Wednesday Roundups #45: 8 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream last week’s releases from Gary Clark Jr, LOONY, Flee Lord & Crisis, B.R.K., Thee Sinseers, Santana Fox, Kenya Vaun, and Anysia Kym.

Welcome back to another issue of Wednesday Roundups!

Diving into the ​world of ​music can be ​overwhelming with ​the constant influx ​of albums. ​That’s where Shatter ​the Standards ​steps in, making ​your musical ​navigation easier every ​Wednesday. They ​slice through the ​noise, bringing ​you a curated ​list of ​noteworthy new drops ​accessible on ​streaming platforms. Just ​last week, ​they spotlighted fresh ​beats from ​a diverse lineup, ​including Gary Clark Jr, LOONY, Flee Lord & Crisis, B.R.K., Thee Sinseers, Santana Fox, Kenya Vaun, and Anysia Kym.

​If you’re struggling ​to keep ​up with the ​ever-evolving music ​scene, subscribing to ​the Shatter the ​Standards newsletter is ​your ticket ​to staying in ​the loop. ​They don’t just ​skim the ​surface with mainstream ​hits; they ​dive deep, bringing ​hidden gems ​right to your ​inbox weekly.

​In today’s rapid-fire ​release culture, ​it’s easy to ​miss out ​on some real ​musical gems. ​Shatter the Standards ​does the ​heavy lifting for ​you, sifting ​through the latest ​releases and ​handpicking the ones ​that make ​a mark. Stay ​ahead of ​the curve and ​discover music ​that steps outside ​the mainstream ​box by joining ​their newsletter.

Gary Clark Jr.: JPEG RAW (Blues)

Gary Clark Jr., a trailblazer in his own right, has consistently pushed the boundaries of his primary genre throughout his illustrious career. His latest offering, JPEG RAW, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to creating music that resonates with his artistic vision rather than conforming to the expectations of his audience. Clark has fearlessly explored various musical styles, from fuzzy rock to funk to Prince-inspired psychedelia. JPEG RAW continues this relentless pursuit of new fire as he collaborates with his trusted longtime collaborators (guitarist Zapata, keyboardist Jon Deas, bassists Elijah Ford and Alex Peterson, and drummer J.J. Johnson) and enlists the talents of some iconic veteran ringers (see below).

[Listen]

LOONY: LOONY (R&B)

The self-titled debut album from LOONY is a profoundly personal and intimate glimpse into her little world. With introspective lyrics, soulful vocals, and syrupy production, she invites listeners to step into her peculiar universe. LOONY’s new record represents an evolution of her contemporary R&B sound, drawing inspiration from yesteryear’s jazz, neo-soul, and gospel artists. Her soulful voice, adept at navigating the emotional complexities at the heart of her music, feels so close to the ear that one could almost feel her breath on their neck. It is a profoundly honest and personal record that eschews platitudes in favor of hard truths. It envelops the listener like the cushions of an overstuffed sofa, with Huszar’s velvety vocals and intelligent lyrics creating a strange sense of comfort.

[Listen]

Flee Lord & Crisis: Full Court Press (Hip-Hop)

Flee Lord and Crisis have demonstrated their adeptness in promoting their recently released collaborative project, Full Court Press. Approximately a week before the album’s release, they unveiled the basketball-inspired track “Play Amongst the Stars,” featuring the inimitable lyrical dexterity of Inspectah Deck, widely regarded as one of the greatest lyricists ever. This collaborative approach is a hallmark of the rapper and producer duo, whose affinity for basketball was prominently showcased in their previous joint effort, 2-3 Zone. As such, Full Court Press can be considered a spiritual successor to their earlier work.

[Listen]

B.R.K.: LOVE: in the most beautiful way… (R&B)

B.R.K. has blessed us with a new project, LOVE: in the most beautiful way… This new offering is thirteen tracks, some of which are favorites of the year, including “Louder.” In his latest release, B.R.K. showcases his versatility and adaptability in adversity. This foray into production can be seen, in part, as a response to circumstance; when faced with the inability to rely on one of his primary collaborators as he had in the past, B.R.K. found himself compelled to take the reins and continue creating music on his terms.

[Listen]

Thee Sinseers: Sinseerly Yours (Soul)

Hailing from the heart of East L.A., Thee Sinseers epitomize the essence of the lowrider sweet soul vibe, effortlessly blending love songs drenched in reverb, languid tempos perfect for cruising, and an atmosphere that lingers long after the music has ended. This distinctive style of doo-wop soul has found a welcoming embrace within the Chicano culture, contributing to the growth and vitality of the scene. Under the guidance of the legendary Joey Quinones, Thee Sinseers have established themselves as the undisputed masters of recreating the classic old-school sound, infusing it with the sensibilities of modern music. This unique amalgamation of influences shines through brilliantly on their debut LP, Sinseerly Yours, a work showcasing the group’s eclectic musical background and their ability to craft a timeless and fresh sound.

[Listen]

Santana Fox: Eye Candy (Hip-Hop)

Santana Fox, a 26-year-old MC/producer hailing from New York, is notable for being the daughter of the late Prodigy of Mobb Deep fame. Following in her father’s footsteps, she embarked on her musical journey a few years ago. If one were to remove the five skits and interludes, Eye Candy would feel like an EP, but their inclusion lends the project a mixtape-like quality that any Mobb Deep fan, myself included, would find enjoyable. Santana is undoubtedly carrying on her father’s legacy uniquely, and he’s certainly looking down on her with pride, recognizing Eye Candy as a solid entry in her discography. Her production surpasses that of Girl Next Door, as do a couple of features and her elevated songwriting.

[Listen]

Kenya Vaun: The Honeymoon Phase - EP (R&B)

Emerging Philadelphia-based R&B songstress Kenya Vaun has just unveiled her new EP, The Honeymoon Phase, via 300 Entertainment. Coinciding with the project’s release, she has also treated fans to a cinematic, Philly-based music video for the single “Yesterday.” The Honeymoon Phase comprises 13 tracks that explore the cycles of both life and love. As a special treat, the legendary Musiq Soulchild joins her on a remix of her fan-favorite song “Summer.”

[Listen]

Alysia Kym: Truest (Electronic)

Since leaving the Brooklyn band Blair in 2021 to focus on solo work, Anysia Kym has released Soliloquy, the Jadasea collaboration Pressure Sensitive, and, most recently, Truest. The new project features longtime collaborator MIKE on “In Doubt?,” while 454 produced “Pool of Life,” and Na-Kel Smith co-produced “Owed2Me.”

[Listen]