Albums I’m Excited About, April 4th
Graal (Prologue) — Christian Löffler
I suspect someday Christian Löffler will get put on a movie soundtrack or something and will get the credit he deserves. In 2015, his Mare was my most-listened to album of the year.
He creates an atmosphere that has clear house roots, but with classical rhythms and arrangements that makes it distinctly not dance music. This EP is yet another achievement by one of my favorite electronic artists.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/graal-prologue/1450311999
https://open.spotify.com/album/2dS99m3T1KFseI62HtLWe8?si=JZ8-0GaHSnGHXAchWIX_EA
Titanic Rising — Weyes Blood
Weyes Blood (pronounced “Wise Blood”) has clearly been making music for a long time. Her sound invokes Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Angel Olsen, or any number of powerful voices. But it’s not derivative in any way. I’ve been skeptical because of the amount of hype around this album, but listening to it is undeniable. She’s a queen, and her style is all her own.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/titanic-rising/1450550344
https://open.spotify.com/album/53VKICyqCf91sVkTdFrzKX?si=SoD0MNl0TeOKvLuM-ei-OA
https://open.spotify.com/album/0sQ6Yzk9Q9FiFmiIUUoIOB?si=_t5BIlMDQGO4VndhIVPg8A
Katia & Marielle Labèque — Bryce Dessner: El Chan
Apparently a guitarist for The National writes classical music, and composed this Piano Quartet for side A — side B is a composition that includes a lead guitar arrangement.
A complete surprise to me in more than one way, the classical portions don’t feel particularly accomplished, and the guitar arrangements feel a bit more like letting a classical pianist play along with a novice with a delay pedal more than a composed piece. But it’s an entertaining listen and a fun discovery this Friday.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bryce-dessner-el-chan/1454513330
https://open.spotify.com/album/0sQ6Yzk9Q9FiFmiIUUoIOB?si=2f2fXEfmQd-Y2vjXvGxEpA
Sego Sucks — Sego
I’ve been on the fence about this band for a while, I guess I just don’t really know what the hell they are. Is it pop? Are there elements of Hip Hop in here? Are they trying an arena thing?
This album seems like a commitment to sound, and I guess that sounds is like if Beck made Mutations in 2018, but every track had Loser’s song structure. Is it good? I have no idea. Is it fun? Absolutely. I fucking love it.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sego-sucks/1448787811
https://open.spotify.com/album/4vvktnNmWfyOFLof2ybx28?si=4HHpK7wTRsaJOaroc79b6A
The Cure to Lonliness — Jai Wolf
It’s been a while since I’ve heard anything about Jai Wolf, who was originally a darling of Hype Machine with some very popular 2015 remixes.
This is his first swing at an EP, and while at times it feels like someone trying to make Arena EDM from a bedroom, it’s probably that very authenticity that made me enjoy it more than most pop electronic coming out.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-cure-to-loneliness/1448558317
https://open.spotify.com/album/3RUimnrKcKNrCXkBkjPhBG?si=m6Ykvz4qQImuDAPVTVSfwQ
The Seduction of Kansas — Priests
Priests remind me often of early Numbers — a distinctly riot-girl sound with a disco drummer.
This latest album has a bit more production value and synth sounds than their earlier work, which felt more punk. These songs will be fantastic live, but this record mostly is fun to listen because of that thought.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-seduction-of-kansas/1447269227
https://open.spotify.com/album/5ifNSvbeGA7jKuok8kirvL?si=k0sGVhL7TrWhqT-mw-vnEA
What A Boost — Rozi Plain
Rozi Plain’s other project, This is the Kit, put out one of my favorite records of the year in 2017 — so a solo project from her is incredibly welcome.
Her incredibly unique and soothing accent/voice carries the music, with a constant swarm of sub-melodies and midrange sounds. It’s wonderful.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/what-a-boost/1446097846
https://open.spotify.com/album/7qqFyScogbc1DcmB33GjXc?si=C4ypnIx8TjmJt9G6dew7Iw
