Warpaint, Sego [outside]

On 2022’s Radiate Like This, their first album in six years, Los Angeles indie rockers Warpaint pick up like no time has passed. Though the LP’s less upbeat than poppy predecessor Heads Up, in between airy keys and Emily Kokal, Theresa Wayman, and Jenny Lee Lindberg’s cooing harmonies, the quartet’s art rock still grooves. Stella Mozgawa’s disco beats drive opener “Champion,” “Hips” snarls with heavy tremolo, and “Stevie” conjures one of many sing-along choruses. Pretty and introspective – but by no means easy listening – for two decades now, the artists’ party trick prevails. Sego opens with fuzzier, though still delicate, slacker rock. – Carys Anderson