TRF. Posted December 28, 2021 Author Posted December 28, 2021 STREAM #30. Paco Amoroso SAETA Genre: Dance-Pop, Deep House UK Garage, Alternative R&B, Hip House Label: Dale Play || Country: Argentina Beginning in 2018, Paco Amoroso began collaborating with fellow Argentinian rapper Ca7riel in a series of tracks and music videos. They would eventually become a proper duo, billed as Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, boosting each other’s profile and scoring multiple viral hits due to their weirdness of their sound and aesthetic. After quarantine though, they haven’t really collaborated much, each focusing instead their solo projects. In the case of Ca7riel, he would put out his debut album EL DISKO in October. This record was very ambitious, with influences from R&B, rap, soul, funk and rap permeating throughout, like an Argentinian Tyler, the Creator. While it was enjoyable, the project that caught my attention more was Paco Amoroso’s debut album, SAETA, released a month after. By comparison, it’s shorter, a lot more lowkey, not necessarily “avant-garde”. And yet, it does feel like uncharted territory for Paco – slightly far from rap music, more focused in a sound influenced by different subgenres of dance music like deep house or UK garage while maintaining a lot of the charisma of his collaborative work. It’s 10 tracks and 26 minutes of summer vibes, unpretentious but not unambitious. Highlights: “Viuda negra”, “Chinga Sport” (feat. Tío La Bomba), “Da igual”, “Pistola desnuda”, “Ángel de la noche”, “Cerebro” (feat. El Doctor), “Aire” (feat. Lara91k) RIYL: Róisín Murphy, Emmanuel Horvilleur, Channel Tres, Metronomy BUY #29. Dear Laika Pluperfect Mind Genre: Art Pop, Ambient Pop Glitch Pop, Drone, Choral, Post-Minimalism, Neoclassical Darkwave Label: NNA || Country: UK Born out of a period in which British musician Isabelle Thorn a.k.a. Dear Laika spent the beginning of her gender transition in the North Wessex Downs in the South of England, her most recent album Pluperfect Mind serves as a revelation of all her talents. Informed by her upbringing in choir and classical music, she uses these influences to tell a story that reflects on romanticism, the passing of time, the uncertainty of the future, and other insecurities – in part related to her own transition. The result is a record that, despite its occasional distortion-heavy moments, feels very intimate, delicate, at most times truly stunning even when talking about the most personal of issues. Her voice, either amplified by harmonies and ghostly choral-like sounds or just on its own, soars wonderfully through every song. The record ends in a wonderful note with the title track, perhaps to assure the listener that, despite all hardships, there is always beauty in life to look forward to. Highlights: “Lilac Moon, Reflected Sun”, “Guinefort’s Grave”, “Phlebotomy”, “Inward Life (We Exist)”, “Black Moon, Lilith”, “Pluperfect Mind” RIYL: Kelly Moran, Katie Gately, Lyra Pramuk, FKA twigs’ MAGDALENE STREAM #28. Rx Papi & Gud Foreign Exchange Genre: Cloud Rap Plugg, Gangsta Rap, Conscious Hip Hop Label: YEAR0001 || Country: USA/Sweden A lot of people who I've seen talk about New York rapper Rx Papi really focus on how hilarious or ridiculous a lot of his performances are. While that’s not entirely untrue, like how you can often hear him yell "I walk in this bitch like [some person, thing or concept]", he’s also a lot more than that as a rapper. His collaborative album with Swedish producer and Sad Boys/Drain Gang associate Gud, Foreign Exchange is the best proof of that. Even though it’s only 8 tracks and not even 20 minutes long, Rx Papi and Gud bring the best out of each other, his raps fit surprisingly well with Gud’s ethereal, dreamy instrumentals, making a fantastic contrast. But what really makes this project stand out and make it one of the best rap projects of the year is his bars. For example, the lyrics on opening track “12 Stout Street” feel like a punch to the throat, reflecting on his life experiences and his relation with his mother in a very moving way. While the rest of the project takes on less personal subject matters, he still shines through constantly. On “Still in da Hood” he says he’s not “painting a picture so vivid” with his lyrics, but just telling us his life – and still takes a lot of talent to do so in the way he does. Highlights: “12 Stout Street”, “N.L.B.M.”, “Albino Steve”, “Still in da Hood”, “Rahkel”, “Liar” RIYL: Yung Lean, Clams Casino, Westside Gunn, RXK Nephew BUY #27. Mdou Moctar Afrique Victime Genre: Tishoumaren, Psychedelic Rock Blues Rock, Psychedelic Folk Label: Matador || Country: Niger Nigerien Tuareg guitarist and singer Mdou Moctar first garnered attention for his music because of his