#Czarface Meets Ghostface

[thejoyofviolentmovement]

New Video: CZARFACE Shares Mischievous Animated Visual for "Czarchimedes' Death Ray"

New Video: CZARFACE Shares Mischievous Animated Visual for "Czarchimedes' Death Ray" @Czarface_Eso @INSpectahDECKWU @virginmusic @grandstandhq

CZARFACE, the collaborative project featuring beloved underground hip-hop duo 7L & Esoteric and the Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck. The project’s name is derived from a fictional character that the trio created that’s patterned after comic book super villains with aspects of the personalities and quirks of each individual member. Now, if you’ve been frequenting this site over the past handful of…

[hiphopdinromania]

15/02/2019 Czarface Meets Ghostface

http://www.hiphopdinromania.org/2019/01/de-afara-czarface-meets-ghostface-2019.html

#hiphopdinromania #czarface #ghostfacekillah #7l #esoteric #inspectahdeck #wutang #wutangclan

http://www.hiphopdinromania.org/2019/01/de-afara-czarface-meets-ghostface-2019.html

[theparanoid]

Czarface & Ghostface - Czarface Meets Ghostface

(2019, full album)

[Boom Bap, East Coast Hip Hop, Hardcore Hip Hop, Abstract Hip Hop]

[a-dead-mouse]

Mongolian Beef

[wyattvsmusic]

Czarface & Ghostface Killah - Czarface Meets Ghostface ALBUM REVIEW

I believe this is my 5th Czarface review (this site didn’t exist when the first album dropped). For those who don’t know, Czarface is a group consisting of rapper Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang Clan), rapper Esoteric and producer 7L. This new album isn’t just Deck and Eso rapping but other Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah joins them on this album. I’ve done a bunch of Ghostface Killah reviews over the years including Sour Soul and Twelve Reasons To Die II. Czarface Meets Ghostface is the second Czarface collab album, following Czarface Meets Metal Face with MF DOOM which dropped in March of last year. A thought that immediately popped into my mind when Czarface Meets Ghostface was announced was how Ghost and MF DOOM have had fans waiting on their DOOMSTARKS album for so many years but they just put out separate albums with Czarface less than a year apart. On top of that, Ghostface has put out so many albums since DOOMSTARKS was first announced so that’s a bit confusing. One thing I loved about Czarface Meets Metal Face was that the production was a bit more out there and that Czarface were doing something different. Their first 3 albums have a very similar sound that I like a lot but could probably get tired after doing more albums the exact same way. On this new album again, Czarface have expanded their horizons beyond the usual boom bap sound they have mastered. Like always, Deck, Esoteric and Ghostface rap very well and have excellent chemistry. Esoteric had this really dope line where he said: “Shine like a diamond myself, call it isolation.” For some reason, Ghost kind of blended in more with Deck and Eso than MF DOOM did with them. It’s kind of weird because both DOOM and Ghost have such unique and distinct-able voices but Ghost didn’t stand out as much. That doesn’t mean Ghost wasn’t killing it though because he was rapping. I was listening to Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Part 2 not too long before I listened to this album and I was thinking about who the most consistent members of Wu-Tang were and Ghost and Deck immediately popped into my head. Ghost and Deck in particular haven’t really disappointed me and Czarface Meets Ghostface continues that.

Fav Tracks: Czarrcade ‘87, Super Soldier Serum, Listen To The Color, Mongolian Beef

[reckonslepoisson]

Czarface Meets Ghostface, Czarface and Ghostface Killah (2019)

As refreshing it is to hear boom bap backed-up by a progressive ethos and artists of substantial pedigree in 2019, Czarface Meets Ghostface probably isn’t the post-genre masterpiece we’re all waiting for. First and foremost this collaboration between some of the East Coast Scene’s most established artists seems more like a bit of fun, especially seeing as the first track plays out like a rap battle. From then on, this seems very much like a normal Czarface album. 7L’s production is similar to his previous work, a mixture of old-school-nostalgia and detailed, modern takes on comic book drama; while verses from Esoteric and Inspectah Deck (INS) are as laden with comic-book and hip-hop references as ever. An instrumental highlight is ‘Listen to the Color’, 7L sounding like he’s interpolating everything from ‘Yonkers’ to Avengers over a six-minute track; yet lyrically ‘Morning Ritual’ impresses most with its humour and a few Esoteric lines you’d have thought would come out of Ghostface’s mouth (“I turned around and shot the fuckin’ mirror for snitchin'” is iconic) and ‘Mongolian Beef’ opening with a RZA Liquid Swords line seems marketed for quick old-head satisfaction.

However, as much fun as a lot of Czarface Meets Ghostface holds, it’s also a slight let down. For one, there are at least three proper tracks that Ghostface doesn’t appear on at all, and a general feeling that perhaps his name shouldn’t be on the cover. Compared to his appearances on the likes of Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, of which he was essentially a primary artist, Ghostface is not only on fewer tracks but is largely unimpactful and unmemorable when he does appear. The only proper exception is his opening verse on ‘The King Heard Voices’, where he’s back close to his brash, filthy best and seems to make ID and Esoteric sound quaint - eventually forcing Esoteric into a weird verse that mentions his daughter’s braids and his own penis on consecutive lines.

Overall, Czarface Meets Ghostface is a relatively satisfying album. It isn’t as good as the trio’s debut nor Every Hero Needs a Villain, and neither does it match up to the novelty of their DOOM collaboration of last year; but with 7L’s production and a decent selection of good verses it shows that boom-bap still has the potential to be the basis for great modern hip hop.

Pick: ‘The King Heard Voices’

[cottonfreakz]

CZARFACE MEETS GHOSTFACE "Powers And Stuff" *official video

Official video for “Powers and Stuff” off of the Czarface Meets Ghostface album. Get the vinyl LP at getondown.com Directed by Josh Mac www.joshmac.tv @joshmac.tv (follow the adventures of Czarface at @czarface_eso @dj7l @ins_tagrams) Czarface merch: www.czarface.com

[rapwave]

NEW POST: Czarface & Ghostface Killah - Powers And Stuff (Official Music Video) (https://www.rapwave.net/2019/03/21/czarface-ghostface-killah-powers-and-stuff-video/)

[realmotionxi-blog]

“Czarface Meets Ghostface” Relieves MF DOOM Of His Vigilante Duties The trifecta of producer 7L, Esoteric, and Wu-Tang alum Inspectah Deck have swapped MF DOOM for Ghostface Killah for their latest 12-song jaunt; and though MF DOOM was perfectly suited to the project, my EA Sports trade meter is calling this an even exchange.

[thejoyofviolentmovement]

New Audio: CZARFACE Returns with Swaggering and Mischievous "Czarimedes' Death Ray"

New Audio: CZARFACE Returns with Swaggering and Mischievous "Czarimedes' Death Ray" @Czarface_Eso @INSpectahDECKWU @virginmusic @grandstandhq

Over the past couple of years, i’ve written quite a bit about CZARFACE, the collaborative project featuring beloved underground hip-hop duo 7L & Esoteric and the Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck.  The project’s name is derived from a fictional character that the trio created that’s patterned after comic book super villains and aspects of the personalities and quirks of each individual member, the…

[demifiendrsa]

British-born rapper, songwriter, and record producer MF DOOM has passed away on October 31, 2020 at age 49.  He’s best known for his elaborate lyrics, genre-bending collaborations, and iconic “supervillain” mask/persona.

