I think they have six or more albums out at this point, but Sleaford Mods are new to me as of this year. Their latest album, Spare Ribs, is a lot of funky; slightly awkward, overly serious at times, too silly at others and generally easy to love but hard to categorize. There are quite a few good tracks on Spare Ribs, so it was a bit tough to pick one. I went with “Mork n Mindy” for a few reasons, not least of which is the terrific guest vocal performance by Billy Nomates. Her latest, especially “Petrol Fumes”, is great.
BROCKHAMPTON - 1998 TRUMAN
I discovered BROCKAHMPTON just a few months ago and I’ve been jamming their extensive catalog often ever since. They hail from just down the road from Austin—San Marcos—and will be playing here at ACL this Friday. They’re one of the acts I’m most looking forward to this year. They’ve got a new album out, iridescence, and while I’m not digging it as much as some of their older stuff, or the few “throwback” singles they put out over the summer, it’s still very solid.
Upcoming Shows
Reykjavikurdætur, Ragga Hólm - Reppa Heiminn
Kerri and I are headed to Reykjavik and Iceland Airwaves next week and I've been listening to all kinds of playlists in preparation. I've noted the hip-hop act Reykjavikurdætur a few times. I think the name is "Daughters of Reykjavik" and their all woman "band" is huge. Their style is funky with rapid-fire vocal matched with slow, deep beats, sort of like London grime-style, but...different. They reminded me on first listen of Lady Sovereign, who is awesome live, so I'm excited to check them out.
RIYL: Lady Sovereign, Die Antwoord, M.I.A., Uffie
Upcoming Shows
gabriel black - freedom
Gabriel black makes music in his room. Alone. At night. And the result is pretty damn cool. His latest track, "freedom", our just a few weeks back, is really interesting. It's guitar-lead hip-hop with a bit of a dark feel to it. In addition to making music alone in his room at night, he makes fun animations for his songs. Check out the "video" for "freedom" below. And, if any of this sparks your interest, read/watch this interview.
RIYL: Why?, Dan Deacon, Panda Bear, Islands
Upcoming Shows
Villain Park - We Out Here
How about a little hip-hop for your hump day? LA's Villain Park reminds me a whole lot of some of my favorite acts from the new underground movement in the late 90's. Think Jurassic 5, Souls of Mischief, Dilated Peoples and the like. They've got a few singles and an EP out on Spotify and it's all solid, the latest "We Out Here" being my favorite of a terrific bunch.
RIYL: Dilated Peoples, Jurrasic 5, Earl Sweatshirt, Flatbush Zombies, Injury Reserve