Every Friday, Case the Producer rounds up the most exciting new tunes in music and serves them up in one easy-to-find blog for you, the Q101 Crew Members.
Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard And Soft
Before her two shows at the United Center this November, Billie Eilish is set to release her third studio album, Hit Me Hard And Soft. With 10 tracks clocking in at 43 minutes, this is Eilish’s shortest LP to date. Whereas her debut album was full of bouncy, in-your-face tracks and her second was full of dreamy, soft ballads, Hit Me Hard And Soft is likely the closest Eilish will ever get to recording a “stadium rock” album. The songs are big and unapologetic, blending Eilish’s personal lyrics with a sound fit for the United Center.
Cage the Elephant: Neon Pill
It’s been five years since the last Cage the Elephant album. 2019 brought us Social Cues and then an electric performance at that year’s Twisted XMAS, and then Cage went away. Well documented personal struggles of lead singer Matt Shultz put the band on ice for a number of years, but after a lengthy wait, Neon Pill is here. We can’t wait to hear these songs live on August 14 when Cage takes over the Credit Union 1 Arena.
One Step Closer: All You Embrace
Post-hardcore standouts One Step Closer (not a Linkin Park tribute band, despite popular belief) are back with their second full-length record, All You Embrace. The band has toned down the aggression from 2021’s This Place You Know and has opted for a more melodic, post-rock sound on this release. They’ll be at Avondale Music Hall on Saturday June 29.
Shellac: To All Trains
Steve Albini’s band, Shellac, will release their sixth and final studio album on Friday. Recorded over four weekends in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022, respectively, this marks the last bit of material the band recorded before the untimely death of Albini.
Sludgeworth: Together Not Together
Chicago legends Sludgeworth, who played at the same time as the Foo Fighters at Riot Fest last year (I’m guessing many of you missed it), are back with their first bit of new music since 1995. The band will play Beat Kitchen on Saturday June 22.
White Reaper & Spiritual Cramp: Shimmy
The second of two split tracks from an upcoming 7-inch, White Reaper have joined forces with the chaotic and charismatic band Spiritual Cramp for a two-and-a-half-minute barn-burner. Good luck getting this out of your head after you hear it.
