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Though I expected greater of 2021 - on account of all the free time artists were given courtesy of the quarantine in 2020 - to say it disappointing would be a lie. After all, nothing in recent years has been more exciting than watching U.K.'s Art Punk scene grow, as the three-headed beast of black midi, Black Country New Road, and Squid all released incredible debuts within a four-month window. Fearless and exceptionally-talented, their prowess headlined the year. Though stewing in a niche community was a cult, bound by a love for 90's melodrama, aspirational romance, and Dance music that ascends to the heavens. It was spurred by the faceless DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ, a transformative artist who took my breath away with each intrepid exodus. She mustered optimism in the face of overwhelming dread. Represented those Life Is Good t-shirts better than the t-shirts themselves. These two halves - the palpitating anxieties of the Windmill collective, and the calming resurgence of an impassioned DJ - helped put 2021 into context.
All before Lil Ugly Mane tore it apart. Both he, with the near-perfect Volcanic Bird Enemy, and other established artists grew in satisfying ways. There was Japanese Breakfast flexing her versatility in Pop. Lingua Ignota descending further into the reaches of Hell. Little Simz embracing Hip-Hop as a means to overcome. No matter where you looked, in music circles both large and small, artful progression could be found. In a way, it's a testament to human resilience. That a worldwide quarantine needn't be the central topic for musicians, for overcoming the odds was the expected outcome. Art could still prosper even when our chips are down. And boy has it ever.
Playlists For All 100 Songs: Apple Music | Spotify
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Aaron & Lucy - Demands Of Ordinary Devotion
Aaron & Lucy | Listen
I struggle to believe 'Demands Of Ordinary Devotion' came from this dimension. Really, anything Aaron Dilloway and Lucrecia Dalt mustered on their collaborative epic. Here, a disjointed loop eviscerates Dalt's alien vocals that beg for release, weeping with every fractured curtail. Hypnotic, sure. But also affectional, in its ability to grip listeners with something otherworldly, yet internal.
I struggle to believe 'Demands Of Ordinary Devotion' came from this dimension. Really, anything Aaron Dilloway and Lucrecia Dalt mustered on their collaborative epic. Here, a disjointed loop eviscerates Dalt's alien vocals that beg for release, weeping with every fractured curtail. Hypnotic, sure. But also affectional, in its ability to grip listeners with something otherworldly, yet internal.
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Isaiah Rashad - HB2U
House Is Burning | Listen
Though its become routine for radio-oriented Southern Hip-Hop records to suddenly switch face come album's end, Isaiah Rashad's 'HB2U' still managed to make a prominent mark. This, due to Rashad's crisp reflection and smooth Soul samples. But let's be real, it was that final coda. The woozy, Cloud Rap swan song sticks, especially when Rashad's reflection culminates in the line "you are now a human being."
Though its become routine for radio-oriented Southern Hip-Hop records to suddenly switch face come album's end, Isaiah Rashad's 'HB2U' still managed to make a prominent mark. This, due to Rashad's crisp reflection and smooth Soul samples. But let's be real, it was that final coda. The woozy, Cloud Rap swan song sticks, especially when Rashad's reflection culminates in the line "you are now a human being."
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Kanye West - Jail
Donda | Listen
After a few miserable releases that spewed apathy, 'Jail' set the tone for Donda right. It was anthemic, pronounced, properly mixed, and gave off the same superstar bravado of 808's & Heartbreaks, while providing an austere, club-oriented grayness that felt more applicable to Yeezus. The naturally-memorable hook only helped 'Jail' cement itself as Kanye's reawakening.
After a few miserable releases that spewed apathy, 'Jail' set the tone for Donda right. It was anthemic, pronounced, properly mixed, and gave off the same superstar bravado of 808's & Heartbreaks, while providing an austere, club-oriented grayness that felt more applicable to Yeezus. The naturally-memorable hook only helped 'Jail' cement itself as Kanye's reawakening.
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Urban Village - Marabi
Udondolo | Listen
There's a certain levity that pervades much of African music. That, in spite of the adverse odds dealt to them, hope and perseverance dominates the art. 'Marabi' exhibits that with crystal clarity, dancing around a full brass band. Best yet, Urban Village's reclaiming of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' helps to de-appropriate a song that once (and still does) mock their culture extensively.
