Your Listening Guide to Spring

Music Journalist

Bryce Sexson

This week officially marks the beginning of spring, and with it comes a number of new releases from your favorite artists. This spring’s musical offerings present a rich tapestry of sounds, each project carving out a distinct emotional and sonic space. This season’s new music provides a variety of atmospheres, ranging from expansive and bright, to intimate and textured, and richly organic. I’ve chosen three new releases that perfectly encapsulate the feelings of warmer weather and escaping into nature. These three albums promise a vibrant soundtrack to this season’s unfolding beauty.

Men I Trust – Equus Asinus

Men I Trust’s highly anticipated fourth album released earlier this week, signifying the first part of a project which the band has classified as their “biggest and proudest work yet”. The project will consist of two albums, the second one is set to be released later this spring. The album combines elements of classical music with the dreamlike sound that the band is known to emulate. The album consists of jazzy undertones, with songs like “Paul’s Theme” incorporating musical breaks similar to that of 1930s jazz music. This album is perfect for those spending the day in the sun, allotted by the album’s warm and organic nature. If you still aren’t convinced, check out their songs “I Come With Mud” and “The Landkeeper” to get a sample of what the rest of the album has to offer. For fans of the album, and the band in general, the group will be going on tour starting in July with several stops in Texas including San Antonio on August 25th.

Moreish Idols – All In The Game

Although being a lesser-known group, Moreish Idols shows incredible promise after the release of their debut album. Combining layers of post-punk and indie rock, “All In The Game” is ideal for those spring evenings spent by the fire. The album mixes elements of rough, punky sounds with a catchy, indie tune. The songs acknowledge feelings of being lost, delivering a message of self-resilience. ‘All In The Game’ seamlessly weaves together the raw energy of post-punk with the melodic sensibilities of indie rock, creating a sound that’s both engaging and thought-provoking. The album’s strength lies in its ability to balance rough, driving rhythms with catchy hooks, and to address feelings of vulnerability with an underlying message of resilience. It’s a compelling listen, signaling a bright future for this emerging band.”

Japanese Breakfast – For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)

After the release of her touching memoir, “Crying In H-Mart”, fans were long-awaiting the release of Michelle Zauner’s newest project. Though Zauner has been busy turning her memoir into a script for film, she still found time to get into the studio to make her new album. The album’s lush sounds, characterized by orchestral arrangements featuring strings and woodwind instruments, makes it an excellent album to listen to while getting in nature, whether that be on a hike or simply just relaxing. Zauner has taken her songwriting to the next level, reflecting a newfound maturity in her words. The rich orchestration amplifies her meditative lyrics, allowing them to resonate with a deeper emotional clarity and mirroring the profound expanse of our natural world. Every song acts like a carefully crafted scene, drawing listeners in with its gentle mix of music and mood. With beautiful, big music and thoughtful words, Michelle Zauner creates songs that let you really connect with your own feelings and the world around you. It’s an album that makes you stop, listen, and feel something deeper.

In essence, these three distinct musical offerings provide compelling avenues for experiencing the budding spirit of spring.  From sun-drenched sonic expanses to intimate, textured soundscapes, each release cultivates a unique atmosphere, inviting listeners to discover a personal resonance with the season’s unfolding beauty.