MF Doom has appeared in several collaborative projects such as Madvillain (with Madlib), Danger Doom (with Danger Mouse), Doomstarks (with Ghostface Killah), JJ Doom (with Jneiro Jarel), NehruvianDoom (with Bishop Nehru), and Czarface Meets Metal Face (with Czarface).

[luvneedsnosyt]

My Favorite Albums of 2019 (So Far)

Here is my list of my favorite albums half-way through 2019

You can find my list of my favorite albums of 2018 here And my list of my favorite EPs of 2018 here

My Monthly top albums lists from 2019: January, February, March, April, May

Honorable Mention:

Alice Merton - Mint Genre: Pop

Proof: No Roots / Lash Out

Anderson .Paak - Ventura Genre: Hip Hop / R&B

Proof: Chosen On (Feat. Sonya Elise) / Jet Black (Feat. Brandy)

Billie Eilish - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? Genre: Synth-Pop

Proof: bad guy / you should see me in a crown

blackbear - ANONYMOUS Genre: alt-R&B / Hip Hop

Proof: SWEAR TO GOOD / HIGH1X

Bring Me the Horizon - amo Genre: Rock / Alternative

Proof: in the dark / medicine

Cautious Clay - Table of Context EP Genre: R&B / Soul

Proof: REASONS / HONEST ENOUGH

Circa Waves - What’s It Like Over There? Genre: Alternative / Rock

Proof: Sorry I’m Yours / Be Somebody Good

Dabin - Wild Youth Genre: Electronic / Dance / Future Bass

Proof: In Flames (Feat. Lexi Norton) / Alive (Feat. RUNN)

Dawn Richard - New Breed Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

Proof: shades / sauce

Dermot Kennedy - Dermot Kennedy Genre: Indie Pop / Soul

Proof: Power Over Me / Moments Passed

GoldLink - Diaspora Genre: Hip Hop / R&B

Proof: Zulu Screams (Feat. Maleek Berry & Babi Bourelly) / More

Hozier - Wasteland, Baby! Genre: Indie Pop / Soul / Folk

Proof: Movement / Dinner & Diatribes

James Blake - Assume Form Genre: Progressive Pop / Electronic / Indie Pop

Proof:  Barefoot in the Park (Feat. ROSALÍA) / Where’s the Catch? (Feat. André 3000)

Karen O & Danger Mouse - Lux Prima Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock

Proof: Turn the Light / Woman

Kevin Abstract - ARIZONA BABY Genre: Hip Hop

Proof: Joyride / Use Me

Maverick Sabre - When I Wake Up Genre: Pop / Soul

Proof: Slow Down (Feat. Jorja Smith) / Weakness

The List:

16. Little Simz - GREY Area Genre: Hip Hop

Proof: Offense / Boss / Venom / Pressure (Feat. Little Dragon)

15. Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

Proof: Harmony Hall / This Life / How Long? / Sympathy

14. LÉON - LÉON Genre: Pop / Soul

Proof: Lost Time / Falling / Hope Is A Heartache / You And I // Bonus: Grey - Want You Back (Feat. LÉON)

13. Foals - Part 1: Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Genre: Rock / Alternative

Proof: Exits / White Onions / In Degrees / On The Luna

12. Denzel Curry - ZUU Genre: Hip Hop

Proof: ZUU / RICKY / BIRDZ (Feat. Rick Ross) / CAROLMART (Feat. Ice Billion Berg)

11. G Flip - Drink Too Much EP Genre: Pop

Proof: Drink Too Much / Bring Me Home / Killing My Time / About You // Bonus: I Am Not Afraid

10. Elohim - BRAINDEAD EP Genre: Electronic / Synth Pop

Proof: running / tv / metamorphine / flagpole sitta (Harvey Danger cover w/ ALOWNATION)

9. Sigrid - Sucker Punch Genre: Pop

Proof: Sucker Punch / Basic / Don’t Feel Like Crying / Don’t Kill My Vibe // Bonus: Strangers (R3HAB Remix) / Don’t Kill My Vibe (Gryffin Remix)

8. Lizzo - Cuz I Love You Genre: Hip Hop / R&B

Proof: Cuz I Love You / Soulmate / Tempo (Feat. Feat. Missy Elliott) / Heaven Help Me

7. Seven Lions - Ophelia Volume 1 Genre: Electronic / Dance / Trance

Proof: Start Again (Feat. Fiora) / Ocean (w/ Jason Ross Feat. Jonathon Mendelsohn) / First Time (w/ SLANDER & Dabin Feat. Dylan Mathew) / Dreamin’ (Feat. Fiora) // Bonus: Ocean (Au5 Remix) w/ Jason Ross Feat. Jonothan Mendelson / Dreamin’ (Sunny Lax Remix) Feat. Fiora / Island (Dimibo Remix) (w/ Trivecta & Wooli Feat. Nevve) / Sojourn (w/ Crystal Skies) / Let Go (Festival Mix) Feat. Fiora

6. Maggie Rogers - Heard It In A Past Life Genre: Pop

Proof: Give A Little / The Knife / Alaska / Say It // Bonus: Give A Little (Mokita & GOLDHOUSE Remix) / Alaska (Toby Green Remix) / Alaska (Tycho Remix)

5. Nick Murphy - Run Fast Sleep Naked Genre: Indie Pop

Proof: Harry Takes Drugs On The Weekend / Sanity / Yeah I Care / Dangerous

4. Tyler, The Creator - IGOR Genre: Hip Hop / alt-R&B

Proof: IGOR’S THEME (Feat. Lil Uzi Vert) / EARFQUAKE (Feat. Playboy Carti, Charlie Wilson & Jessy Wilson)  / I THINK (Feat. Solange & Ryan Beatty) / WHAT’S GOOD (Feat. slowthai & Jarrod Carmichael)

3. Khalid - Free Spirit Genre: Pop / R&B / Soul

Proof: Better / Right Back / Outta My Head (w/ John Mayer) / Free Spirit // Bonus: Better (Jayvon Remix) / Better (no clue? Remix) / Talk (Disclosure VIP Mix) / Talk (Jarami Remix) / Talk (Alle Farben Remix)

2. Big Wild - Superdream // Superdream (Remixes) EP Genre: Electronic / Synth Pop / Dance

Proof: Joypunks / 6′ to 9′s (Feat. Rational) / No Words / She Makes Magic // Purple Sand (My Home) (pluko Remix) / City of Sound (Crooked Colours Remix) / Heaven (GG Magree Remix)

1. Nilüfer Yanya - Miss Universe Genre: Pop / R&B / Alterntaive

Proof: In Your Head / Paralysed / Tears / Heavyweight Champion Of The Year

Others:

