It's been another hellish week in America as the bullet train rockets towards the last stop, Full Fascism. First Amendment? Fuck you, you're only allowed to talk about how much you love our Dear Leader. For now though, music is still legal. Enjoy these picks while you still can!

Buzzy trad-metal band Castle Rat is back with their second album, The Bestiary. People are so weird about this band. Yes, the lead singer The Rat Queen is a conventionally attractive woman. And yes, they wear goofy costumes and lean hard into the sword and sorcery image. That's enough for a lot of people (men, specifically) to write them off as a joke or a gimmick. That discounts the fact that they're solid musicians who create some really hooky tunes. The new album is more diverse than the first and includes some more atmospheric tracks, but still has some really punchy little bangers. After one listen I don't know if this will finish in my top albums of the year list, but when it comes up on shuffle I certainly won't shut it off. Their live show sounds like it's a blast, so I'll definitely be there if and when they come to town. 

Nine Inch Nails are back with their first new music in a few year, doing the soundtrack for the new Tron movie. It's mostly instrumental, but there are some solid new tracks with vocals as well. All of it reminds me of the glitchy electronica-slanted remixes they rocked live recently, which is good. On the other hand, the new Tron movie is being released by Disney, parent company of the ABC network, which cancelled the Jimmy Kimmel show this week because our president got his little feelings hurt. So is it even ethical to stream this album? Probably not, unfortunately. But if you do choose to listen, it's quite good. Of course, I didn't start thinking about any of this until after I'd spun the whole thing. 

In Lieu are a local Minneapolis band who create Babes In Toyland-esque female-fronted noisy rock. I have yet to see them live, which is a real shame because they rule. They've got a new single out today from their forthcoming album. Check it out above, because it rips. And because you should have no ethical qualms about listening to it.