There's a certain levity that pervades much of African music. That, in spite of the adverse odds dealt to them, hope and perseverance dominates the art. 'Marabi' exhibits that with crystal clarity, dancing around a full brass band. Best yet, Urban Village's reclaiming of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' helps to de-appropriate a song that once (and still does) mock their culture extensively.
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DJ Seinfeld - Tell Me One More Time
Mirrors | Listen
Like DJ Seinfeld's masterpiece 'U,' 'Tell Me One More Time' weaves through a night devoured by nostalgic sensuality. Intricate layers of percussion patter off austere walls, as starlit synthesizers cascade down from the ceiling. All the while, a seductive voice pleads through the void, begging for connections and a touch that's become all-too rare nowadays.
Like DJ Seinfeld's masterpiece 'U,' 'Tell Me One More Time' weaves through a night devoured by nostalgic sensuality. Intricate layers of percussion patter off austere walls, as starlit synthesizers cascade down from the ceiling. All the while, a seductive voice pleads through the void, begging for connections and a touch that's become all-too rare nowadays.
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underscores - Second hand embarrassment
fishmonger | Listen
As far as I can tell, underscores' in-tune with a youth I'm most certainly not. However, rather than amping up a character or profiting off extremes, tracks like 'Second hand embarrassment' flaunt a sleek, nonchalance that controls the chipmunk vocals and glitchy malfunctions, rather than the other way around. An Alternative Metal burst, similar to 100 gecs or Poppy, gets thrown in for good measure.
As far as I can tell, underscores' in-tune with a youth I'm most certainly not. However, rather than amping up a character or profiting off extremes, tracks like 'Second hand embarrassment' flaunt a sleek, nonchalance that controls the chipmunk vocals and glitchy malfunctions, rather than the other way around. An Alternative Metal burst, similar to 100 gecs or Poppy, gets thrown in for good measure.
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St. Vincent - Somebody Like Me
Daddy's Home | Listen
St. Vincent won back my fleeting lassitude by, surprisingly, focusing less on art and more on skill. Her beckoning vocals lent themselves to Blue-Eyed Soul, best seen on 'Somebody Like Me,' with her consequential depth and stirring richness. The rolling percussion and acoustic subtleties gave 'Somebody Like Me' the budding Spring feel she so craved.
St. Vincent won back my fleeting lassitude by, surprisingly, focusing less on art and more on skill. Her beckoning vocals lent themselves to Blue-Eyed Soul, best seen on 'Somebody Like Me,' with her consequential depth and stirring richness. The rolling percussion and acoustic subtleties gave 'Somebody Like Me' the budding Spring feel she so craved.
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shame - Station Wagon
Drunk Tank Pink | Listen
Though overshadowed by the other, more prodigal British revival acts, shame's finality in the form of 'Station Wagon' found a groove both singular and familiar. Charlie Steen's lean nonchalance, balanced against an increasingly-anxious world, built upon itself like scaffolding perpetually on-edge. Despite the encroachment, Steen remained himself; cool, calm, and only marginally collected.
Though overshadowed by the other, more prodigal British revival acts, shame's finality in the form of 'Station Wagon' found a groove both singular and familiar. Charlie Steen's lean nonchalance, balanced against an increasingly-anxious world, built upon itself like scaffolding perpetually on-edge. Despite the encroachment, Steen remained himself; cool, calm, and only marginally collected.
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black midi - Diamond Stuff
Cavalcade | Listen
Concession needs to be made: If not for the impassive first half, 'Diamond Stuff' would rival 'Slow' as Cavalcade's best. Though, understandably, that anxious prodding courtesy of Cameron Picton is what gave the sensational second half its grace. One swirling around psychedelic phantasm, caught in a kaleidoscope of majestic, beaming, diamond brilliance.
Concession needs to be made: If not for the impassive first half, 'Diamond Stuff' would rival 'Slow' as Cavalcade's best. Though, understandably, that anxious prodding courtesy of Cameron Picton is what gave the sensational second half its grace. One swirling around psychedelic phantasm, caught in a kaleidoscope of majestic, beaming, diamond brilliance.
