#7: 10 More Great Projects To Check Out While The World Burns
So, second lockdown huh?
Adrianne Lenker - songs and instrumentals
I previously recommended lead single anything, and the full projects are here.
After Big Thief’s tour was cancelled, the lead singer retreated to a cabin in Massachusetts initially with no intention of recording music. However, inspiration struck and she invited audio engineer Phil Weinrobe to join her in isolation and help record this project. I say project (singular) as the two albums are very much connected. The instrumentals album is cobbled together from extended improvisation sessions recorded as warm-up/cool-down while recording songs.
The sound of songs is very much a stripped back album, basically just featuring Adrianne and her guitar. This intimacy heightens the lyrical content, which Adrianne has noted in interviews is arguably her most personal & direct album she’s ever written.
songs - Apple Music // Spotify // Bandcamp
instrumentals - Apple Music // Spotify // Bandcamp
Gorillaz - Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez
Gorillaz in 2017: here’s an album with loads of collaborators
Gorillaz in 2018: ok, if you thought our previous album had too many collaborations, here’s an album that’s basically just a Damon Albarn album
Gorillaz in 2010: ok!! here’s an album, released single by single, made up entirely of collaborations
clipping. - Visions of Bodies Being Burned
A year ago, just before Halloween, experimental hip-hop group clipping. released horror inspired album There Existed an Addiction to Blood. Just over a year later they have returned with an album that is billed as essentially part two.
It turns out they recorded so many songs they decided to split them into two albums, with the second intended to be released a few months later. And then...ya know...so they pushed back Visions of Bodies Being Burned so it would instead be timed to drop a year after the previous installment.
If you’ve heard clipping. before you possibly have at least some idea of what to expect - Daveed Diggs’ dense and rapid-fire lyrics paired with William Hutson & Jonathan Snipes’ experimental and abrasive beats.
Apple Music // Spotify // Bandcamp
Black Noi$e - OBLIVION
I’ll admit I only discovered this from the Earl Sweatshirt feature, but I really enjoyed the rest of this project as well! The feature list is STACKED with names like MIKE, Danny Brown, bbymutha, and more. Of course, the real star of the show here is Black Noi$e’s production.
Ty Dolla $ign - Featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Yes, that’s really the name of the album.
As the intro states, Ty Dolla $ign is an incredibly talented performer who can write, rap, sing, and perform a multitude of instruments. This project, Ty’s third official album showcases many sides of the artist.
The long tracklist may seem intimidating, but many songs are actually quite short, and are mixed to blend seamlessly into one another creating a cohesive listening experience that breezes by. Unlike a lot of lengthy projects, this doesn’t feel like a compilation of various songs, and very much an album meant to be enjoyed in its entirety. You may have preconceived notions of Ty Dolla $ign, but it’s clear if you pay attention he’s a serious artist not to be underestimated.
True Blossom - In Bliss
True Blossom’s debut album Heater was one of my favourite discoveries of last year, and the synth-pop band are back with a new project.
Apple Music // Spotify // Bandcamp
Junglepussy - JP3 and JP4
Junglepussy is someone whose music I have been meaning to listen to for ages, and her new album JP4 finally prompted me to (I then immediately had to go back and hear JP3 as well).
JP3 - Apple Music // Spotify
JP4 - Apple Music // Spotify // Bandcamp
Zombi - 2020
Zombi are a self-described “space rock” band, which basically means they make music that’s a mix of thumping rock riffs and otherworldly synths.
Apple Music // Spotify // Bandcamp