contribution to the compilations Music from Saharan Cellphones, released by label Sahel Sounds in the beginning of the 2010s. As the title implies, those songs were taken from cellphones people in the Sahara shared music they’ve recorded with via Bluetooth. From then, he went on to record and release multiple albums that would get him much-deserved recognition outside of his home country of Niger. Afrique Victime, his first album for Matador Records, is also his most potent statement yet. There are multiple love songs, many of them dedicated to his wife and sung in his native Tamasheq, that sound absolutely gorgeous. But there are also songs that address political figures and issues, particularly the title track, a call-out to French imperialism in the country and the constant violence and oppression Africa as a whole is a victim of. But not only does the message matter, there are multiple sick riffs and performances by Mdou and his band, alternating between charming melodies and pure shredding highlighted by the record’s psychedelic production that demonstrates Mdou’s multiple talents. Highlights: “Chismiten”, “Taliat”, “Tala Tannam”, “Asdikte Akal”, “Layla”, “Afrique Victime” RIYL: Tinariwen, Les Filles de Illighadad, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Los Jaivas BUY #26. Loraine James Reflection Genre: IDM, UK Bass UK Hip Hop, Glitch Hop, Deconstructed Club, Weightless, UK Drill Label: Hyperdub || Country: UK Many electronic music artists had their lives affected by COVID-19 and the resulting quarantines, lockdowns, etc. Not just their livelihoods, not being able to play clubs or live show or anything of the sort, but also, just like most of us, their mental health. British producer Loraine James’ second album for Hyperdub, Reflection, explores that for a good part of its length. Following previous album For You and I, a breakthrough record in UK experimental club music, this record takes a somewhat less harsh sonic approach, not by any means less complex though, as it still contains beats and drum patterns that can melt anyone’s brain, but perhaps sounds slightly more introspective than Loraine’s already reflective Hyperdub debut. Inspired by UK drill, trap and grime, it contains many features by rappers and vocalists like Iceboy Violet, Nova, Baths, Xzavier Stone, Eden Samara as well as frequent collaborator Le3 Black, which complement the IDM-adjacent sound the record is going for fantastically, bringing many surprises along the way. Highlights: “Built to Last” (feat. Xzavier Stone), “Let’s Go”, “Insecure Behaviour and Fuckery” (feat. Nova), “Self Doubt (Leaving the Club Early)”, “Reflection”, “Change”, “We’re Building Something New” (feat. Iceboy Violet) RIYL: Leila Arab, Telefon Tel Aviv, Oli XL, Clark BUY #25. Grouper Shade Genre: Contemporary Folk, Singer/Songwriter Psychedelic Folk, Ambient, Slowcore Label: Kranky || Country: USA Liz Harris' work as Grouper has become very much representative of ambient music, combining her ghostly vocals with beautiful soundscapes, usually accompanied by a guitar or a piano, the latter being the main instrument behind her latest two albums under this name, 2018's Grid of Points and 2014's Ruins have. However, the focus on her most recent album, Shade, recorded over the past fifteen years in different locations, is the acoustic guitar. Shade is as hypnotic as any other Grouper album, but it is different from her other records in that it does have something closer to a structure in comparison her other music, you can hear choruses here and there, her lyrics are probably more audible than ever, and only one song extends beyond the 6-minute mark. Not something new from her, necessarily, but as a whole it does feel like a more accessible version of her sound without sacrificing the intimacy and the beauty it is known for. Highlights: "Followed the Ocean", "Unclean Mind", "Pale Interior", "Disordered Minds", "Basement Mix", "Kelso (Blue Sky)" RIYL: Mount Eerie, Cassandra Jenkins, Lovesliescrushing, Vashti Bunyan BUY #24. Black Country, New Road For the first time Genre: Post-Rock, Post-Punk, Experimental Rock Art Punk, Klezmer, Art Rock Label: Ninja Tune || Country: UK It's very easy to see why Black Country, New Road became one of the most hyped bands of the past few years. They're part of a group of (mostly British and either vaguely or directly associated with the label Speedy Wunderground) bands like black midi, PVA, Squid, LICE and many others who have been pushing rock music to quite experimental and somewhat innovative places. Their long-awaited debut album 'For the First Time' doesn't fail to meet the hype, in fact I could easily argue that it surpasses it. With self-reflective and self-aware lyrics (that Slint line), it's a record that feels pretentious in the most fun way possible, with notable inspirations from klezmer, free jazz, dance-punk and first wave post-rock, it's clearly not afraid to reference (or not reference) a bunch of bands, but it very much feels and sounds like its own thing, which in an independent rock music environment that feels more homogenous than ever, it's already saying a lot. Highlights: "Instrumental", "Athens, France", "Sunglasses", "Track X" RIYL: black midi, Slint, This Heat, Laughing Stock-era Talk Talk BUY #23. Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra Promises Genre: Third Stream, Modern Classical Ambient, Progressive Electronic, Spiritual Jazz, Post-Minimalism Label: Luaka Bop || Country: UK/USA Jazz has, unfortunately, been a huge blind spot of mine, only having been able to scratch the surface of such a hugely important genre. But I have always been somewhat familiar with the work of saxophonist and spiritual jazz pioneer Pharoah Sanders, being a big fan of his record Karma. So when I heard about his collaboration with electronic musician Floating Points and The London Symphony Orchestra I was quite excited for it. Yet, I don't think there was anything that could have prepared me for what Promises was. All the arrangements hit perfectly, the record as a whole, how it was meant to be listened to, feels like a comfortable blanket that covers you from head to toe and as it progresses you see different colors unraveling as you elevate towards true bliss. Somewhat close to ambient, with one foot in classical music, but certainly identifiable as jazz. While he's got an impressive discography in and of itself, if you desire a proper introduction to Pharoah Sanders' work, you really couldn't ask for a better one. Highlights: the entire album is meant to be enjoyed as one track RIYL: The Necks, LAM, Charles Mingus, Paddy McAloon's I Trawl the Megahertz BUY #22. Rochelle Jordan Play With the Changes Genre: Alternative R&B, UK Bass Deep House, 2-Step, Dance-Pop Label: Young Art || Country: UK/Canada Rochelle Jordan came from the same scene in R&B in Toronto as The Weeknd, PARTYNEXTDOOR and others did, with a similar airy, experimental, "alternative" approach to the genre as those artists had. However, she was unable to release music and take advantage of the breakthrough this scene in part due to health issues, but most importantly, having signed a tight contract that didn't allow her to. However, Play With the Changes, her third album, is her getting back on form, reclaiming the place in the music industry she deserves. Released by TOKiMONSTA's Young Art imprint and mostly produced by Machinedrum, with additional contributions from people like KLSH and Jimmy Edgar, is R&B at its core, but with club music in its DNA. With production inspired by UK garage, house, drum and bass, footwork and more subgenres, she bends the conventions of each style to her will, with songwriting and singing strong enough to back that up. Many years have gone by since Rochelle's debut, but Play With the Changes shows she's only starting. Highlights: "Love You Good", "Got Em", "Next 2 You", "Already", "Nothing Left", "Lay", "Dancing Elephants", "Situation" RIYL: Kelela, NAO, Gaelle, Azealia Banks BUY #21. Ouri Frame of a Fauna Genre: Art Pop, Alternative R&B, Electronic IDM, UK Bass, Ambient Pop, Electroacoustic, Modern Classical, Downtempo Label: Born Twice || Country: French Guiana/Canada Ourielle Auvé a.k.a. Ouri is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist based in Montreal whose music was always on the more lowkey end of club music. Her EPs like We Share Our Blood and Superficial were influenced by downtempo, trip hop, dubstep and ambient house but still felt pop in sound and aesthetic. After collaborating with Helena Deland on a project called Hildegard, Ouri released her own debut full-length, Frame of a Fauna. Frame of a Fauna does take influences from the same places as her EPs, but also opens up her sonic palette a lot more. You hear songs that sound like R&B in slow motion, songs that take advantage of her background in classical music, field recordings, songs that sample Aphex Twin's acid techno tracks, and many more surprises. All these different sonic experiences fitting into one cohesive work inspired by loneliness, grief, family and community, Frame of a Fauna is one of the best debuts of the year. Highlights: "Ossature", "The More I Feel", "High And Choking, Part 1", "Fear of Being Watched", "Wrong Breed", "Chains", "Shape of It", "Too Fast No Pain" (feat. mobilegirl), "Grip" RIYL: Kelsey Lu, Oklou, Kelela, Loraine James
Sunderland 4ever Posted December 28, 2021 Posted December 28, 2021 I thoroughly enjoyed Promises. Great music for studying. Afrique Victime and Shade.
