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Hazy alt-folk, buoyant pop, atmospheric country and more new music

CHAI: Surprise Japanese group CHAI have released the buoyant track “Surprise” along with an equally colorful and vibrant Yoshio Nakaiso-directed video. The clip is a nod to when the band’s trailer was stolen during their North American tour, “We were able to continue our shows because of the overwhelming support and love from all of you. We never forget how much we appreciate you, and …

CHAI: Surprise

Japanese group CHAI have released the buoyant track “Surprise” along with an equally colorful and vibrant Yoshio Nakaiso-directed video. The clip is a nod to when the band’s trailer was stolen during their North American tour, “We were able to continue our shows because of the overwhelming support and love from all of you. We never forget how much we appreciate you, and we want …

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Playful J-pop, a disco-driven track about anxiety and more new music this week

Spencer Tweedy: Everyday Apostle Three years after his debut EP, Chicago’s Spencer Tweedy has released Sleep Is My God. This new four-track EP segues from one pithy folk-rock track to another. It’s cohesive, artful and begins with “Everyday Apostle,” our pick from the release. There are traces of Elliott Smith here but altogether it’s refreshingly Tweedy. Cage the Elephant + Beck: Night Running Ahead of Beck …