Good: Adela - On The Line EP, AJ Tracey - AJ Tracey, Aldous Harding - Designer, Alesso - ALESSO MIXTAPE - PROGRESSO Vol. 1 EP, Alina Baraz - The Color Of You (Remixes) EP, Allie X - Super Sunset (Analog), Aly & AJ - Sanctuary EP, The Amazons - Future Dust, Anna Clendening - Waves EP, Ari Lennox - Shea Butter Baby, Anna Lunoe - Right Party EP, Ariana Grande - thank u, next, Ashe - Moral of the Story: Chapter 1 EP, Asiahn - Love Train 2, AURORA - A Different Kind of Human, Autograf - Love & Retrograde EP, Avicii - TIM, A1 - Turbulence, Bad Bunny - X 100PRE, Barrie - Happy to Be Here, Bassnector - Reflective (Part 4) EP, Bastille - Doom Days, BAYNK - Someone’s II EP, Beast Coast - Escape from New York, Beirut - Gallipoli , Better Oblivion Community Center - Better Oblivion Community Center, Betty Who - Betty, Big K.R.I.T. - TDT, Big Thief - U.F.O.F., Blaqk Audio - Only Things We Love, Blu & Oh No - A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night, Boy Harsher - Careful, Boogie - Everythings for Sale, B00TY - High Art EP, Brasstracks - Before We Go EP, Broken Social Scene - Let’s Try the After (Vol. 1) EP, Broken Social Scene - Let’s Try the After (Vol. 2) EP, Broods - Don’t Feed The Pop Monster, bülow - Crystalline EP, Bun B & Statik Selektah - TrillStatik [Mixtape], Cage The Elephant - Social Cues, Carlie Hanson - Junk EP, Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated, Casey Veggies - Organic, Casey Veggies & Rockie Fresh - Fresh Veggies [Mixtape], Cehryl - Slow Motion, Charly Bliss - Young Enough, Chase & Status - RTRN II JUNGLE, The Chemical Brothers - No Geography, Cherry Glazer - Stuffed & Ready, Choosey & Exile - Black Beans, Christelle Bofale - Swim Team EP, Chrome Sparks - Be On Fire EP, Ciara - Beauty Marks, Citizen Cope - Heroin and Helicopters, Clairmont The Second - The Second’s Do You Drive?, Collie Buddz - Hybrid. Crumb - Jinx, Crystal Fighters - Gaia & Friends, Curren$y & Statik Selektah - Gran Turismo, CZARFACE & Ghostface Killa - Czarface Meets Ghostface, David B - BLEU, Deadmau5 - Polar (Music from the Netflix Film), Deante’ Hitchcock - Just A Sample 2 EP, Deerhunter - Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared?, DeJ Loaf - Go DeJ Go Vol. 1 EP, Delta Heavy - Only In My Dreams, Destiny Rogers - Tomboy EP, Devin Morrison - Bussin’, Dijon - Sci Fi 1 EP, Dinah Jane - Dinah Jane 1 EP, Diplo - Europa EP, Diplo - Higher Ground EP, DJ Khaled - Father of Asahd, Dog Blood - Turn Off The Lights EP, Dreezy - Big Dreez, The Drums - Brutalism, Dua Saleh - Nūr EP, DUCKWRTH - THE FALLING MAN, ELHAE - Trouble In Paradise, Emily Wells - The World Is Too ___ For You, Emotional Oranges - The Juice, Vol. I, Eric Bellinger - The Rebirth 2, Eryn Allen Kane - a tree planted by water EP, The Faint - Egowerk, FEELS - Post Earth, FIDLAR - Almost Free, flora cash - Press EP, Flume - Hi This Is Flume [Mixtape], Flying Lotus - Flamagra, Frances Cone - Late Riser, FRENSHIP - Vacation, Freya Riding - You Mean The World To Me EP, Froth - Duress, Gary Clark Jr. - This Land, Gesaffelstein - Hyperion, The Get Up Kids - Problems, Giggs - BIG BAD…, girlpool - What Chaos Is Imaginary, gnash - we, GRiZ - Find My Own Way EP, GRiZ - Ride Waves, Gryffin - Gravity Pt. 1 (Remixes) EP, GTA - La Nueva Clásica (Remixes), Gus Dapperton - Where Polly People Go to Read, HÆLOS - Any Random Kindness, The Hamiltones - Watch the Ton3s EP, Hayden James - Between Us, The Head and the Heart - Living Mirage, Helado Negro - This Is How You Smile, Hello Yello - Love Wins EP, Higher Brothers - Five Stars, Hikaru Utada - Face My Fears EP, Holly Herndon - PROTO, Ida Mae - Chasing Light, ilo ilo - wish i said this to u sooner EP, India.Arie - Worthy, Injury Reserve - Injury Reserve, Intellexual - Intellexual, Interpol - A Fine Mess EP, Izzy Bizu - GLITA EP, Jack & Jack - A Good Friend Is Nice, Jacob Latimore - Connection2, Jade Bird - I Get No Joy EP, Jade Bird - Jade Bird, Jaden - ERYS IS COMING EP, Jai Waetford - Figure It Out EP, Jai Wolf - The Cure To Loneliness, James Bay - One My Messy Mind EP, JAMESDAVIS - MASTERPIECE EP, Jamie Cullum - Taller, Jamila Woods - LEGACY! LEGACY!, The Japanese House - Good At Falling, Jasmine Thompson - colour EP, Jay Prince - WONDER EP, Jayda G - Significant Changes, Jean Deaux - Empathy EP, Jenny Lewis - On The Line, Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler - brent EP, jesse saint john - don’t stop dancing. life gets sad. EP, J-E-T-S - Zoospa, JOHN.k - if we never met EP, JOHNNYSWIM - Moonlight, JOHKOY - 404, Jonas Brothers - Happiness Begins, Jordan Rakei - Origin, Josephine Wiggs - We Fall, Judah & The Lion - Pep Talks, Juice WRLD - Death Race for Love, Julia Michaels - Inner Monologue, Pt. 1 EP, Kari Faux - CRY 4 HELP EP, Kasbo - Places We Don’t Know Remix EP, Kaskade - Redux 003, KÁRYYN - The Quanta Series, Kehlani - While We Wait EP, Kelsey Lu - Blood, Kerli - Shadow Works, Kevin Abstract - ARIZONA BABY EP, Kevin Abstract - Ghettoboy EP, Kevin Morby - Oh My God, KIAN - BLISS EP, Kiana Lede - Myself EP, Kishi Bashi - Omoiyari, Koffee - Rapture EP, Ladytron - Ladytron, Lafawndah - Ancestor Boy, Lemaitre - Fast Lovers EP, The Lemonheads - Varshons 2, Lexie Liu - 2030, Lil Skies - Shelby, Lissie - When I’m Alone: The Piano Retrospective, Local Natives - Violet Street, Logic - Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Lolo Zouaï - High Highs to Low Lows, Loote - lost EP, Lonas - Youth EP, Lost Kings - Paper Crowns EP, Louis Futon - Way Back When, Loyle Carner - Not Waving, But Drowning, LSD - Labrinth, Sia & Diplo Presents… LSD, Lucky Daye - Painted, Lucy Rose - No Words Left, Mac DeMarco - Here Comes the Cowboy, Mack Keane - Donna Ave EP, Manila Killa - 1993 EP, Malibu Ken (Aesop Rock & TOBACCO) - Malibu Ken, Manatee Commune - PDA, Mansionair - Shadowboxer, Marco McKinnis - E’Merse EP, Maren Morris - GIRL, Maribou State - Kingdoms in Color Remixed, MARINA - LOVE + FEAR, Matt Maeson - Bank on the Funeral, McClenny - I’m Not Here EP, MED & Guilty Simpson - Child of the Jungle, Meg Mac - Hope, Megan Thee Stallion - Fever, Melii - phAses, Mereba - The Jungle Is The Only Way Out, Mickey Kojak - Coming Together EP, Middle Kids - New Songs for Old Problems EP, Mike Posner - A Real Good Kid, Mr. Carmack - Demolish [Mixtape], Mndsgn - Snaxx, MorMor - Some Place Else EP, The National - I Am Easy to Find, Nightly - Talk You Down EP, NIKI - wanna take this downtown? EP, Nina Nesbitt - The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change, no rome - Crying In The Prettiest Places EP, Noah Kahan - Busyhead, Norah Jones - Begin Again, Octavian - Endorphins, ODESZA - A Moment Apart Remixes EP, Offset -  Father of Four, Oliver Dion - Exposed, Olivia O’Brien - Was It Even Real?, Omar Apollo - Friends EP, Panda Bear - Buoys, Patoranking - Wilmer, P!nk - Hurts 2B Human, Pink Sweat$ - Volume 2 EP, Phonte - Pacific Time EP, Plaid - Polymer, PnB Rock - TrapStar Turnt PopStar, Pond - Tasmania, PRETTYMUCH - Phases EP, Priests - The Seduction of Kansas, Prince - Originals, PUP - Morbid Stuff, Queen Herby - EP 5, Quelled Chris - Guns, Raja Kumari - BLOODLINE EP, Rat Boy - International Unknown, Raveena - Lucid, Rema - Rema EP, Reptaliens - VALIS, Rich The Kid - The World Is Yours 2, Rico Nasty & Kenny Beats - Anger Management, Rhye - Spirit, Rhys Lewis - In Between Minds EP, Rotimi - Walk With Me EP, Rudimental - Test Our Differences, Ruti - Racing Cars EP, Ryan Leslie - Fleurier Flows EP, RY X - Unfurl, RY X - The Water EP, SAFE - STAY, Said The Whale - Cascadia, St. Lucia - Remixed, Sammie - Everlasting, Santana - Africa Speaks, Santi - Mandy & The Jungle, Sara Bareilles - Amidst the Chaos, SASAMI - SASAMI, Saweetie - ICY EP, ScHoolboy Q - CrasH Talk, The Score - Pressure EP, Seasons - American Authors, Set It Off - Midnight, Set Mo - Surrender, Shafiq Husayn - The Loop, Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow, Shlohmo - The End, Shy Girls - Bird on the Wing, Silversun Pickups - Widow’s Weeds , Skepta - Ignorance Is Bliss, slenderbodies - soraya EP, slowthai - Nothing Great About Britain, Smif-N-Wessun - The All, Snake City - Hurts, SNBRN - Solé, SOAK - Grim Town, SOB X RBE & Hit-Boy - Family Not a Group, SOB X RBE & Marshmello - Roll the Dice EP, Sofia Kourtesis - Sofia Kourtesis EP, Solange - When I Get Home, SonReal - The Aaron LP, StayLoose - The City, Stef Chura - Midnight, Steve Lacy - Apollo XXI, Striking Matches - Morning EP, Styles P - S.P. The Goat: Ghost of All Time, Sufjan Stevens - Love Yourself / With My Whole Heart EP, Summer Walker - CLEAR EP, Sunflower Bean - King of the Dudes EP, Super Duper - Vessels EP, SVEA - This is EP, SYML - SYML, The Tallest Man On Earth - I Love You, Talos - Far Out Dust, Tank and the Bangas - Green Balloon, Tayla Parx - We Need To Talk, Taylor Bennett - The American Reject EP, Tech N9ne - N9na, TENDER - Fear of Falling Asleep, Terror Jr - Unfortunately, Terror Jr, Tiësto - Together, Tink - Voicemails, The-Dream - Menage a Trois: Sextape Vol. 1,2&3, T-Pain - 1UP, TOBi - STILL, Tom Walker - What A Time To Be Alive, Toro y Moi - Outer Peace, Tory Lanez - International Fargo [Mixtape], Trevor Jackson - Rough Draft 2, Tritonal - U & Me , The Vamps - Missing You EP, Various Artists - For The Throne (Music Inspired by the HBO Series Game of Thrones), Various Artists - Music Inspired by the Film Roma, Vasco - Tender Luv EP, Virginia to Vegas - Heartland St EP, Walshy Fire - Walsey Fire Presents: ABENG, Wallows - Nothing Happens, Wand - Laughing Matter, Weezer - Weezer (The Teal Album), Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising, Wild Belle - Everybody One of a Kind, Wu-Tang Clan - Of Mics and Men EP, X Ambassadors - ORION EP, XYLØ - pretty sad EP, Yeasayer - Erotic Reruns, Yeek - IDK WHERE, YG - 4REAL 4REAL, Yhung T.O. - On My Momma 2, Zacari - Run Free Run Wild EP, Zhavia Ward - 17 EP, 2 Chainz - Rap or Go to the League