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Poppy - Her
Flux | Listen
You know, when 'Her' came out as a single I dismissed it as an unambiguous throwaway. Boy was I wrong. Flux changed that, both through the lyrical lens 'Her' presents, and the repetition such a song desires. This Sleater-Kinney impersonation rips, with a raucous hook that never relents or runs stale. Even Poppy's tossed Screamo matches the intensity, without deterring through its typical gimmick.
You know, when 'Her' came out as a single I dismissed it as an unambiguous throwaway. Boy was I wrong. Flux changed that, both through the lyrical lens 'Her' presents, and the repetition such a song desires. This Sleater-Kinney impersonation rips, with a raucous hook that never relents or runs stale. Even Poppy's tossed Screamo matches the intensity, without deterring through its typical gimmick.
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Little Simz - Fear No Man
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert | Listen
Much of Sometimes languished in the serious. Hopeful yet realistic, Little Simz's style matches the Conscious Hip-Hop at the turn of the century. However, her charismatic flair defies those lyric-driven diatribes, and nowhere was that more evident than 'Fear No Man.' Even the cinematic glamour fell to the wayside, as Simz consumes herself with African rituals, complete with tribal drums, humid air, and a giddy children's choir.
Much of Sometimes languished in the serious. Hopeful yet realistic, Little Simz's style matches the Conscious Hip-Hop at the turn of the century. However, her charismatic flair defies those lyric-driven diatribes, and nowhere was that more evident than 'Fear No Man.' Even the cinematic glamour fell to the wayside, as Simz consumes herself with African rituals, complete with tribal drums, humid air, and a giddy children's choir.
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Bo Burnham - 30
Inside | Listen
In t-minus seven months I'll be turning 30. It seems as though, for every aging millennial, Bo Burnham's '30' instills dread. Through humor, of course. His characteristic "nooooo" awkwardly balances childlike want with adult reality, as do the whiny detours ("God damn it!" / "Oh fuck"). It's Burnham at his best, combining laugh-out-loud punch lines with depressing realizations. On '30,' the dated Synthpop is just icing on the cake.
In t-minus seven months I'll be turning 30. It seems as though, for every aging millennial, Bo Burnham's '30' instills dread. Through humor, of course. His characteristic "nooooo" awkwardly balances childlike want with adult reality, as do the whiny detours ("God damn it!" / "Oh fuck"). It's Burnham at his best, combining laugh-out-loud punch lines with depressing realizations. On '30,' the dated Synthpop is just icing on the cake.
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Japanese Breakfast - Paprika
Jubilee | Listen
There's an ingrained magic to 'Paprika,' one that's almost impossible to comprehend. Much like a Studio Ghibli film, whimsical flourish catapults Japanese Breakfast into another stratosphere. And she wasted no time in doing so, welcoming a complete orchestra from the get-go. No restrained climax, no perpetual build. We are here, in this world of pure, concentrated bliss.
There's an ingrained magic to 'Paprika,' one that's almost impossible to comprehend. Much like a Studio Ghibli film, whimsical flourish catapults Japanese Breakfast into another stratosphere. And she wasted no time in doing so, welcoming a complete orchestra from the get-go. No restrained climax, no perpetual build. We are here, in this world of pure, concentrated bliss.
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Iosonouncane - prison
IRA | Listen
Iosonouncane's music is, naturally, overwhelming. Dread permeates all corners, elongated to torturous levels. With its nine minutes, 'prison' does as well a job as any exposing such languished brutality. Rattling chains, slave hymns under duress, and a psychotic break mark the movements of 'prison,' resulting in a riot complete with blaring, authoritative megaphone.
Iosonouncane's music is, naturally, overwhelming. Dread permeates all corners, elongated to torturous levels. With its nine minutes, 'prison' does as well a job as any exposing such languished brutality. Rattling chains, slave hymns under duress, and a psychotic break mark the movements of 'prison,' resulting in a riot complete with blaring, authoritative megaphone.
