I think Jack White might be having a moment. His latest album. Frozen Charlotte, came out a month ago, and it is typically killer. This week, plenty of rock and roll dropped from new artists, and some of it appears to have a clear Jack White debt.
This is a good thing, seeing how White is one of the best true rockers to ever wire up an electric guitar. He strips his music down to the essential rhythm, then builds it back up – sometimes to glorious heights – depending on what the song may require.
But this isn’t about White. This is about one of those disciples, and a bunch of others who may have some White Stripes on their playlists. Here are the best new rock tracks out this week.
The best new rock songs out the week of August 14
“Ten Over Ten” by Royal Blood
The British duo is out with their fifth album, Dead Company, later this year. The first single, “Ten Over Ten,” is a must for Jack White fans. A pounding blues bass line and Ben Thatcher’s trundling drum set up Mike Kerr’s vocals. This reminds me especially of White’s Raconteurs’ music – think “Broken Boy Soldier.”
“Makes No Difference” by the Rose Hips
Of course, modern rock is not made up exclusively of Jack White clones. For a different-sounding modern rock duo, check out Dane Schumacher and Michael Gryffin and their bright, eclectic take on what may have once been considered psychedelic rock.
The lead single from their seven-song debut Into the Garden was the infectious “Spacey.” The new single, “Makes No Difference,” ups the melodic content with an early Killers groove and with the added attraction of a cool little guitar motif.
“Live by the Sword” by Movements
Then again, if you need a Muse-like anthemic fix – that kind of big, bold sound bolstering what is basically an emo lament – then Movements’ new epic “Live By the Sword” should scratch that itch. The cascading echoes of the title behind Patrick Miranda’s vocals are classic.
“Powerless” by Judah & the Lion
OK, Judah Akers and Brian Macdonald may have little to do with Jack White other than the fact that, like the White Stripes, they are yet another rock duo. (The third out of the four bands referenced thus far.) But they have a more pop-with-an-edge sound – a more masculine version of indie rockers like Jetty Bones or Charlie Bliss.
“Lentils” by Getdown Services
How to describe “Lentils?” Maybe a modern-day Ian Dury? I don’t know. That gets at the dorky-cool pride that pulses through Joshua Law and Benjamin Sadler’s chanting. Or maybe I should just note this is the only song I know of that effortlessly mentions “eczema,” “Sosmix,” and “lentils,” whilst rubbing Hydrocortisone on its sore bits. Oh, and they’re also a duo.
“She’s the Best” by Troye Sivan
This may not be the dancefloor pop hit that Sivan’s fans want to hear, but I am very intrigued by this new direction. If you ever thought that Lou Reed would sound really cool intoning over an 808 State groove, you now have your answer. It can work. This isn’t so far removed from Sivan’s earlier work and I suspect that when the rest of She’s the Best drops in October, there will be plenty to dance to.
“Race Car Driver” by James the Seventh
I took a long time to make up my mind about James the Seventh's (AKA Bethany Latham) debut album Mind Your Business last year. I eventually settled on the opinion that it is jarring and weird and very, very cool. Her new release extends the wild swings. The new single “Race Car Driver” has the gothic punk cacophony that I think heralds true greatness. But I accept it may not be for everyone.
Then again, neither is Jack White.
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