Meh: A Boogie wit da Hoodie - Hoodie SZN, Berner - El Chivo, Birdman & Juvenile - Just Another Gangsta, Burna Boy & DJDS - Steel & Copper EP, Calboy - Wildboy, Casilofi - Create, Create, Create EP, DREAMERS - LAUNCH FLY LAND, DJ Muggs & Mach - Hommy: Tuez-Les Tous, Future - Future Hndrexx Presents: The WZRD, Future - SAVE ME EP, HiDoraah & Dolly White - Slimestas EP, Kenny Garrett - Hoax, Kevin Gates - Only The General Gon Understand EP, Logic - Supermarket, Miley Cyrus - SHE IS COMING EP, Night Lovell - GOODNIGHT LOVELL, Pet Shop Boys - Agenda EP, Pi’erre Bourne & Cardo Got WIngs - Pi’erre & Cardo’s WIld Adventure [Mixtape], Rod Wave - PTSD, Shy Glizzy - Covered N Blood, Spellling - Mazy Fly, Tee Grizzley - Scriptures, Tyga - Legendary, Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y - 2009, 03 Greedo - Still Summer in the Projects

Naw: Scarlxrd - INFINITY, Weezer - Weezer (The Black Album), Yung Gravy - Sensational, Zheani - The Line Censored

[a-dead-mouse]

CZARFACE Meets Ghostface (cassette tapes) - 2019

[weeklyrapgods-blog]

Czarface & Ghostface Create Epic EP + “Mongolian Beef” Video The highly anticipated collaboration is finally here. Czarface has teamed up with Ghostface on iconic EP…

[dendre]

Hanglemez 2019/01

Rina Mushonga: Into A Galaxy  9.0  (pop) Andrew Wasylyk: The Paralian  9.0  (instrumentális pasztorál) Nivhek: After...  9.0  (ambient-dreampop) Sharon Van Etten: Remind Me Tomorrow  9.0  (dalszerzőpop) DJ Healer: Lost Lovesongs / Lostsongs Vol. 2  9.0  (ambient-broken beat) Yak: Pursuit Of  Momentary Happiness  9.0  (pszichrock) Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba: Miri  8.5  (mande) Stats: Other People’s Lives  8.5  (gitáros groovepop) Joose Keskitalo: En lahde surussa  8.5  (finn psychfolkpop) Rustin Man: Drift Code  8.5  (posztjazz-artrock) Nkisi: 7 Directions  8.5  (future techno) Angel Bat Dawid: The Oracle  8.5  (jazz) Dave Harrington: Pure Imagination, No Country  8.5  (artrock-postjazz) Lemonheads: Varshons 2  8.5  (feldolgozáslemez) DAWN: New Breed  8.5  (r&b-pop) Bigwave: Romantic  8.5  (japán future funk, disco) Emily King: Scenery  8.5  (szofiszti neosoulpop) Sister John: Sister John  8.5  (szép gitárzene) Woman’s Hour: Ephyra  8.5  (dream-szintipop) Methyl Ethel: Triage  8.5  (indie-szinti-pop)

