This Week's New Album Releases (8/2/11)

An eclectic mix of albums dropped this week. Fruit Bats and Fountains of Wayne have come back with records after their respective recording breaks, and Merge’s Richard Buckner drops his latest effort.

Richard Buckner — Our Blood
“In the wake of the long string of indie rock miserabilists that have come and gone since he first released Bloomed, Buckner’s latter day understatement is refreshing in its candor and simplicity.” Read Jeff Leven’s review of Our Blood.

Fountains of Wayne — Sky Full of Holes
Most people associate Fountains of Wayne with the catchy hot-mom ballad “Stacy’s Mom.” But their latest record Sky Full of Holes demands respect as the group gets swept away with the folk tide that’s been shaking up the industry in recent years. Read Paul Myers’ feature on Fountains of Wayne here.

Fruit Bats — Tripper
“Tasteful rollickers (‘You’re Too Weird’) beg the listener to sway along and welcome flourishes like a smattering of organ flare (‘Dolly’) pop up here and there to keep things from getting too rote. It’s all very familiar and nice, nothing too radical, and the kind of stuff that gets lapped up and lambasted in equal measure, depending on who’s dispensing the feedback.” Read Austin L. Ray’s review of Tripper here.

Moonface — Organ Music, Not Vibraphone Like I’d Hoped
“Organ Music not Vibraphone like I’d Hoped’s chaotic nature shouldn’t be reduced to just a skewed version of the artist’s other projects, because while the record is commanding and at times difficult to stomach, it is perhaps as clear a glimpse into Krug’s psyche as we’ve ever seen.” Read Carey Hodges’ review of Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I’d Hoped here.

The Ettes — Wicked Will
“Cool” doesn’t always translate to “good,” and it’s a little too easy to take a spin on Mr. Toad’s Wild Namedropping Ride while describing The Ettes’ sound, but they’re certainly good at what they do.” Read Austin L. Ray’s review of Wicked Will.

Archers of Loaf—Icky Mettle reissue

“For all their glorious bluster, these songs are complex and often eloquent—simultaneously cerebral and emotional, heady and devastating. Merge’s new remaster brings out these contrasting elements, which sound all the more abrasive and aggressive so many years later.” Read Stephen M. Deusner’s review here.

Got news tips for Paste? Email news@pastemagazine.com.