TRF. Posted December 28, 2021 Author Posted December 28, 2021 #30. Koreless "Joy Squad" from Agor (IDM/2-step/uk bass) A glitchy nightmare with an extremely catchy melody. #29. Shygirl feat. Slowthai "BDE" (experimental hip hop/uk bass) Shygirl rules in every context possible, and this track is no exception. Her and Slowthai are a great combo too, his verse is Nasty. #28. Yves Tumor "Jackie" from The Asymptotical World (neo-psych/alt rock) Possibly the most pop song Yves Tumor has ever done, yet it works so well! #27. City Girls "Twerkulator" (pop rap/miami bass) No cause like why wasn't this the most viral hit of the year... TikTok you had one job! #26. Tirzah "Send Me" from Colourgrade (art pop/bedroom pop) Played this like 10 times in a row the first time I heard it. No matter how many times I hear it, the outro will always leave me with my mouth open. #25. Isabella Lovestory "Tranki" (electropop/pop rap) The best song of all the ones she released this year. The beat switches are insane, she pulls that off so well. #24. Agnes "24 Hours" from Magic Still Exists (dance-pop/hi-nrg) Honestly after 2020 I'm kinda done with White Girl Disco, but like... this is kinda the biggest homage I've ever heard to I Feel Love. Love that. #23. Kero Kero Bonito "The Princess and the Clock" from Civilisation II (electropop/synthpop) When the break comes at 0:35... true bliss. It gives me Bonito Generation the most. One of their best singles really. #22. Low "Days Like These" from HEY WHAT (art pop/ambient pop) Hearing the second verse left me absolutely shocked, that they would go there sonically. And the outro too???? This track is truly an experience. #21. Tokischa & Rosalía "Linda" (dembow) What our society needed the most: an anthem about kissing your homies in the mouth.
SLIME Posted December 28, 2021 Posted December 28, 2021 Just listened to Foreign Exchange thank u for the rec. Mdou I still have to get to but the title track is so awesome. Lots to love in this set e.g. Loraine, Rochelle, Promises. It's Shygirl's world and we're just here tbh. That's my fav from this song set although I'll say I hope this isn't the last appearance by KKB
Remmy Posted December 28, 2021 Posted December 28, 2021 Don't know anything in these Well from the singles set I've peeked at #24+23 before. KKB's current sound doesn't really appeal to me, so far I've only enjoyed Bonito Generation. Agnes has been chilling on my list of artists to check out for a few months now.
TheWayWeWere Posted December 28, 2021 Posted December 28, 2021 24 Hours BANGS hard I kinda need to hear Rochelle Jordan album now! I remember listening to her one-off singles few years ago
popstar Posted December 29, 2021 Posted December 29, 2021 Paco Amoroso Haven't listened to the Agnes album but is saved on my Spotify so I'll eventually listen
Sunderland 4ever Posted December 29, 2021 Posted December 29, 2021 23 hours ago, TRF. said: Kero Kero Bonito "The Princess and the Clock" The Bonito Generation vibes As much as I try to get into Low's music, I simply can't. Only one I liked from them was Try To Sleep from 2011.
K$Ellie Posted December 29, 2021 Posted December 29, 2021 didn't love the Shygirl song as much as her EP from last year the Kero, Yves and City Girls songs are bops Rochelle's album was great IICHLIWP making people switch on Halsey ahhhhh stunning album wish I hadn't passed on the Yola album cause I keep seeing it on people's lists now Haunted making the top 100
ARTPØP Posted December 29, 2021 Posted December 29, 2021 haven't heard of most of these titles, definitely have to check some out!
MP2K Posted December 30, 2021 Posted December 30, 2021 Send Me, Jackie, and 24 Hours is good but never gave it its full potential of spins
TRF. Posted December 30, 2021 Author Posted December 30, 2021 On 12/28/2021 at 3:30 AM, SLIME said: Just listened to Foreign Exchange thank u for the rec. Mdou I still have to get to but the title track is so awesome. Lots to love in this set e.g. Loraine, Rochelle, Promises. It's Shygirl's world and we're just here tbh. That's my fav from this song set although I'll say I hope this isn't the last appearance by KKB It is but they ate and I'm rooting forward for what they're doing next On 12/28/2021 at 2:54 PM, Remmy said: Don't know anything in these Well from the singles set I've peeked at #24+23 before. KKB's current sound doesn't really appeal to me, so far I've only enjoyed Bonito Generation. Agnes has been chilling on my list of artists to check out for a few months now. I think you'll love her! At least 24 Hours you'll love On 12/28/2021 at 3:42 PM, TheWayWeWere said: 24 Hours BANGS hard I kinda need to hear Rochelle Jordan album now! I remember listening to her one-off singles few years ago You'll dig Rochelle's music definitely! 18 hours ago, K$Ellie said: didn't love the Shygirl song as much as her EP from last year the Kero, Yves and City Girls songs are bops Rochelle's album was great IICHLIWP making people switch on Halsey ahhhhh stunning album wish I hadn't passed on the Yola album cause I keep seeing it on people's lists now Haunted making the top 100 Honestly the Yola album is a grower! Starlight was a great song for me but it took me a bit to dig into the rest of the album. It was worth it though!