Ultramarine: Signals Into Space  8.0  (ambient house) LCD Soundsystem: Electric Lady Sessions  8.0  (dancerock) Juan Wauters: La Onda de Juan Pablo  8.0  (uruguay-i indiefolk) Lifafa: Jaago  8.0  (indiai deephouse) Jay Mitta: Tatizo Pesa  8.0  (singeli, tanzániai juke) TOY: Happy In The Hollow  8.0  (pszichpop) Lip Talk: Days  8.0  (artpop) AJ Tracey: AJ Tracey  8.0  (grime) Jessica Pratt: Quiet Signs  8.0  (kamarafolkpop) Cosey Fanni Tutti: Tutti  8.0  (techno) YMA: Par de Olhos  8.0  (brazil indie-dreampop) Ian Brown: Ripples  8.0  (monkeyman) Girlpool: What Chaos Is Imagenery  8.0  (indiepop) Malibu Ken: Malibu Ken  8.0  (absztrakt hiphop) Mavis Staples: Live In London  8.0  (soul) Xiu Xiu: Girl With A Basket Of Fruit  8.0  (indusztri-experi) Deerhunter: Why Hasn’t...  8.0  (indierock) Maurice Louca: Elephantine  8.0  (arabjazz) Ill Considered: 5  8.0  (jazz) Jards Macalé: Besta Fera  8.0  (MPB) James Blake: Assume Form  8.0  (art&b-pop) Kele Okereke: Leave To Remain  8.0  (dancepop) Jonny Nash: Make A Wilderness  7.5  (ambient) The Specials: Encore  7.5  (skapop) Tallies: Tallies  7.5  (dreampop) Lau: Midnight And Closedown  7.5  (brit folk) Ustad Saami: God Is Not A Terrorist  7.5  (khyal, hindusztáni zene) Jungstötter: Love Is  7.5  (kamarapop) Sundays: Wiaca  7.5  (jangle-dreampop) Pavo Pavo: Mystery Hour  7.5  (dreampop) Bossy Love: Whiplash EP  7.5  (elektrorock) Graham Costello’s Strata: Obelisk  7.5  (jazz) Blockhead: Free Sweatpants  7.5  (absztrakt hiphop) The Telescopes: Exploding Head Syndromes  7.5  (spacerock) Swervedriver: Future Ruins  7.5  (shoegaze-rock) Ladytron: Ladytron  7.5  (elektro-dreampop) Steve Mason: About The Light  7.5  (posztpop) Biiri: Nihiloxica EP 7.5  (bugandai techno) Lowtec: Light Surfing  7.5  (house) Passarani: W.O.W.  7.5  (technohouse) Joe Jackson: Fool  7.5  (piano rock) Cass McCombs: Tip Of The Sphere  7.5  (psychfolk)

Mercury Rev: Bobbie Gentry’s Delta...  7.0  (psychcountry feldolgozáslemez) Czarface & Ghostface Killah: Czarface Meets Ghostface  7.0  (hiphop) Boy Harsher: Careful  7.0  (darkwave-szintipop) Uluru: Acrophilia  7.0  (stoner-psych) Ariana Grande: thank u, next  7.0  (pop) Better Oblivion Community Center: BOCC 7.0  (indiefolkpop) Panda Bear: Buoys  7.0  (avantpop) Blood Red Shoes: Get Tragic  7.0  (gitárpop) Michael Chapman: True North  7.0  (folkrock) Steve Gunn: The Unseen In Between  7.0  (folkrock) William Tyler: Goes West  7.0  (instrumental americana) Sarah Louise: Nighttime...  7.0  (experifolk) You Tell Me: You Tell Me  7.0  (kamaraindie) Sound Stream: Love Remedy  7.0  (discohouse) Lealani: Fantastic Planet  7.0  (artpop) Jorge Velez: Roman Birds  7.0  (ambient elekrtonika) Jay Glass Dubs: Epitaph  7.0  (ambient dub) King Midas Sound: Solitude  7.0  (ambient-dub-poetry) Bob Mould: Sunshine Rock  7.0  (powerrock) Pom-Pom: Untitled II  7.0  (techno) Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa: 2009  7.0  (déli hiphop) Black Dresses: Thank You  7.0  (elektro-glitch-pop) Sneaks: Highway Hipnosis  7.0  (indiehiphop) jonatan leandoer127: nectar  7.0  (hypnagogicpop) The Twilight Sad: It Won/t Be Like This...  7.0  (szindie-pomp) Ossia: Devil’s Dance  7.0  (techno-dubambient) British Murder Boys: Fire In The Still Air  6.5  (industrial techno) Cherry Glazerr: Stuffed & Ready  6.5   (indierock) Sunflower Bean: King Of The Dudes EP  6.5 (indiepop) Polkadot Stringray: valami  6.5  (japán indierock) Savage Mansion: Revision Ballads  6.5  (indierock) Pedro The Lion: Phoenix  6.5  (indierock) Queen Zee: Queen Zee  6.5  (garagepunk) One Step Closer: From Me To You  6.5  (poszthardcore) Lost Under Heaven: Lova Hates What You Become  6.5  (artpop) Sir Babygirl: Cruch On Me  6.5  (electropop) Spielbergs: This Is Not The End  6.5  (noise pop) Beirut: Gallipoli  6.5  (indiefolk) Massimo Volume: Il Nuotatore  6.5  (olasz posztrock) Guided By Voices: Zeppelin Over China  6.5  (indierock) Maggie Rogers: Heard It In A Past Life 6.5  (elektropop) Nina Nesbitt: The Sun Will Come Up...  6.5  (pop) Black To Comm: Seven Horses...  6.5  (dark ambient) Tree & Vic Spencer: Nothing Is Something  6.5  (trap) Silk Road Assassins: State Of Ruin  6.5  (uk bass)

Keuning: Prismism  6.0  (softpoprock) James Holden: A Cambodian Spring  6.0  (filmzene) Vangelis: Nocturne  6.0  (modern classical) Hauschka: A Different Forrest  6.0  (modern classical) G Herbo: Still Swervin�� 6.0  (gangsta drill) Sada Baby: Bartier Bounty  6.0  (trap) HEALTH: Vol 4: Slaves Of Fear  6.0 (electro-industrialpop) Fidlar: Almost Free  6.0  (garagerock) Rat Boy: Internationally Unknown  6.0  (indierockrap) Toro y Moi: Outer Peace  5.5  (szintifunk) Angelic Milk: Divine Biker Love  5.5  (lofi indie garage) Diva Sweetly: In The Living Room  5.5  (emopoppunk) Croatian Amor: Isa  5.5  (posztindustrial) Xosar: The Possessor...  5.5  (industrial techno) Pavel Milyakov: La Maison De La Mort  5.5  (ambient) Rival Sons: Feral Roots  5.5  (retrobluesrock) Bring Me The Horizon: amo  5.5  (pop) Lucki: Freewave 3  5.0  (cloud trap) Future: The Wizrd  5.0  (trap) Broods: Don’t Feed The Pop Monster  5.0  (elektropop) Weezer: The Teal Album (muhaha)

+++ Kankyo Ongaku - Japanese Ambient, Enviromental & New Age Music 1980-1990  9.5  (csodás ambient válogatás) Terre Thaemlitz: Comp x Comp  8.0  (DJ Sprinkles válogatása digitálisan kiadatlanokból - kimerítő, de sok erős félórával) Leon Vynehall: DJ-Kicks  8.0  (jó dance mix) VA: All The Young Droogs  8.5  (glamválogatás)

(Ezeken kívül még volt sok tucat lemez, amibe belehallgattam, és maximum 10 percet töltöttem velük, mert annyira nem nekem szóltak vagy szimplán borzasztóak voltak, ezeket nem is sorolom. És igen, ez amolyan laza sorrend.)

