Black Joy Triumphs On Sibling Collective’s Debut

“Like Nirvana”

Cub Sport

Cub Sport Records

Brisbane alt-pop quartet Cub Sport released their fourth album, “Like Nirvana,” on July 24. The record is a collection of memory-inspired sonic interpretations of deeply personal, yet undeniably relatable moments from the life of frontperson Tim Nelson, tackling topics of self-identity, personal growth, religious upbringings, the concept of masculinity and more.

From its cinematic piano-and-whisper “Intro” to the choral-assisted closer “Grand Canyon,” Cub Sport’s dreamlike new album plays out as a cohesive narrative, navigating through fearlessness, growth and identity, all cloaked in fuzzy, artful pop that can feel comforting, dangerous and fortifying in the same breath.

“Fall to Pieces”

Tricky

False Idols

Legendary producer Tricky might be over three decades deep into his music career but he’s currently on an especially prolific run. On Sept. 4, Tricky released his 14th studio album, “Fall to Pieces,” on his own label False Idols. In the last year, he dropped the enchanting “20,20” EP and put out an acclaimed autobiography, “Hell Is Round The Corner.”

“Fall To Pieces” was recorded in Tricky’s Berlin studio late last year. Tricky is keen to point out that the tracks on the record can be deceptive; often short, ending abruptly and moving on to the next without warning. Although instrumentation varies from bursts of tense synths, distorted dial tones and samples, the songs’ lyrics can be dark and dense.

The past year in creative flurry has no doubt been a distraction for Tricky, but it’s also been a period of reflection and reassessment. Struck down with grief, he had to ask himself a question: do I fight, or go down with the ship? “You’ve gotta f***ing get up and fight,” he concludes. “Right now I’m in fight mode. And I feel really good. I do.”

“Mad Love”

Infinity Song

Roc Nation

On Oct. 2, NYC-based music collective Infinity Song — composed of siblings Victory, Abraham, Angel, Israel and Momo Boyd — dropped their debut EP “Mad Love.” The EP is the fruitful result of their labored and adventurous rise that’s seen them hone their musicianship over years of pop-up performances in Central Park and the NYC Subway system before catching the ear of JAY-Z. The rare and precious collective of multi-talents are now set to breathe fresh life into 2020 with an exquisite introduction to their defiantly joyful music that centers on Black solidarity and the resilient power of family in times of crisis.

Self-produced and performed by Infinity Song with the help of some choice collaborators, the eight tracks on “Mad Love” exhibit a sense of craft and dedication that belies the siblings’ youth.

Throughout the covid quarantine, Infinity Song has dazzled fans with an impressive array of covers on social media, ranging from Billie Eilish’s “i love you” to the Negro Spiritual “I Don’t Feel Noways Tired.” In a new performance of Earth, Wind & Fire’s immortal “September,” Infinity Song presents a lithe, energetic arrangement that emphasizes the siblings’ remarkable vocal prowess.

“Something to Lose”

Better Person

Arbutus Records

Better Person — the project of Polish, Berlin-based musician Adam Byczkowski — will debut his forthcoming album, “Something to Lose,” Oct. 23. The album is the culmination of Better Person’s desire to nurture intimacy through tender balladry. An intriguing combination of forgotten euro-pop tropes with an elegant sophisti-pop palette provides the backdrop upon which his supple and detailed vocal delivery thrives.

Though “Something to Lose” is a celebration of love, the refreshing honesty and self-effacement that Better Person fans are familiar with is still at the heart of its lyrics. Byczkowski may be a dreamer but he has no delusions about the real world. The album is a proclamation of a new found devotion, but also the fear of loss that comes with it. It is not simply about love, but the bitter-sweetness of life, the fear and darkness that underscores even the most euphoric moment.

With not enough live music to fill a weekly listing, this spot will be filled by news and reviews of new albums, both local and national. Send information about your new releases to Jocelyn Murphy at jmurphy@nwadg.com.