I remember the first time I even came across Phil NiIblock’s name, mentioned in a song title from Suzanne Ciani’s landmark and experimental album ‘Buchla Concerts 1975.’ “Concert At Phil Niblock’s Loft” was a cacophony of ethereal tones, arpeggiated blips and electrical pops. I was hooked, and so naturally I looked for more of this in artists like Brian Eno, Harold Budd, Grouper and, of course, minimalist composer Phil Niblock. Phil’s music helped me shake myself into a new form of listening, one that allowed me to approach music differently and through an entirely new lens. Famously averse to the interpretation of his music, the listener is left to be swallowed whole by his music (listen to his track Hurdy Hurry and then maybe go outside or talk to a friend because that was a lot are you okay?)

In the spirit of shaking ourselves into something new, and in honor of Phil Niblock who passed away this week at the age of 90, here are five new songs we found this week that we’ve been spinning:

Lamplight – “House Rules”
This is a complete gem, and I’m so happy that I’ve stumbled across it. Lamplight is the solo effort of Ian Hatcher-Williams, folk guitarist and maker of sweet summery indie folk treasures. “House Rules” contemplates death and our collective relationship to grief and loss. Sputtering percussion forms the bedrock that allows the simple-yet-spellbinding melodies soar. The self-titled debut is due on March 8th via Western Vinyl.

Runner – “Eleven”
Noah Weinman, the Los Angeles musician behind Runner, had one simple rule when approaching his new album: that he wasn’t allowed to record anything new. He set out to repurpose old sounds and unused bits from his debut record Like Dying Stars, We’re Reaching Out which and form it into something new. This week, he shared “Ten” and “Eleven,” two tracks named after their position on his forthcoming album Starsdust. Eleven is a jittery, breakbeat-inspired ambient gem with the same emotional resonance as a sunrise. It’s a bright, airy piece of music who’s only flaw is that it isn’t long enough. Starsdust is out 2/2 on Run For Cover

Gustaf – “Starting and Staring”
Gustaf are back! Gustaf are back! The Brooklyn, New York post-punk quintet are preparing to release their sophomore album Package Pt. 2 on April 5th via Royal Mountain, and have shared with us a little treat. The track groove-heavy track jumps and jerks around in a way that makes it hard not to dance to (try it, it’s hard). The group embarks on a 23-date tour in April.

Ghost Funk Orchestra – “To The Moon!”
I love this band. With multi-instrumentalist, composer/arranger Seth Applebaum at the helm, Ghost Funk Orchestra makes psych-inspired, jazz-infused, surf-rock influenced music that feels impossible to pin down (because it is). The band is preparing to release their fifth full-length LP on Karma Chief Records, and “To the Moon” is a sultry space-age slow jam with pangs of bright trumpets and soaring organ lines that make you feel like you’re in a 1940’s hard boiled detective movie. A Trip to the Moon is out on February 23rd.

Waxahatchee (with MJ Lenderman) – “Right Back To It”
I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for a good duet. And a good love song. Can you imagine my excitement when Waxahatchee’s first new music in four (four!!!) is both? “Right Back To It,” a duet with singer/songwriter MJ Lenderman, and is the first single from her new album Tiger’s Blood (out March 22 via ANTI- Records.) Softly plucked banjo collides beautifully with a mid-tempo slow jam beaming with the buttery warmth of a hot summer day. MJ Lenderman’s voice is a stunning accompaniment to Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield’s signature soul.

Words by Conor Rooney