Ahogyan fogy az idő, úgy lesz egyre jelentéktelenebb egy közepes valami. Amikor tanulókorszakban vagy, akkor számít a közepes is, a rossz is, része a megismerési folyamatnak. Később persze már időpazarlás. Hasznosabb majdnem bármi (például újranézni a kedvenc filmjeidet), mint közepes dologra szánni az időd. De ettől függetlenül persze egyszer MÉG hajlandó vagyok végighallgatni majdnem mindent (lásd fent a sok közepes dolgot, úgy 6.5-től lefelé). Másodszor meg amúgy is nagyon keveset kell. A megismerési kedv nem csillapodik. De ez nem teher. még. 

A popzene nekem már nem annyira érdekes, hallgatom úgy 35 éve, és persze igyekeztem (sőt, igyekszem) végighallgatni, ami volt 1985 előtt is - lehet, hogy bármilyen korszakban elég lenne belőle ennyi, pláne ebben a lefelé tartó ágban. (Ettől még érvényes mellé az is, hogy még mindig nem unom, és nem látszik, hogy valaha is fognám unni.) Az viszont kétségtelen, hogy ami most érdekes lehet benne, az inkább az, hogy miről szól. Amelyik album harminc év múlva érdekes lesz ebből, az az, ami arról szól, hogy mi van most itt. Most viszont nem olyan egyértelmű megmondani, hogy melyik szól a legjobban arról, hogy mi van most. Harminc év múlva sokkal könnyebb lesz rálátni. Jelenleg ezt inkább csak érezni lehet, hogy ez, vagy az _például_ érdekes, ám lehetséges, hogy mégsem mondd annyit, amennyit majd harminc év múlva egy másik olyan, amelyik éppen a jelenben vehető észre nehezebben. Vagy persze csak adott esetben én nem veszem észre így.

Általában az van, ami évek óta van. Túl sok lemez van. Túlontúl sok (az évi 15 ezer lemezt lehet mondogatni a kétezres évek közepe óta, de ma már ez simán a duplája, ha nem triplája - csak február közepéig a Rate Your Music listáz 1000 db 2019-es lemezt és nyilván közel nincs itt az összes, és nyilván az év eleje még nem is olyan sűrű időszak). Ekkora mennyiségből könnyebb az átlagszínvonalat jó-közepesre kihozni, vagyis inkább kihozni egy látható(an nagyobb számú), mennyiségű jó-közepes albumot, mint abban a korban, amikor a sokszor nagyon mellélövő, rosszul számító számító lemezkiadók adott mennyiséget jelentettek csak meg, nehogy maguknak kavarjanak konkurenciát. Azaz teszem azt 1988-ban több volt a kimagasló LP, de értelemszerűen kevesebb mennyiségű a hasonló színvonalat képviselő tűrhető, ‘még érdemes hallani’ típusú zene. Most viszont a minőségi kontroll helyett működő bátorítás: “persze add ki, művész vagy, megcsináltad” rengeteg lelkes, de finoman szólva is fejlesztést igénylő albumot eredményez. Az évtized második felének nyilvánvaló nemtökéletességét képezi le a popzene? “Nem baj, a világ sincs rendben.” Mondjuk például 1996-ban elég sok szögből úgy nézett ki, hogy a Földön innentől már csak jobb lesz, abban a pillanatban nem szabadott félkész dolgot kiadni. És akkor hülyét tettetve megfeledkezem a 3T-ről és a Bush-ról.

Szóval, amelyik a legérdekesebben szól arról, ami van itt most, az zenei értelemben eddig 2019-ben talán nulla lemez volt. Ehhez zseniális újszerűség kellene, olyasmi, ami évek óta alig akad. Jól, szépen, megkapóan, érdekesen, egészen frissen megvalósított viszont mindig rengeteg lesz.

Eddig - ebben a vastagon kibővített januárban (február végén jóval rövidebb lista lesz) - egyrészt Rina Mushonga lemeze tetszett a legjobban. Nem tökéletes, a 9.0 kicsit túlzás, de a szerethetősége van akkora, hogy ellensúlyozza a nem annyira nagy hibákat. Ami engem zavar, hogy néha levakarhatatlanul florence-es az ének, de ez alighanem kevesek baja. Néha túl egyszerűek a szintihangok, nagyon kicsit befejezetlen hatásúak egyes részek. Viszont majdnem olyan jól gyúr egybe zsánereket, mint tavalyi lemezén Kali Uchis és ebben a popos melankóliában valahogy benne van 2019 eleje. Nem hallgattam még annyira sokszor, hogy meg tudjam fogalmazni, pontosan mitől mai, és mitől érdekesen mai amit mond, de van benne mit hallgatni, érdekel, fejteni akarom.

A másik eddigi idei kedvencem egy teljesen másmilyen lemez. Andrew Wasylyk albuma a békés félrevonulás zenéje, szemlélődő, pasztorálos. A kiindulás amolyan akusztikus gitáros-zongorás folk, amire a szokásosnál több ambient/drone-réteg került, de aztán még erre is egyre több fúvós-repetitív hangszerelés passzol tökéletesen. 

Nivhek, azaz Grouper szokásos magas színvonal, téli lemez, ami lehet jó lesz nyári éjszaka is. Sharon Van Etten pedig olyat csinált, amit sokat kell hallgatni, hogy igazán hasson. DJ Healeren annyira rajta maradtam tavalyról, hogy még ezek a szösszenetek is nagyon tetszenek. A Yaké végre egy olyan angol rocklemez, ami maradéktalanul tetszik. Super Furry Animals ugrott be róla többször is, a Spiritualized-szálat csak utólag fedeztem fel. Bassekou Kouyate egyértelműen az elmúlt bő évtized egyik legnagyobb világzenei sztárja, mindegyik lemeze jó, ez most talán azért is tetszik annyira, mert a tempósabb, néha már rockkal is flörtölők után ez ismét akusztikusabb, elmerengőbb. A Stats amolyan 2010-es évekbeli Hard-Fi, Joose Keskitalo a finn szuperpszichedelikus, imádnivaló Paavoharju egyik tagja volt, eszetlen az egészen egyenes vonalú, friss szólólemeze. Rustin Man LP-je kicsit olyan, mintha az utolsó Talk Talk és az első .O.Rang között készült volna, némileg dalosabb szándékkal, nagyon jó.  Nkisi a legjobb, friss tánczene eddig, Angel Bat Dawid nagyon erős szellős jazz, Dave Harrington jobb mint a Darkside-ban. A Lemonheads szuper feldolgozáslemezt adott ki, jobb mint a tíz évvel ezelőtti, Evan Dando bármikor úgy hangzik, mintha a saját dalát énekelné, tökéletes interpretáló. DAWN szokásos nagyon magas színvonalú r&b pop, mindig egy nagyon kevés hiányzik nekem ahhoz, hogy őrülten zseniálist kiáltva dobjam el tőle az agyam. Bigwave japán future funk-őrület, pc music-os diszkó, nem zárom ki, hogy hamar megunom, de egyelőre rajta vagyok. Emily King a neosoul felől szofisztipoposodott, amikor (ritkán) túl direkten haimos, akkor kevésbé, amikor organikusabb hangszerelésű, akkor nagyon tetszik. A Sister John egy kis skót indierockzenekar, egyszerű, nohipszter, notwee, klasszikus underdog, szép dalokkal. A Woman’s Hour egy beteljesítetlen reménység: az első lemeznek sokkal jobbnak kellett volna lennie, aztán meg nem kellett volna belerokkanniuk ennek a második lemeznek a készítésébe, amit most évekkel később mégis befejeztek és nagyon jól tették. Az ausztrál Methyl Ethel pedig lemezről-lemezre egyre jobb artpop, pontosabban szintis indie.

