Alt-Rock Evolves: New Arrivals for June 27
A fresh wave of alternative visionaries rolls in June 27, delivering everything from reimagined retrospectives to debut detours. Whether it’s Blonde Redhead transforming grief into choral beauty or Wavves resurfacing with shed-made surf punk, this week’s new releases flirt with nostalgia while forging ahead. From synth-pop experiments to lo-fi introspection, the alt world continues its long flirtation with surprise.
The Shadow of the Guest – Blonde Redhead (Section1)
The art-rock veterans return with a full-scale reinterpretation of their 2023 album Sit Down for Dinner. Choirs, mariachi horns, and whispered textures turn familiar tracks into cinematic vignettes. Standout “Rest of Her Life (Choir Version)” gains emotional gravity via the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, deepening the original’s elegiac tones. For a band with three decades of reinvention behind them, The Shadow of the Guest proves Blonde Redhead is far from finished with surprise.
Spun – Wavves (Ghost Ramp)
On their eighth studio release, Wavves sharpen their melodic instincts without losing the grit. Recorded once again in frontman Nathan Williams’ family shed, Spun channels pop-punk hooks and distorted nostalgia. Longtime members Stephen Pope, Alex Gates, and Ross Traver round out the now-leaning outfit, delivering an album that’s punchy, polished, and ready for road-testing as they head into a North American tour.
Switcheroo – Gelli Haha (Innovative Leisure)
Angel Abaya’s debut under the Gelli Haha moniker is a synth-soaked, art-pop maze. Co-produced by De Lux’s Sean Guerin, Switcheroo leaps between retro gear fuzz and theatrical drama. Singles like “Normalize” and “Funny Music” toy with 80s aesthetics and lo-fi surrealism. The project’s oddball gloss and warped wit suggest Gelli Haha is out to reshape pop’s playground entirely.
Clay – Matthew Herbert & Momoko Gill (Strut)
No previews, no press blitz, just anticipation. UK electronic trailblazer Matthew Herbert joins forces with Japanese improviser Momoko Gill for a mysterious new project. With Herbert’s penchant for conceptual audio experiments and Gill’s improvisational roots, Clay may well be a tactile, ambient deep-dive into sound sculpture.
Different Talking – Frankie Cosmos (Sub Pop)
Greta Kline delivers her sixth album with an eye on emotional economy. Known for diaristic lyrics and pocket-sized compositions, Different Talking is introspective and cleanly produced. Lead single “Vanity” plays like a playful shrug from the mirror, all subtle wit and soft harmonies. Critics praise the album’s polish while noting its consistency within its comfort zone.
When a Thought Grows Wings (Reimagined) – Luna Li
Luna Li re-enters the dream-pop sphere with a reimagined version of her earlier work. While details remain scarce, early indications suggest new arrangements or added layers. Fans of her genre-blending chamber pop will find familiar moods reimagined in unexpected forms.