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Dean Blunt - the rot
Black Metal 2 | Listen
Somehow, Dean Blunt's at this best when pulling away from the Avant-Garde with peeled spartanism. Take the exceptional '100' or 'the rot.' Each rely on empty acoustics parched from steady tears, the latter layering forlorn strings and steady, heart-pounding drums atop Blunt's lethargic ennui. As per usual, Joanne Robertson provides the romantic quarrel, like two lovers at odds, staring out rain-soaked windows.
Somehow, Dean Blunt's at this best when pulling away from the Avant-Garde with peeled spartanism. Take the exceptional '100' or 'the rot.' Each rely on empty acoustics parched from steady tears, the latter layering forlorn strings and steady, heart-pounding drums atop Blunt's lethargic ennui. As per usual, Joanne Robertson provides the romantic quarrel, like two lovers at odds, staring out rain-soaked windows.
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Tune-Yards - hold yourself.
Sketchy. | Listen
While the order and systematic patterns stray from Tune-Yards' idiosyncratic days of greatness, 'hold yourself.' achieves something Merrill Garbus has been aspiring to for years; stand defiant with a moving, inspirational anthem. The chorus is instantly-memorable, finding Garbus' heroic boom atop rejuvenated Neo-Soul. It never ends, relishing in the glory. All for the better.
While the order and systematic patterns stray from Tune-Yards' idiosyncratic days of greatness, 'hold yourself.' achieves something Merrill Garbus has been aspiring to for years; stand defiant with a moving, inspirational anthem. The chorus is instantly-memorable, finding Garbus' heroic boom atop rejuvenated Neo-Soul. It never ends, relishing in the glory. All for the better.
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Backxwash - 666 In Luxaxa
I Lie Here Buried | Listen
Backxwash's brand is entirely shaped by provocation. Hell boiling up to our earthly realm, no matter the origin. We see that, plain as day, on '666 In Luxaxa,' an absonant Industrial Hip-Hop binger that layers Backxwash's visceral lyrics on religion - compete with exorcisms, devils, and racists - atop a lovely Sangoma chant, which comes out strikingly clear and purified by song's end.
Backxwash's brand is entirely shaped by provocation. Hell boiling up to our earthly realm, no matter the origin. We see that, plain as day, on '666 In Luxaxa,' an absonant Industrial Hip-Hop binger that layers Backxwash's visceral lyrics on religion - compete with exorcisms, devils, and racists - atop a lovely Sangoma chant, which comes out strikingly clear and purified by song's end.
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Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Cliffs Gaze
G_d's Pee AT STATE'S END! | Listen
The multi-part 'Cliffs Gaze' embodies Godpseed's auspicious style with graceful accessibility. A looming build and collapsing crescendo. Despite the dread of humanity's apocalypse - something forever pertinent in the Post-Rock outfit's lineage - it's the hope that rumbles forward and satiates the soul. Set to the backdrop of war, what matters most is movement onward..
The multi-part 'Cliffs Gaze' embodies Godpseed's auspicious style with graceful accessibility. A looming build and collapsing crescendo. Despite the dread of humanity's apocalypse - something forever pertinent in the Post-Rock outfit's lineage - it's the hope that rumbles forward and satiates the soul. Set to the backdrop of war, what matters most is movement onward..
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black midi - John L
Cavalcade | Listen
Each of 'John L's' first few seconds was a rapid strike slap across the face. An alarm to an impending stampede. A raucous, unpredictable evolution to black midi's sound. Batshit Avant-Prog, derailed, destroyed, and rebuilt again. Geordie Greep's cult tragedy an apt complement to the shattering of minds, contorted and canonized. A story on the sanity's chiffon tether.
Each of 'John L's' first few seconds was a rapid strike slap across the face. An alarm to an impending stampede. A raucous, unpredictable evolution to black midi's sound. Batshit Avant-Prog, derailed, destroyed, and rebuilt again. Geordie Greep's cult tragedy an apt complement to the shattering of minds, contorted and canonized. A story on the sanity's chiffon tether.
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Feu! Chatterton - Un Monde Nouveau
Palais D'argile | Listen
Music is at its best when the emotion carried can transcend barriers. Despite not understanding French (though slowly learning in anticipation for a 2022 vacation!), Arthur Teboul makes clear his sentiment towards the future through uplifting prose. How? With Feu! Chatterton's production techniques, sour and strained in the verses, unbridled and gliding through 'Un Monde Nouveau's' glorious hook.