Ezek tetszettek a legjobban eddig. A második kupacban még olyanok vannak, amiket szerintem abszolút érdemes meghallgatni annak, aki bírja az adott stílust, a harmadik kupacban viszont már azok szerepelnek, amikhez rajongónak kell lenni és úgy sem kizárt a csalódás. Legalul meg, azokat hagyjuk. 

[noveltylsland-blog]

Our 2019 First Quarter Roundup

thank u, next - Ariana Grande

(Republic)

Ariana Grande has followed up last year’s charming Sweetener with a more consistent, more confident and more moving record; thank u, next. As usual, Ariana’s voice is really something to behold, hitting every note perfectly as she delves into her own heartbreak, loss and guilt following the death of her ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller. Ariana bravely goes into this with no features, which proves to be a powerful decision, as there are no obnoxious Pharrell additions or out-of-date Lil Wayne verses, making for an appropriately personal record. As if to ease us away from the lack of rap features, we are treated to a Wendy Rene sample on ‘Fake Smile’, which will put a real smile on the face of any hip-hop head. The juxtaposition of deep lyrical themes with the positive, playful instrumentation is rather refreshing, and it’s good to see Ariana excited about life and this new chapter in her life. -M

Gallipoli - Beirut

(4AD)

Zach Condon’s Beirut project has buried Balkan folk deep in the hearts of the Western indie fanatics ever since the release of its first three albums. He’s had us enamoured with the sound ever since, and while Beirut’s work has seemingly gotten ever more formulaic and poppy, that folky, worldly manifesto has never really left Condon. Compared to 2015’s No No No, the most recent Beirut project Gallipoli actually sees him taking it in a more varied and independent direction, and you’ll be hard-pushed to find anything objectionable as Beirut traverse their usual pastures of percussive ukulele and various organs and synthesisers. Gallipoli isn’t short of entirely new sounds for the band either and, indeed, it’s hard to see it as anything but a solid record. Condon might not be making the same impact on the musical landscape as he was thirteen years ago but this is his most consistent release in a decade. Gallipoli proves there are indie bands in far worse form than Beirut; an admirably fresh and progressive release for a band who probably don’t particularly need to be either of those things. -E

Assume Form - James Blake

(Polydor)

Even if it isn’t quite the musical landscape-defining, career-best record that James Blake seems inevitably destined to produce, Assume Form goes quite some distance to confirming him as one of this era of popular music’s defining and most influential figures. And that means a lot, considering no one else is really quite like him. There’s a very particular beauty to the combination of Blake’s music style and his love-themed lyricism, and Assume Form sees both assemble for an impressive, career-best effort. More checked for excess than The Colour in Anything but more stylistically developed than Overgrown, the niche Blake has found treads a fine line between hip-hop and sparse, soulful electronica. Assume Form shows what he can do with both, seeing the likes of Travis Scott and Andre 3000, but also Moses Sumney and Rosalía, make impactful and appropriate appearances alongside Blake’s own plainly romantic lyrics. He’s refreshingly obsessive and open but never too doting or unrelatable, and tracks such as ‘Assume Form’, ‘Can’t Believe the Way We Flow’ and ‘I’ll Come Too’ clearly reveal this untethered romantic happiness. Whether you like his newfound bessottedness or not, one can’t deny Blake has carved himself a distinctive aesthetic, to such an extent it’s no wonder his collaboration is so sought-after by hip-hop artists. Even more exciting is that there’s probably much better to come from Blake, and he remains (as he has for the last ten years) one of the most interesting and exciting artists in popular music. -E

Liv - Daniel Blumberg & Hebronix

(Mute)

Apparently a collaboration between Daniel Blumberg and himself (an endeavour I’m still not sure is artistically innovative or a bit pretentious) Liv builds on Blumberg’s 2018 release Minus with impressive amounts of abrasive noise and more chaotic baroque instrumentation. Hebronix is supposed to be Blumberg’s own psych-pop project, predating his releases under his own name, but on Liv it seems like he’s used it to fill out his own sound. His lonely vocals are more like Phil Elverum on the louder Microphones/Mount Eerie records, while the scrawls of anxious feedback that underly the majority of Liv endlessly build to lengthy, haunting finales; entirely validating the record’s lack of drums. The fact that Liv was recorded in only one take is a feat unto itself, never mind the consistency and coherence that it gives the record. Despite seeing releases on the infamous Mute Records, Blumberg continues to be overlooked by pretty much everyone – and as he’s putting out exceptional, genre-bending experimental music like this he deserves far, far more attention than he currently enjoys. -E

Careful - Boy Harsher

(Nude Club)

Despite “minimal wave” having seemingly ran its course, Boy Harsher provide another argument for it being the perfect time to rework the genre. On Careful, inspiration is clearly drawn from the likes of Depeche Mode and New Order, but whereas these bands created colourful, dynamic dance tracks, Boy Harsher do the complete opposite; as if they’ve been booked to DJ a funeral. Ghostly vocals speak of abandonment and loss over layers of cold, pounding synths and minimal drums – fit for any cyberpunk movie. Dotted throughout the record are a handful of quieter, atmospheric moments which add to this cinematic feel; intensifying the anxious, dark nature of the project. This is a synthpop record which truly reflects the times. –M

Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery - The Comet is Coming

(Impulse!)