TRF. Posted December 30, 2021 Author Posted December 30, 2021 BUY #20. black midi Cavalcade Genre: Avant-Prog Jazz-Rock, Brutal Prog, Math Rock, Art Rock, Noise Rock, Post-Rock Label: Rough Trade || Country: UK The debut of British band black midi felt like an avalanche over rock music and independent media. Their debut album, Schlagenheim, released in 2019, was rightfully one of the most acclaimed releases of that year, their combination of post-punk and dense artsy noise rock and their unbelievable talent made them stand out against many of their contemporaries. So, what did they decide to follow up their extremely acclaimed album with? Prog rock. No seriously. And it rules! Cavalcade does feel like a natural evolution for them, as the progressive elements were always in their music, only focusing… a lot more on it. It might seem like an excuse to show off their musicianship – and they do a lot of that, but it also shows a different side to the band, showing a lot more sophistication, a mature, almost jazzy approach to songwriting and song-crafting. But also knowing when to go loud as fuck and completely batshit insane when necessary, it’s far from any rock album you’ll hear this year for sure. Highlights: “John L”, “Chrondomalacia Pallacia”, “Slow”, “Dethroned”, “Hogwash and Balderdash”, “Ascending Forth” RIYL: Henry Cow, Frank Zappa, Battles, Public Image Ltd. BUY #19. Tirzah Colourgrade Genre: Art Pop, Minimal Wave Alternative R&B, Downtempo, Hypnagogic Pop, Experimental, Dubstep Label: Domino || Country: UK Tirzah’s 2018 debut album Devotion felt like the warm hug of an old friend, a truly comforting album that she worked on with her best friend Mica Levi, with songs dating back to their teenage years. In between the making of that album and its follow-up, she moved in with her partner, producer Kwake Bass to a flat and had two children. Colourgrade, her second album for which she brought not only Mica but also singer and producer Coby Sey in production, does address that. However, while it does address maternity and family, it is quite far from the comforting feelings her debut invoked, instead opting for something more abstract, with “pop” songs that go in directions you would never expect and long experimental pieces that make the entire experience a lot more unsettling than anything else. And yet, it does feel complementary to Devotion in some form or another, whether because of its approach to production or the way it still feels like she’s singing/speaking to you personally even at its oddest. It might not be an easy album to make sense of but it is one that succeeds in expanding the palette of a uniquely charming voice in music. Highlights: “Colourgrade”, “Tectonic”, “Recipe”, “Beating”, “Send Me”, “Sink In”, “Hips” RIYL: Arthur Russell, Hype Williams/Dean Blunt, Tricky, Mica Levi STREAM #18. DUDA BEAT Te amo lá fora Genre: Alt-Pop, Alternative R&B Brega, Dance-Pop, Dub, Tecnobrega, Sophisti-Pop, Piseiro Label: self-released || Country: Brazil Brazilian singer/songwriter Eduarda Bittencourt Simões had her breakout 2-3 years ago with the release of her debut album, the poppy Sinto muito, and a remix of her single Bixinho. After releasing a series of singles in the following years with varying degrees of success and quality, she eventually released a follow-up. Te amo lá fora continues to combine pop and R&B music with local styles in spirit of her debut album, but takes everything up a few notches. Exploring love in all its ways, heartbreak, disappointment, hope and even marriage, the recifense takes genres associated with the North-East of Brazil, like forró, piseiro, coco or xote, giving them some electronic polishing and placing in them in a more traditionally “modern”, pop-friendly context, with a very diverse tracklist. It’s a pop album with a very unique flavor and approach, with a lot of replay value, one of the most brilliant examples the genre had to offer all year. Highlights: “Tu e eu”, “Meu piseiro”, “Mais ninguém”, “Nem um pouquinho” (feat. Trevo), “Decisão de te amar”, “Meu coração”, “Tocar você” RIYL: Rosalía, Pabllo Vittar, Kali Uchis, MC Tha BUY #17. Klein Harmattan Genre: Ambient, Experimental Modern Creative, Glitch, Post-Minimalism, Drone, Dark Ambient Label: PentaTone || Country: UK Over the years, British producer Klein has moved away from the glitchy sample-based, pop and R&B-inspired work she did with her first few releases. This evolution felt very present to me with her album Lifetime, from 2019, which kept a darker, more lowkey atmosphere while maintaining the unpredictability that characterizes her music, and proved to me to be a huge grower, the kind of record you find something about the more you hear