Tyler, the Creator – "Cherry Bomb" Release Date: Digital on April 13/Physical on April 28 Odd Future leader Tyler, the Creator’s fourth album is, without a doubt, the artist’s most ambitious project yet. "Cherry Bomb" tones down the disturbing lyricism of previous Tyler releases, opting to focus more on experimental production techniques. One of the biggest standouts is “Find Your Wings,” a gorgeous soul track featuring jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers. But the album isn’t all soothing soul tunes, drastically shifting to an abrasive and violent sound with songs like “Deathcamp” or the title track. It’s the back-and-forth nature of the album that lends it a surprising amount of variety. Tyler, the Creator has definitely matured over the course of his albums and with "Cherry Bomb," he’s proven that there’s more to his music than offensive lyrics. Recommended tracks from "Cherry Bomb": "2Seater," "Smuckers," and "Fucking Young/Perfect" Miami Horror – "All Possible Futures" Release Date: April 21 Just in time for the sun to start shining on a daily basis, Austrailian synth-pop quartet Miami Horror’s long awaited follow up to their 2010 debut is perfect for a summer drive. "All Possible Futures" doesn’t deviate from the template established on Miami Horror’s previous album "Illumination," but instead improves on the formula. These are dance tracks bursting with positivity and synthesizers, looking for the next groove instead of the next bass drop. Check out the Aaron Miller and Gavin Turek-featuring track “Cellophane (So Cruel)” for Miami Horror at their groovy best. All Possible Futures doesn’t revolutionize the synth-pop genre, but it’s a whole hell of a lot of fun. Recommended tracks from "All Possible Futures": "Cellophane (So Cruel)," "Wild Motion (Set It Free), and "Out of Sight" Passion Pit – "Kindred" Release Date: April 21 When Passion Pit released "Manners" back in 2009, it stood out among its contemporaries for the way lead singer Michael Angelakos balanced personal turmoil with irresistibly catchy hooks. "Kindred," Passion Pit’s third release, doesn’t veer too far from that formula. Three albums in, Passion Pit have made an album that capitalizes on the best aspects of their previous releases. Angelakos got married in the time since Passion Pit’s last album and it’s a major theme on Kindred. Passion Pit may have settled for simple refinements to their sound, but Kindred contains some of the band’s best songs simply because they’re more heartfelt than they ever have been.
Recommended tracks from "Kindred": "Lifted Up (1985)," "Five Foot Ten (I)," and "Until We Can't (Let's Go)"
