing.” Dogs in Ecstasy performs June 15 at Company Brewing, 735 E. Center St.
3. Fuzzysurf, “Hometown Feeling”: What do you do when you’re stuck in a rut? If you’re Fuzzysurf, you make slightly distorted, slightly sunny pop rock in the vein of Blur or Weezer. Sean Lehner may sing about breathing the same “stale warm air” on “Rebreather,” but “Hometown Feeling” is a breath of fresh air.
4. Ledger, “Ledger”: A powerful drummer for popular Christian rock band Skillet, Kenosha-based Jen Ledger is just as confident fronting her own, slightly moodier hard-rock project, with Skillet’s fellow Kenosha-based frontman John Cooper offering his blessing with guest vocals on the chest-pounding “Warrior.”
5. The Listening Party, “Less Is More”: A few years after Mumford & Sons’ ascent, sparse, anthemic folk, even the most sweeping songs, may not be so novel. But what makes the Listening Party’s approach different is the deep, rich voice of Weston Mueller. The Listening Party performs June 15 at Harry’s on Brady, 1234 E. Brady St.
6. Lorde Fredd33, “NORF: The Legend of Hotboy Ronald”: It’s hard to recall a recent album, in Milwaukee or elsewhere, that has such a jarring and visceral finale as Lorde Fredd33’s intense and unforgettable “NORF.” What precedes that moment is a hair-raising roller-coaster ride, with Fredd33 frequently changing his flows with the confidence of Kendrick Lamar. His talent, and Q the Sun’s immaculate production, is liberating, but Fredd33 can’t escape the bleakness. “50 percent unemployment, that’s just for black men?,” he raps on “Reflections.” “No wonder we trapping, wasn’t we born trapped, then?”
7. Paper Holland, “Galapagos”: Few Milwaukee bands have gone through as drastic a transformation as Paper Holland, which follows up its years-in-the-making, emo-oriented “Happy Belated” from 2013 with the tropical and hazy touches of “Galapagos.” What’s consistent, though, is the sweeping songwriting and absorbing execution. Paper Holland performs Friday at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company, 224 W. Bruce St.