it. Harmattan, named after the dry summer season in West Africa and released on classical music imprint PentaTone, is indeed classical music… but also not. It can be ambient music, drone, noise, grime, jazz and much, much more. It might expand the space away from her earlier work, but still feels like something only Klein would be capable of doing. Hypnotic, frightening, alluring, cohesive but not merely put together by a concept and nothing else, it truly sounds like the work she was destined to make from the beginning. Highlights: “ROC” (feat. Brandon Woody), “Trapping in C Major”, “The Haunting of Grace”, “Made for Ibadan”, “Skyfall” (feat. Charlotte Church & Jawnino), “Ray”, “Hope Dealers” RIYL: Tim Hecker, Matana Roberts, Kali Malone, Anthony Braxton BUY #16. Rắn Cạp Đuôi Ngủ ngày ngay ngày tận thế Genre: Epic Collage Glitch, Deconstructed Club, Progressive Electronic Label: Subtext || Country: Vietnam Vietnamese collective Rắn Cạp Đuôi have been active several years with a very unique take on experimental music and post-rock. But their most recent full-length Ngủ ngày ngay ngày tận thế, Vietnamese for "sleeping through the apocalypse", goes for something else entirely. With additional production from Berlin-based producer Ziúr and alternative pop singer Vũ Thanh Vân, they opt for a way glitchier, more electronic sound and an aesthetic closer to that of avant-garde club music than anything else. In contrast with many albums that are perhaps adjacent to the (perhaps vague) concept of "deconstructed club" in the past few years, Ngủ ngày ngay ngày tận thế feels like it's touching on some truly new ground. Tracks like "Infinite" and "Aztec Glue" truly feel like they are refragmenting your brain and doing whatever they want with it, yet feel extremely addictive, not lacking any replay value. In less than half an hour, this record packs so many sounds it can feel overwhelming even in such a relatively short length, but it adds to how exciting of a listening experience it is. Highlights: "Images", "Mực nang", "Infinite", "Aztec Glue", "Denial and Caves", "Đme giựt mồng" RIYL: Elysia Crampton, TCF, Ziúr, Yikii BUY #15. Nala Sinephro Space 1.8 Genre: Nu Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz Ambient, Progressive Electronic, Spiritual Jazz, ECM Style Jazz Label: Warp || Country: Belgium Caribbean-Belgian composer, producer and harpist Nala Sinephro moved to London and began collaborating with many people in the local jazz scene, such as Nubya García or jazz outfit Sons of Kemet. Out of these sessions, in the years 2018 and 2019, her debut album Space 1.8, released via Warp, was born. Recorded with some of the musicians she collaborated with, without a set ensemble, Nala’s album combines the electronic soundscapes you might expect by something released on that label with grandiose-sounding saxophones, harps and more that elevate the atmosphere she sets into true greatness. Inspired by the landscapes and sounds of the Belgian fauna and the tropical forests of Martinique as well as the space-based themes that have inspired jazz music for decades, Space 1.8 is a record that feels indebted to the classics without a doubt, yet feels particularly set in the present day. Highlights: “Space 1”, “Space 3”, “Space 4”, “Space 6”, “Space 8” RIYL: Nubya García, Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders, Harold Budd, Alice Coltrane BUY #14. Low HEY WHAT Genre: Post-Industrial, Ambient Pop, Experimental Rock Noise, Glitch Pop, Electroacoustic, Drone, Ambient, Industrial Rock Label: Sub Pop || Country: USA In 2018, Low released Double Negative, a record that would re-define what we know of the band. Far from the dreamy “slowcore” of their records up until that point, it was a record marked by bursts of noise, extended ambient sections, heavily distorted vocal effects and audio glitches, but also containing the emotion and desperation that gave Low’s music an identity of its own. On HEY WHAT, its follow-up, they push that even further. Accompanied by BJ Burton, who produced their last two albums as well, they push this album into more sonically radical places, integrating their wonderful, gospel-like vocal harmonies with the most muffled, abrasive music they’ve ever done, contrasting the graceful with the unpleasant in an unconventional way for them. It’s impressive for a band this far into their career to make an album as good as this, for them to do it while still finding ways to be innovative not only in their field but in general makes it the more admirable. Highlights: “White Horses”, “I Can Wait”, “Hey”, “Days Like These”, “Don’t Walk Away”, “More”, “The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off)” RIYL: ‘Double