The sophomore offering from The Comet Is Coming is the latest outstanding British jazz record, taking the reins from from Sons of Kemet’s 2017 offering Your Queen is a Reptile (incidentally another project with the involvement of Shabaka Hutchings), with more of an electronic, rock fusion. Fusion of the last twenty years has usually been the result of influence the other way, injected jazz into electronic, funk or rock music; but Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery appears to have come the opposite way. Foremostly a jazz record but enhanced and driven by elements of other genres, it’s catchy and passionate spiritual jazz, topped off with harks to Sun Ra and an inventive space-age theme. The Comet is Coming are yet more evidence of the burgeoning, world-leading London jazz scene and this is easily one of the year’s most striking and innovative releases. -E

Czarface Meets Ghostface - Czarface and Ghostface Killah

(Silver Age)

The follow up to the much-anticipated and mostly-forgotten Czarface Meets Metal Face, Czarface Meets Ghostface proves to be an enjoyable return to form for both Czarface and Ghostface Killah. As usual, all beats are produced by The Czar-Keys (7L and Jeremy Page) and are an electrifying mix of updated, gritty boom-bap, and futuristic beats reminiscent of early-morning superhero cartoons. Lyrically, the emcees really entertain, bringing the right amount of corniness needed for a project based around comic book superheroes, but still manage to sound imposing and even threatening when necessary. A specific standout moment is Esoteric’s verse on ‘The King Heard Voices’ in which he moves his way between four different flows with such ease. Comparisons with the collaboration with MF DOOM were always going to be drawn, and, for this album, that is a good thing. I’m not sure it would have been able to stand on its own, but in comparison, it shines. –M  

Remind Me Tomorrow - Sharon Van Etten

(Jagjaguwar)

Sharon Van Etten’s most lyrically and instrumentally developed record yet, Remind Me Tomorrow continues to carry Van Etten’s reputation for impressive songwriting and great capacity for reinvention. Her vocals are emotionally resonant and forthright and, helped by super-producer John Congleton, her instrumental developments clearly exceed that of her previous contemporary folk. Often the instrumentals here are moodier and heavy, even descending into lower-key, electronica-influenced, more Annie Clark-esque sound. Contrasting with that are lead singles ‘Comeback Kid’ and ‘Seventeen’, which have a Springsteen stomp to them, but mostly Remind Me Tomorrow’s tracks are of a more sullen quality. Well written, well produced, well performed, there isn’t much more one can ask of an indie album – and though Van Etten doesn’t pull out anything spectacular out of the bag on Remind Me Tomorrow, it’s one of the year’s strongest releases and a progressive release for her artistically. -E

This Is How You Smile - Helado Negro

(Rvng)

Robert Carlos Lange takes a step back from his usual focus on race and politics to reflect on his life and hone in on his musical soundscapes. Latin folk and atmospheric synths are mixed beautifully to create a cathartic listening experience which Lange guides us through with his gentle vocals, switching back and forth between English and Spanish. Lange’s hauntological influences are evident more than ever on Smile. Beneath the cosy, relaxed instrumentals there are field recordings and unnerving samples which give the nostalgic feel of a Caretaker project, with some of its dejectedness too. The perfect example of this is ‘Fantasma Vaga’, which directly translates to “Ghost Knife” in which Lange describes a supernatural figure over droning synths and sparse steel drums. The triumph of Smile is this ability to overlay and mix these tranquil folk songs, with a hint of discomfort, giving it just the right amount of edge. –M

Crushing - Julia Jacklin

(Polyvinyl)

The 2010’s have become synonymous with female singer-songwriter indie folk; Sharon van Etten, Angel Olsen and Courtney Barnett are just some of the artists who have really championed the genre. It has, however, become rather saturated in the past couple of years, making it that much harder to standout and make a name for oneself. Julia Jacklin has a lot to say, however, and is determined to be heard. Themes of betrayal, loneliness and acceptance are touched upon in a mature and articulate way. Jacklin stands out because she really gets into her subject matter; she intensely scrutinises herself and her surroundings in order to find answers to her questions and solutions to her problems. It is empowering and refreshing to hear an artist not only acknowledging their struggle with humanity and empathy, but so confidently confront and explore it. –M

Love Is - Jungstötter

(PIAS)

Gaining some buzz from his tour with Soap&Skin this spring, Fabian Alstötter’s debut album under the name Jungstötter is a gloomy affair. The name Jungstötter is a mix of his family name and the German word ‘jungstoter’, which translates to ‘young dead’, which perfectly embodies the overall theme of this record. The general slow pace of the album is occasionally disrupted by more intense and chaotic moments, creating some really dynamic and striking tracks. On listening to this record, a barrage of familiar sounds will flood your ears. From the intense baritone ballads of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds to the androgynous vocals of ANOHNI, there is a wealth of alternative art rock influences dotted throughout. Though, at times, Alstötter does seem reliant on his influences, it is a marvellous debut from the German, obviously keen to form his own signature sound. –M

[X X] - 이달의 소녀 [LOONA]

(BlockBerryCreative)

Loona’s reissued EP is a modern and fashionable set of pop tunes pretty typical of K-pop but with some characteristics Western listeners might find in the work of Grimes or, to a lesser extent, other electro-pop artists like SOPHIE and Charli XCX. Considering there are twelve members of Loona, [X X] is a watertight release, even if it stylistically varies a bit between tracks. Opener ‘X X’ combines electronic chillwave with dubstep in an interesting way, followed by the very modern album highlight ‘Butterfly’; and while many of the rest of the tracks aren’t particularly memorable, they certainly aren’t dull – ‘Colors’ even seems overtly influenced by American R’n’B. With all its similarities to Western pop, it’s easy to see [X X] as a record that could be a gateway into Korean pop music for Western listeners; with the added bonus of being of slightly more substance than your usual idol group. -E

Elephantine - Maurice Louca

(Northern Spy)

A by-product of the Arab Spring in 2011 was the development of a flourishing music scene in Egypt. Cairo-born composer and performer, Maurice Louca, is one of the most exciting names to have risen from this scene. On his third project, Elephantine, Louca explores native Egyptian jazz, surrounding them in the avant-garde. On the track ‘One More for the Gutter’, outbursts of free jazz are complemented by the intensity of guitar-led post-rock. Whilst the finale, ‘Al Khawaga’ is a powerful, repetitive groove littered with swinging horns and hectic drum fills. Elephantine is an inventive exploration, covering immense musical ground throughout its six compositions. –M

Malibu Ken - Malibu Ken

(Rhymesayers)

Aesop Rock has always kept a low profile and doesn’t seem too fussed about reaching the mainstreams. This collaboration with Tobacco of Black Moth Super Rainbow fame certainly doesn’t’ change that as his infamously lengthy and challenging bars have finally found a match. Tobacco’s own brand of neo-psychedelia and indietronica is so out of skew with traditional hip-hop beats that it gives Aesop an edge which he has certainly been missing in the past couple of years. Aesop revisits old themes and is as introspective and philosophical as ever, and opener, ‘Corn Maze’, and ‘Suicide Big Gulp’ showcase some of the best flows of his career. Tobacco’s production is faultless throughout the entire ten tracks, which is good to hear after last year’s lacklustre BMSR effort. Aesop Rock’s dry, esoteric style finds a new home in Tobacco’s weird world of psychedelia. –M

Girl With Basket of Fruit - Xiu Xiu

(Polyvinyl)

Even for Xiu Xiu, Girl With Basket of Fruit is a wild release. Post-pop, post-industrial, post-punk and post-everything, there’s nothing comfortable or light about it – especially compared to the Arcade Fire-cum-lunatic style of 2017’s Forget. So much of this record is unsettled and eerie, isolating and unpredictable. There’s bits of Swans (Thor Harris showing through), some Einstürzende Neubauten, some Suicide, some drone, some Baroque. There’s no belittling Xiu Xiu’s ability to entirely manipulate mood, and here demonstrates again the emotive uniqueness of Jamie Stewart’s exulting, uber-dramatic vocals as well as a new, unsettling sound that includes a pretty vast array of instruments from upright bass to electronic percussion. I’ll be listening to this for years before getting anywhere close to actually dissecting and understanding what Xiu Xiu are doing here, but that’s what makes it so compelling. There’s nothing else like it, an album of intriguingly formless music that’s worth hearing just to for the experience of being so entirely, helplessly intrigued. ­-E