Since the late 2010s, New Zealand quartet The Beths, led by Elizabeth Stokes, has been releasing increasingly poppy and accessible albums, exemplified by its latest, “Straight Line Was A Lie.” Stokes’ distinctive Kiwi accent gives the songs a charming quality. This is true when she’s performing bristling 21st century power-pop/punk numbers such as “No Joy,” “Take” and the title cut.
It also applies to the funky “Best Laid Plans” (deserving of an extended remix), and sweeter tunes including “Metal,” “Mosquitoes” and “Roundabout.”
Hailing from (relatively) nearby Australia, Folk Bitch Trio lives up to the folk of its name on its harmony-infused debut album “Now Would Be A Good Time” (Jagjaguwar). This Aussie threesome – Gracie Sinclair, Heidi Peverelle and Jeanie Pilkington – is certain to remind some listeners of Boygenius (Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus) and Case/Lang/Veirs (Neko Case, k.d. lang and Laura Veirs).
However, on original and memorable songs such as “Hotel TV,” “Cathode Ray,” “The Actor” and “That’s All She Wrote,” as well as a cover of Ted Lucas’ “I’ll Find A Way (To Carry It All),” these three talented women firmly establish their own unique identity.
Originally released in 2010, the Grammy Award-winning album “Genuine Negro Jig” (Nonesuch) by Carolina Chocolate Drops has been reissued as an expanded double-LP anniversary edition featuring a multitude of bonus tracks. A trio specializing in old-time music, Carolina Chocolate Drops featured vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens before she went solo in the mid-2010s.
One of the things that stands out about this recording is the way that while CCD remains steeped in a traditional musical style, they have no trouble addressing contemporary material, epitomized by the brilliant cover of Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style,” featuring Giddens on lead vocals. Giddens’ reading of “Why Don’t You Do Right?,” made famous by Peggy Lee, is also outstanding.
It’s shocking to realize that it’s been 25 years since British synth-pop band Ladytron, led by Helen Marnie and Mira Aroyo, released its debut album. During that time, Ladytron released another eight studio albums, including its newest, the double LP set “Paradises” (Nettwerk).
At its best when keeping listeners on their feet and dancing with abandon, Ladytron offers plenty of opportunities to do just that on tantalizing tunes such as “I See Red,” “Secret Dreams of Thieves,” “Metaphysica,” “Kingdom Undersea,” “A Death in London” and “I Believe in You.”
Pressed on exquisite ice blue vinyl, “Lost On You” (Hopeless), the seventh album by Scranton, Pennsylvania’s very own Tigers Jaw features vocals by Brianna Collins, who also plays keyboards. Tigers Jaw’s sonic profile has morphed over time, but you can still hear traces of its emo roots on “Head Like A Sinking Stone,” “Primary Colors” and “Breezer” (with Collins singing lead on both).
There are also elements of power pop on “Anxious Blade” and unexpected beauty on “Roses + Thorns,” both of which are Collins-led.
In a sort of full-circle moment, it’s fitting that Spencer Tweedy, of alt-country band Case Oats, is the son of Jeff Tweedy. After all, the elder Tweedy began his music career in alt-country bands such as Uncle Tupelo and Wilco (in its early years). The main difference with Case Oats is that the lead vocalist, Casey Walker, is a woman, which gives the songs on the band’s debut album, “Last Missouri Exit” (Merge), an entirely different energy.
This comes through on “Seventeen,” “Bitter Root Lake,” “In a Bungalow,” “Nora” and “Bluff.”
The Beths perform on June 16 in Charlotte at Underground and on June 18 in Carrboro at Cat’s Cradle.
Rhiannon Giddens (of Carolina Chocolate Drops) performs July 22 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington and on Aug. 1 at Hellbender by The Orange Peel in Asheville.
