It’s about the end of February and the music world is in full swing. I’m not sure what it is, but there’s always a bit of a new music drought in January, so it’s nice to see we’re coming out of that. I guess someone decided that if you want your music to count, you have to wait until February (end of year lists, maybe?). Still, I was not ready for all of these outstanding artists to start throwing out albums, so I decided to compile a few of my favorites and the most notable that have come out in the past month. 

“Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You” By Big Thief

This is my favorite album on the list. It’s a big and sprawling indie-folk record, a patchwork of ideas, instrumentation, and influence. It switches up the pace of the record so much, and never gets boring; a big compliment for a 20-track LP. It’s not an entirely super cohesive album if the album title gives any hint, but if you give it a chance, it’s amazing. The record just pulls you into it and immerses you with its sound; whether it’s the Alex G-esque wink of “Spud Infinity” or the twinkling calm of “No Reason.” Every time I listen to the album, my favorite tracks on it shift. Sure, it might not be the most approachable Big Thief introduction, but I wasn’t a super fan or anything to get hooked. I don’t have any prophetic insight or anything, but this masterpiece of a record could very well end up being one of the best records of 2022.

“CAPRISONGS” By FKA Twigs

While this isn’t technically an album, and it isn’t technically from February, I really adore this mixtape and want to give it a little shout out. Honestly, this album, with sometimes slick and sometimes harsh vocals and instrumentation, sounds like the future of pop. “Meta Angel” is one of the best tracks I’ve heard this year so far, and you can feel the hyperpop influence. Another thing I’d note is the voice memos sprinkled through the album, giving the record a personal feel to it. FKA Twigs is very clearly having the time of her life on this mixtape, and it sounds glorious. 

“Time Skiffs” By Animal Collective

This is the album I expected to like the most, and while it isn’t my favorite, it was mostly how I expected the album to be. Truth be told, I enjoyed this album about as much as I enjoy most Animal Collective albums (that is to say, immensely). “Dragon Slayer” was such a fun introduction to the album that really pulled me in, and I have to say, it didn’t get any worse. Fun and swirling synths and psychedelic fogginess… What more could you ask for on an Animal Collective album? 

“Laurel Hell” By Mitski

This will be henceforth known as Mitski’s 80s album. It’s slicker and a bit groovier than her others, which I don’t mind too much. I feel like a lot of the mixed feelings I’ve seen have been more out of a sense of disappointment than anything else. As long as you go into this record knowing it’s not going to be the same as her older works, it’s a decent listen. Does it stand up to “Bury Me At Makeout Creek” or “Puberty 2?” Not really, but I think it doesn’t look as good compared to her previous discography. It’s a good album with catchy hooks and, of course, Mitski’s excellent and melodic vocals (a highlight of any project she’s lent her voice to). I mean, no, it’s not the album I’d choose to show someone who didn’t know anything about Mitski, but it stands up pretty well, and I genuinely did enjoy it. 

“Once Twice Melody” By Beach House