Music is at its best when the emotion carried can transcend barriers. Despite not understanding French (though slowly learning in anticipation for a 2022 vacation!), Arthur Teboul makes clear his sentiment towards the future through uplifting prose. How? With Feu! Chatterton's production techniques, sour and strained in the verses, unbridled and gliding through 'Un Monde Nouveau's' glorious hook.
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Dry Cleaning - More Big Birds
New Long Leg | Listen
'More Big Birds' starts out strong, only growing from there. "Brain replaced by something," Florence Shaw creaks over gritty, rolling percussion. Her monotone delivery begins contrasting beautifully with Dry Cleaning's multi-layered melodic build. A forced harmony, rare on New Long Leg, completes the ensemble. Like Suzanna Vega or Laurie Anderson, harmony can arise from Spoken Word.
'More Big Birds' starts out strong, only growing from there. "Brain replaced by something," Florence Shaw creaks over gritty, rolling percussion. Her monotone delivery begins contrasting beautifully with Dry Cleaning's multi-layered melodic build. A forced harmony, rare on New Long Leg, completes the ensemble. Like Suzanna Vega or Laurie Anderson, harmony can arise from Spoken Word.
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Go! Team - World Remember Me Now
Get Up Sequences | Listen
It's no surprise the air of levity and joy that permeates all of The Go! Team's music. Perhaps that's why 'World Remember Me Now' sticks. The production is giddy, modish, and blissfully psychedelic, but Ninja's amiable coos tell of a different story. One of fear and apprehension guiding a lost sense of identity. The combination is surprisingly redolent for The Go! Team, though, let's be honest; we came for the fun.
It's no surprise the air of levity and joy that permeates all of The Go! Team's music. Perhaps that's why 'World Remember Me Now' sticks. The production is giddy, modish, and blissfully psychedelic, but Ninja's amiable coos tell of a different story. One of fear and apprehension guiding a lost sense of identity. The combination is surprisingly redolent for The Go! Team, though, let's be honest; we came for the fun.
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The World Is A Beautiful Place - Infinite Josh
Illusory Walls | Listen
Looking back as if it were the end. 'Fewer Afraid's' final coda seemed to indicate that as such. But before that moment reached us, 'Infinite Josh' came first, a look back at vocalist Josh Cyr's childhood. Minuscule moments burned into the brain, recontextualized as life-altering decisions. 'Infinite Josh's' embarks on such a momentous journey.
Looking back as if it were the end. 'Fewer Afraid's' final coda seemed to indicate that as such. But before that moment reached us, 'Infinite Josh' came first, a look back at vocalist Josh Cyr's childhood. Minuscule moments burned into the brain, recontextualized as life-altering decisions. 'Infinite Josh's' embarks on such a momentous journey.
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DJ Sabrina - Not Your Fault
Charmed | Listen
All DJ Sabrina's best material exemplifies sappy, yet relatable romance. 'Not Your Fault' is no exception, entangling chopped vocals in a web of turbulence - made all the more intoxicating by building, parallel rhythms - before forming some sort of sanity when a friend, a calm voice of reason, enters the fray. From then on, euphoria on a hopeful future engulfs 'Not Your Fault.' Despite the main sample never changing.
All DJ Sabrina's best material exemplifies sappy, yet relatable romance. 'Not Your Fault' is no exception, entangling chopped vocals in a web of turbulence - made all the more intoxicating by building, parallel rhythms - before forming some sort of sanity when a friend, a calm voice of reason, enters the fray. From then on, euphoria on a hopeful future engulfs 'Not Your Fault.' Despite the main sample never changing.
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Squid - Narrator
Bright Green Field | Listen
Like most of their contemporaries, Squid finds that anxiety comes with exhaustion. An endurance of torment, brought on by abiding agitation. However, Ollie Judge's frantic vocals align with this proclamation better than any other, rising and falling and rising again, culminating in the endless scream. Martha Skye Murphy's there too, blood-curdling like Diamanda Galás.
Like most of their contemporaries, Squid finds that anxiety comes with exhaustion. An endurance of torment, brought on by abiding agitation. However, Ollie Judge's frantic vocals align with this proclamation better than any other, rising and falling and rising again, culminating in the endless scream. Martha Skye Murphy's there too, blood-curdling like Diamanda Galás.
