Issue #13
These are “issues” now because A. I’m bad at publishing them regularly, and B. I can be lazy and avoid naming them.
What to listen to if you’re looking for…
...the one album I should definitely check out
For Those I Love - For Those I Love
OK, this one is kind of heavy.
Originally self-released in 2019, this self-titled project finds Dublin artist David Balfe working through the grief of losing his best friend. Owing inspiration to acts such as The Streets, this album comes in a style of largely spoken word passages over some surprisingly banging beats (there’s also an instrumental version available if you want to appreciate the incredible production on its own). The story of Balfe’s friendship with Paul Curran, who took his own life in 2018, seeps through the album as Balfe incorporates recordings, voice memos, etc.
This album is raw and heavy and emotional. It’s the sort of album you listen to and know you’ve just listened to something special.
...something electronic
Danny L Harle - Harlecore
The debut full-length project from the (formerly) PC Music producer is an absolute joy to listen to. The tracks here are listed under 4 personas - DJ Danny, MC Boing, DJ Mayhem, and DJ Ocean which reflect Harle collaborating with a different artist and adopting different styles. This is big, fun music that never takes itself too seriously.
LCY - Pulling Teeth
This new LCY project feels dark and ominous, with tension building strings, skittering drum patterns, and wobbling bass.
Also there’s a track called Slutty Siri, so what more do you want?
India Jordan - Watch Out!
I’m trying to think of a way to describe India Jordan’s new EP without resorting to the now cliched description that it’s “suited for dancefloors that currently aren’t open” (yet), but it feels apt. The five 90’s rave inspired tracks deserve to be played loud.
The project starts out with big, fast paced rhythms before reaching a satisfying comedown with And Groove.
...something electronic, but kinda chill
Fred again.. - Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)
Another debut full-length project, this time from producer Fred again.., this album is built around voice recordings with each track named after the person whose recording is featured. As you can probably guess from the dates in the title, this is A Pandemic Album™ but this isn’t one languishing in despair, more hopeful optimism.
Iglooghost - Lei Line Eon
Iglooghost’s new album is still weird and creative, but ditches the skittering, fast paced rhythms of their earlier work for a more relaxed approach.
Porter Robinson - Nurture
After experimenting with their Virtual Self alias, Porter Robinson has returned with second full-length project Nurture.
The album feels more restrained than their previous output, finding a deft balance between big, fun hits, and a more chill vibe.
...something calming
Green-House - Music for Living Spaces
Green-House’s music falls firmly in the ambient category. Their first project, Six Songs for Invisible Gardens, mixed gentle synthesisers with field recordings to create a sonic palette suited for humans and plants alike. Music for Living Spaces feels very much like an evolution of that project, expanded to a full-length album this time with more complex melodies.
Fennec - Free Us of This Feeling
I discovered this album from the newsletter One Good Song’s 2020 recap and thought it was great! Chuck this on while you’re doing some work, or while you’re sat in bed late at night it’ll fit a great many moods.
Kiefer - Between Days
Producer Kiefer has dropped a new album of warm beats, with his signature jazz infused piano over the top.
...some rap
Pink Siifu & Fly Anakin - $mokebreak
After teaming up for FlySiifu’s, the two rappers returned with a short follow-up EP of extra material. The two projects are centred around a fictional record store the duo have opened, and the various visitors stopping by.
Armand Hammer & The Alchemist - Haram
ELUCID and billy woods are two of the hardest working and most talented rappers today, and they’ve teamed up with The Alchemist, one of the hardest working and most talented producers. As usual for these two, this is a lyrically dense project. This isn’t a “throw it on in the background while you’re busy doing something else” type of project, this will likely require more closer listening and should be appreciated as such.
Brockhampton - ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE
The hip-hop collective are back, and fans of their earlier work will be happy they’ve largely returned to a more rap focused sound. This is immediately clear just looking at the track listing - this is the first Brockhampton project to have features listed! Guests include Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA, who both slot in neatly with the Brockhampton crew.
Personally I think this album is a great step-up from their previous project, although while I think it is consistently good, it doesn’t have the same standout highs that the Saturation albums did.
Tony Allen - There Is No End
The final work from legendary drummer Tony Allen pairs his performance with various rappers and singers from Sampa the Great to Lava La Rue to Skepta. In a way it feels like the perfect project to end on, the elder master working with and inspiring younger artists.
CZARFACE & MF DOOM - Super What?
Recorded back in April last year and completed before DOOM’s sudden death, this project had been delayed due to, you know why, and finds CZARFACE and MF DOOM teaming up once again.