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.
Friko: Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here
Chicago’s very own Friko have been turning heads for quite awhile now thanks to their gorgeous approach to indie rock. Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here marks a new high-point for the burgeoning artists.
Friko come to the Metro on March 1. Get tickets here.
IDLES: TANGK
Unapologetic and hostile, yet somehow sincere and sensitive, British punks IDLES have done it again with their fifth full length record, TANGK (pronounced “Tank”). No band has brought such a brutal approach to tackling toxic masculinity in the past, and as a result, IDLES have cultivated a worldwide following. While this record is still packed with chest-thumping, anthemic tunes that could fill a soccer stadium, there are moments on this record where IDLES sound…happy? Could it be?
IDLES storm the Aragon Ballroom on September 18.
Laura Jane Grace: Hole In My Head
Known for her years leading the charge for punk icons Against Me!, Laura Jane Grace is back with an incredible solo record, Hole In My Head. Just as she’s done throughout her entire career, Grace writes with an intensity and honesty that most songwriters can only dream of. The title track, a jaunty earworm that clocks in at just over 90 seconds, is the tip of the iceberg. Grace turned in one of the best records of 2024 with Hole In My Head.
Pearl Jam: Dark Matter
Don’t worry about what I have to say about the new Pearl Jam track, listen to what the aforementioned Laura Jane Grace has to say about the new track on Q101’s First Listen.
Prize Horse: Under Sound
The Minneapolis trio better known as Prize Horse have been slugging their way through DIY venues for the last few years. With a raw, grungy sound that isn’t for the weak of heart, Prize Horse has developed a dedicated fanbase that can’t wait to see what’s next in-store for the band. Luckily, they don’t have to wait any longer, as Prize Horse has unearthed their debut album, Under Sound.
Royel Otis: Pratts & Pain
Royel Otis may be from Australia, but they are closing in on world domination. Thanks to their newsworthy cover of “Murder On the Dancefloor” and the success of “Oysters In My Pocket”, this two-piece is destined for big things. Pratts & Pain continues what could be a monstrous 2024 for the group.
