VMG Stuy “Perfect Timing” Digital Single Though there’s still basically no information about the Brooklyn rapper online, “Perfect Timing” feels like the first chapter of what could grow to be a very rich story. Over a propulsive beat driven by triumphant keys and busy hi-hats, VMG Stuy flow is effortless and melodic, and his unblemished tenor is strangely reminiscent of a young Chris Brown. This one feels like a future hit to me.
The Golden Filter “End of Times” End Of Times EP (out 11.10 on Optimo) On their new single, the London synth-pop duo turn the melodrama up to 11 and dial up a slow-mo swooner that will leave you basking in the neon glow. Inspired by the absurdity and unpredictability of the modern world, vocalist Penelope Trappes finds solace in the only thing we can rely on in such times: the arms of another. It’s smooth and slick but also warm and human.
Rhye “Taste” Digital Single The L.A. duo is the musical equivalent of being draped in layers of 1,000-thread count sheets. And after a couple of years away, it appears that they’re prepping a follow-up to their tasty 2013 debut, “Woman.” “Taste” is the third track they’ve dropped recently, and it’s very much in their wheelhouse: swooning falsetto vocals, gentle piano, and just that little kick of percussion. There’s still no word on whether an official LP is on the way, but if it … →
The National “I’ll Still Destroy You” Sleep Well Beast (out now on 4AD) Frankly, I’m shocked by how much I’ve grown to love the Brooklyn vets’ seventh LP. After 2013’s tepid “Trouble Will Find Me,” I’d sort of assumed that their misery porn had reached its zenith, now ten years on from the seminal “Boxer.” However, “Sleep Well Beast” finds the band regaining their emotional heft, nowhere more evident than this stunning rumination on escapism, be it by drugs, dreams, or nostalgia. Looking more than a … →
Mayorkun “Mama” Digital Single Already a big hit in his native Nigeria, “Mama” is a gorgeous swoon of a love song that beautifully matches soca and R&B. It’s the latest in a string of impressive singles for the 23 year-old. Blessed with a pure, easy tenor, Mayorkun manages to capture the silly way falling headlong in love can make you feel without coming off jokey or insincere. Delish.
Grizzle “Consort” Liminal Sounds Put down “Super Slimey” for a second, and spend some time with the criminally underrated Mancunian’s long-awaited, Liminal Sounds debut. The grime futurist has been a long-time TP fave, and Consort is exactly the project I’ve been hoping he’d make. Each of the disc’s four tracks is a meticulously crafted, hyper-melodic banger. Though there’s an obvious MssingNo influence on this disc, there’s a ton of new ideas on here as well, and it’s a massive step forward for one of … →
SOPHIE “It’s Okay to Cry” Digital Single Every once in a while, somebody puts out something that takes your breath away. “It’s Okay to Cry” is absolutely one of those moments. After spending her early career lurking behind faceless, chaotic, schizophrenic experimental dance music, the 32 year-old has stepped into the light and up to the microphone. The result is pure magic. Built around a twinkling, celestial piano melody, “It’s Okay To Cry” plays out like a tender, ultra-modern Disney ballad. Her voice is sweet and confident, as she consoles … →
King Krule “Logos” The OOZ (out now on XL) Archy Marshall’s excellent new album feels like a collection of those wonky dream states that exist somewhere in that nether region between being wake and sleep. Though I’m still digesting all 19 of its songs, the hypnotic, jazzy “Logos” immediately stuck out. Over languid jazz chords (think: 7’s and 9’s) and faraway sax, a mumbling Marshall welcomes us into a world that is both racked with childhood terrors and infused with an medicated calm. It’s a perfect example … →
Julien Baker “Turn Out the Lights” Turn Out the Lights (out 10.27 on Matador) We are officially two weeks away from the 22 year-old’s hugely anticipated second LP, and it’s second single hits just as hard as the confessional, heart-crushing “Appointments.” “Turn Out the Lights” opens as a sparse and haunting take on isolation, as Baker wonders “so why is it easy for everyone else?” The truth is, of course, it isn’t. And when its skyscraping crescendo hits, a sense of hope and … →
Jaws of Love. “Lake Tahoe.” Tasha Sits Close to the Piano (out now of K-Rizzla) Last week, Local Natives vocalist Kelcey Ayer quietly released a subdued, piano-driven debut solo LP. Though the response has been tepid so far, it’s a gorgeous, grown-up collection of mid-3o’s love songs dedicated to the way that your loved ones can shepherd you through uncertain waters. Though it’s most potent when listened to as one cohesive collection, “Lake Tahoe” is a real standout, showcasing Ayer’s flexible tenor and affecting songwriting. It’s sweet, … →
