Best New Music This Week: Jean Dawson, Japandroids, Christopher Owens, And More
Every Friday, we challenge ourselves to sift through new music releases and curate a list of albums we think you should be listening to.
This week starts with Jean Dawson's Glimmer of God, a genre-blurring journey that fuses experimental pop, hip-hop, and rock into an eclectic soundscape with unfiltered creativity. Japandroids return with Fate & Alcohol, harnessing their raw, guitar-driven sound to create another fiery collection of indie rock anthems filled with raucous energy and themes of recklessness and reflection—marking their final album and a bittersweet farewell to fans.
After nine years, Christopher Owens is back with I Wanna Run Barefoot Through Your Hair, channelling his signature vulnerability into soft, heartfelt ballads that feel nostalgic and intimate. Alice in Chain's Jerry Cantrell unleashes I Want Blood, diving deep into gritty, blues-tinged rock, showcasing the legendary guitarist's mastery over heavy riffs and haunting melodies. Bon Iver's Sable, EP is a quiet, experimental offering, blending folk with subtle electronic textures, showcasing Justin Vernon's godlike vocals in a stripped-back and introspective light. Finally, Citizen's Mat Kerekes brings us To Dream of Something Wicked, a raw and emotional collection of indie songs with deeply reflective lyrics.
Tap your favourite music app, put those headphones on, and listen to some new music you hopefully discover for the first time. See below for this week's recommendations.
JEAN DAWSON – GLIMMER OF GOD
Genre: Alt-Pop / Art Pop
Label: P+
JAPANDROIDS – FATE & ALCOHOL
Genre: Rock
Label: Anti-
CHRISTOPHER OWENS – I WANNA RUN BAREFOOT THROUGH YOUR HAIR
Genre: Indie Rock
Label: True Panther
JERRY CANTRELL – I WANT BLOOD
Genre: Rock
Label: Double J Music
BON IVER – SABLE, EP
Genre: Indie
Label: Jagjaguwar
MAT KEREKES – TO DREAM OF SOMETHING WICKED
Genre: Indie
Label: Wax Bodega