Negative’, Fennesz, Nine Inch Nails, Bon Iver’s ’22, a Million’ BUY #13. Squid Bright Green Field Genre: Art Punk, Post-Punk, Experimental Rock Dance-Punk, Krautrock, Post-Rock Label: Warp || Country: UK Producer Dan Carey's Speedy Wunderground label was the one to help breakthrough some of the most interesting British bands of the past few years. Amongst them were black midi and Black Country, New Road – both of which have had their place here in this list – but there was also Brighton band Squid, who in their second EP Town Centre, develop a unique midpoint between dance-punk and post-rock. For their first full-length album they signed with Warp, and continued to work with Carey this past year during quarantine. The result is Bright Green Field, which will definitely go down as one of the most interesting rock records of the year. While maintaining the post-punk that distinguishes them, they also branch out into lots of new sounds – funky guitars, psychedelic elements here and there, lots of electronics, a few drone sections, etc. Each different song throws a surprise at you, and it’s never not a fun one. It’s a brilliant debut statement from one of the most promising bands in rock in the past few years. Highlights: “G.S.K.”, “Narrator” (feat. Martha Skye Murphy), “Boy Racers”, “Paddling”, “Documentary Filmmaker”, “2010”, “Peel St.”, “Pamphlets” RIYL: Talking Heads, This Heat, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Death from Above 1979 BUY #12. Lost Girls Menneskekollektivet Genre: Art Pop, Electronic Spoken Word, Progressive Electronic, Tech House, Neo-Psychedelia, Minimal Synth Label: Smalltown Supersound || Country: Norway From album to album, musician and writer Jenny Hval presents wildly different sounds, from ethereal folk to heavy rock to drone to trance-inspired synthpop. But in some of kind of way it's forgivable not to assume that since all of her music feels distinctively hers, that no matter what style she's trying out she still carries her music's essential characteristics. Her project Lost Girls, with producer Håvard Volden, is not an exception. While their first release under this name was more experimental, Lost Girls' debut full-length 'Menneskekollektivet' (Norwegian for "human collective"), feels more influenced by techno, house and club music (while all in a very abstract way still), accompanied by Jenny's singing and spoken word that seems to deal with life in a world post-COVID 19/post-lockdown and all its uncertainties, the mundane and how it affects us, particularly on the highlight "Carried by Invisible Bodies". And yes, at this point it feels very cliché, but everything comes together thanks to Jenny Hval's unbeatable talent at storytelling, which she flexes at any moment she gets. Highlights: "Menneskekollektivet", "Losing Something", "Carried by Invisible Bodies", "Love, Lovers" RIYL: Jenny Hval's solo works, Kelly Lee Owens, Laurie Anderson, Lindstrøm BUY #11. Lingua Ignota SINNER GET READY Genre: Neoclassical Darkwave, Avant-Folk Chamber Music, Christian Liturgical Music, Applachian Folk Music, Drone, Neofolk Label: Sargent House || Country: USA Lingua Ignota began as a project as a way to channel her fury, rage, angst and sadness, reflecting on the misogyny and gender violence present in different genres of extreme music like noise, black metal, power electronics, industrial and more – combining those intense genres with her unreal, operatic voice and influences from modern classical music. After the increased acclaim of projects like Caligula and All Bitches Die, she followed those albums with the third of what’s an apparent trilogy – SINNER GET READY. By comparison, this record is a lot less focused on noise music than its predecessors, instead taking a lot of inspiration from Appalachian folk and church music. Make no mistake though, it’s just as intense as any other record she’s ever released. Written and recorded while going through an abusive relationship, it deals with seeking refuge in Christian iconography and history as a shield from pain, and whether or not there’s anything on the other side of it. It’s not easy listen by any means, but just one listen is enough for it to leave a mark. Highlights: “The Order of Spiritual Virgins”, “I Who Bend the Tall Grasses”, “Many Hands”, “Pennsylvania Furnace”, “Repent Now, Confess Now”, “The Sacred Linament of Judgment”, “The Solitary Brethren of Ephrata” RIYL: Diamanda Galás, Chelsea Wolfe, Anna von Hausswolff, late period Scott Walker
