New Music Friday: The Arcs, Travi$ Scott, And FIDLAR

By Michael Cerio

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Bow down, the return of Queen Bey is upon us.

This weekend, Beyonce returns to Philadelphia with the fourth and biggest edition of the Made In America Festival. A ton has happened since Ms. Carter last graced the stage on the Parkway, both for her and Made In America. In 2013, there was no "Drunk In Love" or chart topping surprise album, Blue Ivy was still in diapers, and elevators were still considered safe and rumor free.

As for Made In America, they flirted with Los Angeles last year only to come back in 2015, put a ring on it, and make us exclusive once again. They survived severe thunderstorms and Kanye West (equally powerful), and are now ready to test drive the Parkway for the Pope.

There are some new additions this year. For starters, an extra block and an extra stage to fit all of Jay Z's curated fest. The Tidal Stage, named after Jay's streaming service, features music from bands like Tanlines and the much-buzzed about Hippo Campus. There's also a much bigger Philadelphia presence in the lineup this year. Bands Hop Along and Strand Of Oaks lead a solid representation of Philadelphia's music scene. Plus, of course Meek Mill, fresh off a feud with Drake will take the main stage. Maybe Will Smith will make an appearance to make up for this.

Before the gates open, or even before your long weekend begins, you're bound to need a soundtrack to your party. Luckily, there's a fresh assortment of music released today. Here's a look at the highlights of today's New Music Friday.

The Arcs – Yours, Dreamily

The Black Keys started a revolution in 2010. Well, actually way before that, but with Brothers and El Camino, they quickly became everyone's favorite rock band. Along the way, both members have always dabbled with side projects such as Pat Carney's Drummer and a solo album from Dan Auerbach. The latest of those projects is Auerbach's The Arcs who release their debut Yours, Dreamily today. While the Keys have focused on muddy, crunchy riffs and later psychedelic flavors, The Arcs finds Auerbach exploring a full spectrum of influences and styles. Along with an assembly of longtime studio friends and peers, The Arcs step back into 50's and 60's soul and pop, leaving room for some fuzzed out guitars and an occasional Hip Hop backbeat. It's not so different that you would say "really that's the guy from The Black Keys?", but it is more expansive and a really a great listen.

Travi$ Scott – Rodeo

Chances are you've heard Travi$ Scott drop a verse this past year. He's been a guest star for Drake, Big Sean, and most noticeably Kanye West. Now he hops in the front seat with his debut Rodeo. The album has Kanye West's production stylings all over it. Dark, grinding beats sprinkled with auto-tune, West's new calling card since 2013's Yeezus. However, Scott doesn't have the charisma of Kanye or the ability to carry it through a full album. There are some bright spots, but it's mainly dependent on who Scott shares a track with. The Weeknd is the biggest voice in Hip Hop and R&B right now, and for that reason his appearance on "Pray 4 Love" makes this after-party regret tune shine. Same goes for "3500" which is propped up by Future and 2 Chainz, and "*** On Your Grave" featuring Kanye himself. The latter, sounds like a Yeezus leftover. Unfortunately, Rodeo is only good for a couple rides.

FIDLAR – Too

FIDLAR are punks from Los Angeles that care way more than they let on. On their second album Too, the young band goes hard to the point of being "passed out on your bathroom tile". They're loud and snotty, mostly bored with what you have to say. The trick though is that they execute all of it with a tight pop sheen that sounds like a 60's British Invasion band. Granted a bloodshot British Invasion band that's been doing drugs and skateboarding all day, but still. FIDLAR brought in an outside producer for Too and it shows, making them polished but never lacking in sneering intensity. Also, the grade-schooler in me thinks lyrics like, "got drunk and barfed on my shadow" are still kind of hilarious.

Also out this week is Philadelphia pop punks The Wonder Years with No Closer To Heaven, some straight up old fashion rock music from The Stone Foxes with Twelve Spells, and new but just as epic as ever Iron Maiden music with The Book Of Souls.

See you on the Parkway.