The new Blur is very good. Probably a half step up from The Magic Whip. It feels a bit more focused and already has me going back in for repeat listens. It’s not likely going to be another classic but it’s still about as good as I could have hoped for from Blur at this point.
As much as I thought July flew by, I didn't quite grasp how much I'd actually listened to the past month—
plenty of great releases in the past few weeks—
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
Ulaan by Enji
The word 'Ulaan' has appeared in three of my 2023 entries (which, is notable, because before that it had never—)
Ulaan in Enji's case is the Mongolian word for Red (Ulaanbaatar means 'Red Hero')—
And, thus, her album cover is... red.
But Enji also claims 'I am Ulaan' — 'It empowers me'
So, she is also Ulaan.
Jazz, essentially— double-bass/drums/bassclarinet— and Enji does her thing over the instrumentals. Sometimes she floats. Sometimes she flits. Sometimes she's just a texture. The last half of the record has some great performances— particularly the more abstract Libelle and the lounge-y Picture / Three Shadows. Entire record is quite beautiful. She's doing jazz her way.
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
Cycli Infini by Felbm
Minimalist neo-classical loop-sketches from Dutch composer Felbm (I do not know how to pronounce that... Fell-Bum?, dunno)— either way, a lovely cloud to dive into. It's not quite 'ambient music'— there's actually some surprisingly danceable grooves in the composition.
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
5 Seasons by Eje Eje
Middle Eastern/Mediterranean funk (delves into dub at times too, kinda works)— this is a sound that's been popping up from time-to-time in the area (Israel/Yemen/Jordan/Palestine/Syria)— I think the team at Habibi Funk dusting off some old cuts really sparked something in the region. I'm not even sure if the vibe has a genre tag yet... but, this is it.
Songs From A Social Distance by Teitur & Aarhus Jazz Orchestra
Straight out of remote Scandinavia (Faroes), Teitur tackles heavy topics on such tracks as 'GMAIL NEEDS MY PASSWORD AGAIN', 'FORGOT MY SUNGLASSES', 'FILLING OUT A FORM, 'FORGOT MY SUNGLASSES II' and (of course) 'FORGOT MY SUNGLASSES III'. As entertaining/funny/deadpan as the lyrics are, this album is gorgeous— backed by Denmark's Aarhus Jazz Orchestra, the instrumentals have super delicate craftsmanship. I'm not really seeing this anywhere else (and I'll admit, I almost skipped it), but it's easily one of the year's best albums. Hoping BEA gives it a spin.
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
Swatta by Chepang
This is massive. What a mountain of grindcore. As someone who isn't super knowledgable about the genre, I might even be underestimating it. Just feels like an absolute behemoth of (free-jazz-laced) avant-garde metal. Most grindcore albums I've listened to don't really exceed 30-ish minutes, but Swatta clocks near 50, and my god it shreds you. Felt like I heard enough notes to cover five hours. Versatility between the tracks really helps— despite the constant tidal wave, it never dulled.
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
Lo-Life! by Immy Owusu
I'm not sure if Immy is related to Genesis, but both are young Ghanaian-heritage musicians kicking around down under at the moment. Despite the title, this record definitely has some west African high-life vibes, afro-funk, even a bit of jazz and psych-pop. It hasn't landed my chart for the year, but I think some members here will appreciate it.
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
Swells by K-Lone
(Just some good ol' microhouse— nice stuff, worth giving a shoutout)
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
E O by Cero
Japanese indie pop/rock/neo-psych. Gave it a spin on a whim and found myself making double takes. Some tracks on here and too good to go under the radar— was really impressed with the overall quality. (Instrumentally) dabbles into neo-soul and jazz, and it’s quite impressive musically. Deserves to be a breakout record, but I'm not sure it'll gain any traction. Kinda band you'd hope to stumble upon doing an underground show in Tokyo and going 'who on Earth are these people and why does nobody know about them?'
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
Canto Ostinato (Simeon ten Holt) by Erik Hall
Hall's put a fresh coat of paint on the classic minimalist composition (and trimmed it a smidge). This actually came out a few months ago but I missed it.
Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.
Ooh Rap I Ya by George Clanton
And I'm not quite sure what George Clanton does, but this is a really interesting release. Enjoyed it quite a bit. Had vague 90s recollections of My Bloody Valentine, Tears For Fears, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and even Massive Attack, but everybody's calling it Chillwave and I have no idea what that means or entails. So—... either way, good stuff.
Other good stuff—
Amir Hayat - Garden of Flowers
Mohini Dey - Mohini Dey (Mumbai/ probably the most ridiculously bass-slapped album I've heard this century— just. keeps. SLAPPING.)
Balladeste - Conversations In Ritual
Ayo Manuel - 1983-90 (comp)
Arthur Russell's absolutely beautiful new archival release.
Iseul Kim´s Two Voices - Evolving
Zé Eduardo & Orquestra Jazz De Matosinhos - Alter Ego
& Anohni's My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross is excellent (only spun it once so far, need to get around to a deeper dive)
And, erm, the meh—
New records from RP Boo, Black Milk, Sodiq Blacksmith, Rauw Alejandro, Christopher Whitley, Jimi Priceless, Sexyy Red, Alchemist, Alogte Oho, Ricardo Dias Gomes, and (sadly) Tenhi didn't do much for me. _________________ Doubles & Conch
Last edited by Hayden on 08/06/2023 23:30; edited 1 time in total
I like a lot of things Chepang are doing, but much like their last record, the grindcore parts are lacking imo. A bit too chuggy and bland for me. Definitely unique and versatile though, I'm glad people are digging them.
My new AOTY is Disaster. One of the best screamo records I've heard. Much more on the post metal and hardcore side than the emo side.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Hayden
LedZep
RockyRaccoon
travelful
baystateoftheart
