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Listen to new songs from Leon Bridges, Lord Huron, Tirzah, the Marfa Tapes, CHAI, and Bathtub Cig

The Current: Music You Should Know
The Current: Music You Should KnowMPR graphic

by Jade

May 20, 2021

This week's collection of brand-new music includes the lead single from Leon Bridges' forthcoming album, plus the latest from Lord Huron, CHAI and Tirzah. We also hear music from country star Miranda Lambert's side project, and a dreamy new track from Minnesota band Bathtub Cig.

Leon Bridges, "Motorbike"


The Grammy-winning artist has a new album on the way, Gold-Diggers Sound (out July 23). According to Bridges, "The inception of the song starts with this afrobeat-type instrumental … Prior to the session, I was in Puerto Rico for my 30th with some of my best friends, and the energy of that trip totally inspired this song."

Bathtub Cig, "Quarantine Dream"


Hilary James is the mastermind behind the local "depression pop" project, bathtub cig. In a recent interview with The Current, James noted that in the early stages of quarantine, she was writing one song per day, including the aptly titled "Quarantine Dream" that appears on her newest EP, bed. She sought to write music that would make others feel less alone, and ended up creating a relatable timestamp of a track that explores her feelings at the beginning of the pandemic. James's voice is soft and sweet, and the instrumentation behind it is comforting, providing some solace in a time of much uncertainty. – Sylvia Jennings

Related: Bathtub Cig, "Quarantine Dream", The Current's Song of the Day, April 28

The Marfa Tapes, "Amazing Grace (West Texas)"


Miranda Lambert is a country superstar, but she's always had the heart of an indie artist. When she needs collaborators, she typically turns to Jack Ingram and John Randall; during the pandemic, the trio started to collaborate once again, and the songs turned into the new project The Marfa Tapes. The song features beautiful and raw sounds that encapsulate late-night conversations with good friends.

Lord Huron, "Mine Forever"


With his new album, Long Lost, out this Friday, Lord Huron continues to display his vast music appreciation. The concept album pulls from the idea of a 1950s variety show — but jumps eras to '60s psychedelia to Americana to upbeat four on the floor. It's a wildly eclectic roundup.

CHAI, "Ping Pong"


Frenetic and energetic, the punky and irreverent Japanese band continue to spark joy with their new album, WINK. The aptly titled album is full of fun and tongue-in-cheek turns of phrase; they are a band who take the music seriously but understand that they can have fun at the same time.

Tirzah, "Send Me"


The U.K. artist Tirzah has released her unique style of laidback yet confrontational love songs since 2013. With each release, her style seems to solidify, and the latest, "Send Me," seems heavy with nostalgia, a molasses-covered memory slowly being revealed.

Playlist