Here are 3 new albums worth checking out in September:
“Who Is the Sky?” David Byrne
The legendary Talking Heads frontman finally returns with a new full-length studio album, which is his first since 2018’s “American Utopia” and his ninth overall. Byrne, who collaborated on the album with New York City-based musical ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra, will likely showcase some new songs during a tour that includes three dates (Nov. 16-18) at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco (apeconcerts.com).
“At Peace,” The Queen & I
Bravo to this fine Oakland three-piece — consisting of Andrew Ledford, Austin Gibbons and Greg Oertel — for delivering a superb slice of modern shoegaze music. Ledford is a songwriter to watch, spinning urgent, gripping tales of life’s ups and downs in the midst of a wildly colorful and psychedelic musical universe. Listen to “Everything Hurts,” the lead track from “At Peace,” and you’ll hear what we mean. Recommended for fans of “My Bloody Valentine,” “Slowdive” and other super cool bands.
“Far Country,” Ellie Holcomb
The contemporary Christian music star, who got her start as a member of Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors in 2005, has released a number of good albums during a solo career that kicked off with the enjoyable “As Sure as the Sun” in 2014. We’ve heard four of the songs off “Far Country” (due out Sept. 12) — and they are all excellent. The best of the bunch may will be the inspirational power ballad “Give Me Your Hand.”