Release Radar: February 2024

At the end of each month, Afterglow presents a staff-picked list of new albums and singles that left a lasting impression on our ears. This month is Black History Month, and we’re highlighting new releases from Black artists.

Written by Afterglow Staffers

Photos courtesy of Tamara May, Trinity Ellis, and Arman Saturday 

Here are our favorite albums and singles released during February 2024. For more reviews of recent releases, check out our album review page!

Shiny Singles WE LOVED THIS MONTH:

“Saturn” by SZA 

Combining breezy vocals and a light, airy strum of chords that transitions into an evocative bridge, SZA captures the infuriating emotional rollercoaster of relationships in “Saturn. ”With repeating dream-pop synths and a lulling bassline, the artist paints a masterpiece of heartbreak stained with the frustrations of wanting to escape reality.The gradual build to the crescendo makes this song perfect for a walk outside or sulking alone. — Angelina Liu

“Clouds” by JON VINYL

Yet another dreamy R&B single by Toronto singer-songwriter, JON VINYL, “Clouds” is bound to entice its listeners with smooth vocals and a comforting beat. The song creates an overall emotional, yet sophisticated atmosphere by tying together dreamy vocalizations and a steady synth sound over a looping track. This single is perfect for relaxing and letting your mind roam free. — Claire Hookstra

“Hand On Me” by Nourished by Time

Marcus Brown, the artist behind Nourished by Time, released lead single “Hand on Me” to tease his upcoming album following last April’s Erotic Probiotic 2. While its opening synths suggest a vintage feel, the pulsing track soon explodes into a lush layering of funky beats, electronica, and a juxtaposition between Brown’s rich voice and supporting choral vocals. — Carly Williams

“mute” by Shygirl ft. Lolo Zouaï

This underplayed cut from Shygirl’s latest EP, Club Shy, features everything you need for the dancefloor: key changes, beat switches, and an earwormy hook. Accompanied by a hyperpop-adjacent instrumental, Shygirl and Lolo Zouaï croon about “puttin’ boys on mute” in this self-empowerment anthem. — C.S. Harper

GLOWING ALBUMS & EPS WE LOVED THIS MONTH:

As Grande As by Grande Mahogany

Image courtesy of Laundry Music Company

Finnish musician Grande Mahogany’s debut album, As Grande As, uniquely blends funk-pop and rock, producing a distinct, unwavering sound. Standout riffs and ingenious vocals give this compilation an overall jovial personality. “Bop Your Head (Till It Drop!)” presents itself as an introspective and psychedelic jam through the prolonged electric guitar solos and choppy beat. Meanwhile, tracks like “Garden Séfine” showcase a smooth and groovy sound with steady percussion and dreamlike vocals. Tracks “Shades Ebony” and “SUPER ROCKER,” are perfect to jump-start a day and keep those serotonin levels high with their themes of self-confidence and recovery from heartbreak. As Grande As is nothing short of a one-of-a-kind debut album guaranteed to intrigue listeners and leave them begging for more. — Claire Hookstra

Support Grande Mahogany on Spotify and Apple Music.

LADYBUG by Kevin Holiday 

Image courtesy of Dark Gray Records

Over intoxicating guitar riffs and hypnotizing drum beats, Kevin Holliday explores unrequited love, self-doubt, and growing older on his sophomore album LADYBUG. The Brooklyn native utilizes creative samples and upbeat chord progressions alongside sanguine lyrics to evoke an attitude of relaxation. The laid-back chords paired with a slow reverberating bass create a perfect soundtrack for an evening listen on a late-night drive or unwinding in your room. On “LOOK!!!!!” Holliday samples the viral TikTok of a cheer squad, providing a fun twist on the well-known audio. This Internet homage juxtaposes the slower strums and duotone singing of “LITTLE YELLOW BUS,” where the singer yearns for his childhood.The album keeps a consistent rhythm and distinctive sound by taking advantage of unique guitar riffs and voice distortions. — Angelina Liu

Support Kevin Holliday on Spotify and Apple Music.

nublues by Joel Ross

Image courtesy of Blue Note Records

Joel Ross’ nublues arrived at the perfect time to accompany the transition from winter to spring. The recurring melodies provide the same sense of nostalgia brought on by the change of seasons and the tingling, buzzing sensations of the album’s vibraphone mirrors the blossoming of new beginnings. nublues introduces jazz to new listeners in a welcoming manner. The rhythms never overwhelm, and yet he does not condescend by simplifying his sound. His blend between tradition and invention produces a digestible yet gutsy album for new listeners. While paying homage to influential genres and artists, the Chicago native simultaneously pushes their classic jazz elements forward with his creative take on a traditional form. nublues wastes no time engulfing the listener in Ross' transcendental sound. “early” tenderly opens the record with a wandering sax that floats throughout the song while a vibraphone follows it. Two tracks later, “mellowdee” showcases the pinnacle of Ross’ talent. Although it opens at the same, slower pace as the compositions that precede it, the sax soon cracks this pattern open with a passionate solo. This interlude wails against the melancholic rhythms behind it and the lush makeup of the section reminisces on other musicians who defied the genre like Pharoah Sanders. The album ends on a cover of John Coltrane’s “central park west” that draws out the original’s pacing and adds a bit of flair through Ross’ vibraphone. The project exists as a source of comfort: it may stick alongside the somber tones of the blues, but it does not refrain from providing glimmers of hope. — Carly Williams

Support Joel Ross on Spotify and Apple Music.