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IDLES - Car Crash
CRAWLER | Listen
Though much of CRAWLER landed no surprise punches, 'Car Crash' proved an exception to that rule. Here, a tinge of Industrial Hip-Hop provides a meaty background for Joe Talbot to sneer and bark recklessly over. The Noise isn't pretty, its crackle and pops bounce off concrete drums, culminating in a violent cataclysm of sound bearing similarity to black midi or Squid.
Though much of CRAWLER landed no surprise punches, 'Car Crash' proved an exception to that rule. Here, a tinge of Industrial Hip-Hop provides a meaty background for Joe Talbot to sneer and bark recklessly over. The Noise isn't pretty, its crackle and pops bounce off concrete drums, culminating in a violent cataclysm of sound bearing similarity to black midi or Squid.
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Ducks Ltd. - Under The Rolling Moon
Modern Fiction | Listen
Their formula is formulaic, but one can't deny how well it works. Ducks Ltd. exemplifies Jangle Pop, with rushing momentum akin to Lloyd Cole and grand, exquisite hooks akin to early REM. 'Under The Rolling Moon' represents this to a T, proudly flaunting their influences while embracing the inherent romanticism captured through those rickety, ricocheting guitars.
Their formula is formulaic, but one can't deny how well it works. Ducks Ltd. exemplifies Jangle Pop, with rushing momentum akin to Lloyd Cole and grand, exquisite hooks akin to early REM. 'Under The Rolling Moon' represents this to a T, proudly flaunting their influences while embracing the inherent romanticism captured through those rickety, ricocheting guitars.
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Yves Tumor - Secrecy Is Incredibly Important
Asymptotical World | Listen
Ignoring the coy production techniques, mixing muddiness with flourish, Yves Tumor's marvelous 'Secrecy' feels ripped from the underground Post-Punk scene of U.K.'s early 80's. Rambunctious guitars battle against timid and distant vocals pleading for union. The beauty lies in the vast gap, bridged by an understated riff that feels like a fusion of Joy Division and Cocteau Twins. Love.
Ignoring the coy production techniques, mixing muddiness with flourish, Yves Tumor's marvelous 'Secrecy' feels ripped from the underground Post-Punk scene of U.K.'s early 80's. Rambunctious guitars battle against timid and distant vocals pleading for union. The beauty lies in the vast gap, bridged by an understated riff that feels like a fusion of Joy Division and Cocteau Twins. Love.
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Sweet Trip - At Last A Truth That Is Real
A Tiny House, In Secret Speeches, Polar Equals | Listen
On their long-awaited return, Sweet Trip struggled with variety and vocals. But none of that mattered when it came time for what they do best; send-off anthems. 'At Last A Truth That Is Real' drifts in ethereality before being overtaken by a rushing sea of percussion. Here, vocals were left in the waves. The crash, pummel, and pull of tides. Ascension on the backs of moving mountains.
On their long-awaited return, Sweet Trip struggled with variety and vocals. But none of that mattered when it came time for what they do best; send-off anthems. 'At Last A Truth That Is Real' drifts in ethereality before being overtaken by a rushing sea of percussion. Here, vocals were left in the waves. The crash, pummel, and pull of tides. Ascension on the backs of moving mountains.
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Spellling - Little Deer
Turning Wheel | Listen
With 'Little Deer,' Spellling's standards for herself grow higher. Way, way higher. Orchestral flourishes dotted around fairytale imagery, as smooth structural patterns provided stepping stones for Spellling's dainty, tip-toe vocals. Over triumphant horns and cascading strings, the fearless singer befriended a struggling Bambi, lending a shoulder for the coming winter. It was beautiful, and beautifully-unique.
With 'Little Deer,' Spellling's standards for herself grow higher. Way, way higher. Orchestral flourishes dotted around fairytale imagery, as smooth structural patterns provided stepping stones for Spellling's dainty, tip-toe vocals. Over triumphant horns and cascading strings, the fearless singer befriended a struggling Bambi, lending a shoulder for the coming winter. It was beautiful, and beautifully-unique.
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