TRF. Posted December 30, 2021 Author Posted December 30, 2021 #20. Erika de Casier "Busy" from Sensational (r&b/2-step/dance-pop) This UK garage revival we're going through makes me so happy this song is obviously one of the highlights of it. Fun fact: the day this song dropped I heard back from one of the jobs I applied for, and I'm employed there as of today! A true girlbossing anthem. #19. Arca "Electra Rex" from KicK iii (experimental hip hop/deconstructed club) Have been waiting for this song to drop ever since she teased it like... 2 years ago now? It's the insanity of Stretch 2 turned up to 11, with the production chops Ale has acquired since then. It's a truly crazy banger. #18. PinkPantheress "Just for Me" from to hell with it (2-step) Well since we were talking about UK garage revival it only makes sense for this song to be here right? Produced by Mura Masa, it's a truly heartwarming 2-step song, very Y2K-ish. It was tough choosing which PinkPantheress song would go but this one is just perfect enough for me. #17. Squid feat. Martha Skye Murphy "Narrator" from Bright Green Field (post-punk) The song is constantly groovy and fun with interesting lyrical motifs throughout, but what keeps me listening till the end everytime despite it being eight minutes and a half long is the great climax around the 6:40 mark. If you get it you get it if you don't you don't. #16. Taichu "Free Dolly" (hyperpop) It feels like a long time coming for "hyperpop" (whatever that means now) to get a global status, and to me this song feels like its big arrival in Argentina. And it actually works well! Despite it only being a minute and a half long it packs so much in terms of sound it's crazy. #15. Tinashe "Bouncin" from 333 (r&b/cloud rap) You're not gonna get the song the first time you hear it. After the second and third time it's like... woah what is this. Her voice sounds so great over this fantastic beat. Also feels like proof she'd work well with like, Whitearmor or Gud or some Yung Lean/Ecco2k-associated producer. #14. Injury Reserve "Knees" from By the Time I Get to Phoenix (experimental hip hop/experimental rock) This is the first song Injury Reserve released after the death of member Stepa J Groggs. And I can't imagine a better song for them to return with. Prominently sampling a black midi track, it's a heartbreaking reflection on the past, the present and the future. It's indeed a tough pill to swallow. #13. Klein "Hope Dealers" from Harmattan (ambient/drone/new age) One of the most gorgeous songs released this year, it's truly ambient (or ambient-adjacent) music at its best. Apparently Klein was inspired by grime music while making this track and I do hear it in fact! #12. Duda Beat "Meu Pisêro" from Te amo lá fora (piseiro/tecnobrega/dance-pop) This song was love at first listen to me. I love the combination of traditional music with more electronic pop elements, and this song does this perfectly. And that's not even getting into the extremely relatable lyrics! If you understand Portuguese that is. #11. Lana Del Rey "White Dress" from Chemtrails Over the Country Club (art pop) I have been waiting for something to dethrone "Cruel World" as my favorite Lana Del Rey opening track. This might be very, very close for me. So many uniquely Lana moments here, the "down-in-the-men-in-music-business conferenceee", the slow build-up, the outro... absolutely gorgeous.
TheWayWeWere Posted December 30, 2021 Posted December 30, 2021 Bouncin slaying once again White Dress snubbed from top 10
TRF. Posted December 31, 2021 Author Posted December 31, 2021 10 hours ago, TheWayWeWere said: Bouncin slaying once again White Dress snubbed from top 10 White Dress is so excellent though! Final update coming tomorrow in the afternoon hopefully!
Lazuli Posted December 31, 2021 Posted December 31, 2021 electra rex, bouncin, white dress, just for me can't wait to see the top 10!
World Eater Posted January 1, 2022 Posted January 1, 2022 I'll come back with a lengthier response (I hope) but I see there is a lot to dig into as expected ?
TRF. Posted January 2, 2022 Author Posted January 2, 2022 4 hours ago, World Eater said: I'll come back with a lengthier response (I hope) but I see there is a lot to dig into as expected ? thank you
Sunderland 4ever Posted January 2, 2022 Posted January 2, 2022 So many pleasant surprises. I thought I was the only one who had enjoyed DUDA BEAT's album here. Glad to know I was proved wrong. Bright Green Field Off the songs, my favorite is Just for Me. Happy 2022!
TRF. Posted January 2, 2022 Author Posted January 2, 2022 13 minutes ago, Sunderland 4ever said: So many pleasant surprises. I thought I was the only one who had enjoyed DUDA BEAT's album here. Glad to know I was proved wrong. Bright Green Field Off the songs, my favorite is Just for Me. Happy 2022! YES!!! The Duda Beat album is full of bops Feliz 2022!!!
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