Wooohoooo! What a tremendous week in New Music! A glorious mix of “Hotly Anticipated,” and “New Surprises” to get my endorphins flowing.
We have fifteen(!) titles to deeply dig. No walls, only the bridge. My supper dish, my succotash wish! Sing it, baby!
A single to start this week’s findings comes from MC and Producer Deca. The NYC Artist preaches on the frustration of life during wartime on War. Who’s going to get peace, when they’re still getting a piece?
The week began with raised eyebrows at the news of an album from former OutKast member André 3000. The notoriously strange person has indeed dropped a new album, but it’s not what you’d expect. The completely instrumental New Blue Sun features Dre’s newfound love; his big wooden flute. Featuring production from Carlos Niño, the ninety-minute album contains 7 tracks featuring lengthy, expository titles like, “That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther And Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control…Sh¥t Was Wild”. New Age/Ambient, and quite meditative.
A multi-instrumentalist based in Iran has amassed an ensemble to create a lush and nuanced album. Arif Mirbaghi’s Mutual Occultation breathes new life in the household, with Chromatic Harmonica, flute, and Accordion providing much of the lead. Textured Production offers the listener much to explore, and begs for multiple listens.
Nicole Brady is a pianist and composer that is from Australia, but is based on Vancouver Island. Her debut album, Lost Palace, was made in conjunction with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The eight tracks are a delicious blend of Classical and modern beat-making.
Directly from my BandCamp Wishlist, but more accurately from the swinging City of London, duo VÄLVĒ has released their sophomore album. On Tiny Pilots Chlöe Herington provides lead vocals along with an arsenal of instruments, whilst Emma Sullivan brings backing vocals and bass. It’s a very agreeable journey, where harp twists and turns around tight harmonies. Brilliant.
To Detroit we go now, to meet up with Zoos Of Berlin. The Indie quintet has released Busy With People; an eleven-track album that harkens to early New Wave with deep bass and Dance grooves.
The City of Barrie, Ontario was the closest City to where I was growing up, a 40-minute drive away. It was where you would move if you were too intimidated by Toronto, but wanted to assert some independence. My sister works at the McDonald’s in the Walmart. If you’re in town, say hi to Lorri. Meanwhile, check out this compilation from Barrie Label Tarantula Tapes. Tracknaphobia Vol. 3 contains twenty-four bands from Ontario, including Peterborough’s Garbageface, Newmarket’s Bilious, and Barrie’s own Angry Spells. Spanning sounds from Garage Pop, Hardcore Punk. Hip-Hop and beyond.
Alex Walton is a Songwriter and Producer from Boston, Mass, with a brash confessional streak. The Artist wears her heart on her sleeve throughout the twenty-three tracks of I WANT YOU TO KILL ME. Don’t let the title scare you away, because first of all, it rocks and requires full volume. Secondly, the album ends with the anthemic I Don’t Want To Kill Myself Anymore.
A band from Chicago that I recommended back in February is back with another EP. Cel Ray is a feisty Punk combo that is riling up the pit at My Imaginary Sweaty Dive Bar. Piss Park is four tracks, eight minutes, no messing around!
If you were to ask me to name a country that I think is cool, I would immediately respond Czechia. I’ve never been there, and it probably has its downside, but it seems to have, per capita, the largest population of forward-thinking and unique Artists and Musicians in the world. You can give thanks for that impression, in part, to the excellent Independent Label Korobushka Records. It’s not merely the home to my favourite living Artist, Petr Válek, but it seems that every release is inspired, and just to the left of normal. Take this week’s release from Brno’s sinks. born into this only to get through this is nine tracks of punchy, crooked guitar and catchy hooks. Vocals have a slightly Emo, and oddly American sound to them. Slightly like early U2, if Jonny Greenwood played guitar. Don’t sleep on the Czech Republic!
An Artist and Producer from Baltimore has been releasing a series of remixes and mashups called his Trash Series. J.Robb’s sixth volume released this week and it runs the board in terms of style and substance. Jungle beats mix with Downtempo flips of current Club hits. #NoSampleSnitching
It’s an excellent week for conscious, intelligent and experimental Hip-Hop. Including André 3000, four of my favourite MCs are back to rock my world, and I’m also discovering new Artists that fit that mould. From Ninja Tune side-label Big Dada, H31R is a duo based in Brooklyn and New Jersey. Producer JWords and rapper/vocalist maassai combine to create the terrific HeadSpace. Positive courageous vibes.
Also from NYC is a Producer and DJ known as Blockhead. The reason I’m excited for The Aux, aside from the excellent Production, is the many featured MCs. Aesop Rock, Open Mike Eagle, Billy Woods, Danny Brown and Bruiser Wolf are just a few of the great rappers making their presence known. Drop the needle!
Brooklyn’s own Homeboy Sandman has been rocking my world these last few years. His ingenious rhymes and singsong delivery place him well above his peers. His work pace is also prolific, and evidenced by his new release. Last year, Sand released a collection of tracks that he’s unable to monetize for various reasons. This week, I Can’t Sell These Either follows it up, and if you don’t know, now you know.
No surprises here, but my Feature Pick for this week is Danny Brown’s new album. Quaranta. After I discovered Brown, via his features on his Bruiser Brigade label, I’ve been eagerly anticipating a new solo album. Danny is a very astute and funny MC, with a twisted view of life, and this album has him grappling age and sobriety with his trademark sense of humour. Also featuring is the mighty Bruiser Wolf, who could use a new album himself.
Groove is in the heart! And I truly couldn’t ask for another. What about you, friends!
Take care of yourself!
New Music Jason’s Picks 