Music Round-Up Q3: Sublime Summer
Since the last quarterly round up, my life has completely changed. I married the girl of my dreams in the hottest summer in memory and already I can see that marriage is life’s greatest adventure of all. Our honeymoon in Croatia was perfect and coming back to Normal Life™ has been hard, but I’m learning so much about being a husband every day and am so excited about the future. Anyway, I listened to some music too; here are the best bits of that.
Before I jump in — here are a few albums that I got into this summer but that came out earlier on in the year. I like to think not much gets past me but of course it definitely does. At the very end of this piece I’ve written a few thoughts on the Mercury Prize too which was awarded last week.
Tierra Whack — Whack World: On paper, an album of 15 one-minute rap songs sounds like an absolute nightmare but Tierra Whack has the magnetic charisma and unique sound to completely knock it out the park. Whew.
Confidence Man — Confident Music For Confident People: This is a seriously silly collection of dance-pop songs but it’s just so much fun that it cannot be dismissed. I don’t know anything about the outfit but it absolutely jams.
Gaz Coombes — World’s Strongest Man: Stupidly I passed up on his last few solo albums but luckily I got wise on this one on my uncle’s recommendation. Coombes has a real undeniable character and an amazing ear for melody.
Let’s Eat Grandma — I’m All Ears: I wasn’t really a fan of the duo’s debut, whose rave reviews seemed largely focused on their young age. However this is a dreamy yet punchy follow up that has me hooked for the long haul.
July
Deadboy — Psychic Hotline EP: The summer kicked off with a 6-song hazy beat driven release from old favourite producer Deadboy. His late 00’s, early-10’s run of singles will keep me checking out anything that he puts his name to.
Future — Beast Mode 2: After last year’s stunning direction-change HNDRXX, a sequel for an album that preceded it didn’t entice me. But it’s another good example of Future’s expensive soullessness over Zaytoven’s heavenly keys.
Suicideyear — Color The Weather: I got into producer Suicideyear through the label he’s on LuckyMe. Last year’s Hate Songs EP really pulled me in and this full length capitalised on its promise, with Shlohmo-esque spooky beats.
Pariah — Here From Where We Are: Like Deadboy, I’ll always support Pariah based on his pioneering turn of the decade post-dubstep. 6 years since his last official release he returns with a pretty yet uneventful ambient release.
Deafheaven — Ordinary Corrupt Human Love: I’m no metal fan, but whatever it is that Deafheaven make; I love it. Like most people my eyes were opened with Sunbather and I’ve enjoyed everything they’ve done since, this included.
Lotic — Power: Melding futuristic R’n’b and experimental electronic music via the black, queer experience, Lotic’s first album for Tri Angle is a disorientating and singularly thrilling experience like no other. Equally scary and beautiful.
Dirty Projectors — Lamp Lit Prose: Last year’s self-titled album was my first DP experience (sorry) and it’s oddball catchiness hit me just right. This new one isn’t quite as instant but it’s a lovely album — count me as a fan.
Nef The Pharaoh & 03 Greedo — Porter 2 Grape EP: I’d always quite like Nef but didn’t get the hype around now-incarcerated Greedo until here. The 2 compliment each other perfectly and the storytelling over hard beats is great.
Buddy — Harlan & Alondra: I have Kaytranada to thank for getting me into Buddy; their collab EP being a highlight of 2017. Buddy easily recaptures the magic again on the full-length (and without Kay.) One to watch for sure.
The Internet — Hive Mind: White topping the star-studded Ego Death is a potentially impossible feat, The Internet’s latest album is a stunning groove session; the perfect soundtrack to hazy summer mornings and nights alike.
88rising — Head In The Clouds: Shining a spotlight on amazing Asian hip hop talent, 88rising are possibly the most exciting label around. But instead of a murky menacing collection, HITC was the most infectious summer party of ‘18
Quentin Miller — Q.M.: Miller’s star was nearly eclipsed by the Drake ghostwriting gig which is hip hop’s biggest injustice right now. His latest project is sharp, ice cold and should not be missed. Hugely underrated.
Denzel Curry — TA13OO: One of the most hotly anticipated releases of 2018 for me, and it did not disappoint. Curry has been a head and shoulders above the competition for a while now but this album secured him as a rap legend.
RL Grime — Nova: WeDidIt’s biggest crossover act returns with second album following the brilliant VOID in 2014. This one couldn’t resist the EDM lure that had always tempted the producer and was a glossy step backward for me.
Jazz Cartier — Fleurever: One of hip hop’s most underrated stars continues to save us from that other Toronto rapper. While not as instant as his last album, this was a dark, heady adventure in Cartier’s world. He should be huge.
Gaika — Basic Volume: The lead single ‘Crown & Key’ had me expecting an AOTY contender from Brixton’s own Gaika, which was perhaps unfair. He is clearly a unique artist doing something bold and different — stick with it.
G Herbo & Southside — Swervo: G Herbo is unstoppable at the moment, and teaming up with Atlanta legend Southside for the beats is a surefire hit. Bringing 21 Savage, Chief Keef, Juice WRLD & Young Thug along was great.
Ross From Friends — Family Portrait: I love a surprise discovery and this album was it for me this summer. Electronic music is done best when a young producer takes influence from the right places but forges something new.
Appleby — Happiness: I’ve been a fan of Appleby since he made one of my favourite songs of 2015 ‘Bitter Boy’ This mini album is a lot less angry and incredibly positive — the perfect listen for the summer.
August
Travis Scott — Astroworld: I loved Rodeo but was kind of indifferent to Scott’s work after it. Which is partly why it was quite so exciting to hear him release the best work of his young career. The sound of an artist playing to their peak.
YG — Stay Dangerous: I’ve always loved a couple of songs from each YG album and this one continues the trend. For me the burst of gospel at the end of the opening song is by far the most brilliant moment, which tells you something.
Mac Miller — Swimming: Near impossible to write about this album which came out only just over a month before its creator tragically passed away. I said it at the time though: this was his best work, his most important.
Sinjin Hawke & Zora Jones — Vicious Circles EP: The power couple of the experimental electronic world; EP is another thrilling instalment in both their careers. Couples who produce together stay together I guess.
Trippie Redd — Life’s A Trip: The official debut of the 19 year old singer/rapper had the weight of expectation on its shoulders and sadly didn’t match the mixtapes’ promise. But he is quite a unique voice so give him time.
Nicki Minaj — Queen: Hard to enjoy the album free from the context of her indignation of missing the #1 spot. I’ve never been a big Minaj fan but was looking forward to seeing what she did here. Sadly, more of the same by large.
Nef The Pharaoh — The Big Chang Theory: Much like the aforementioned Trippie Redd, Nef is a young singer/rapper whose mixtapes created a lot of hype but this debut proper failed to wow me like ‘Everything Big’ did.
Tirzah — Devotion: This was another sweet bolt from the blue this season. I knew of Tirzah through Mica Levi and her feature on Baauer’s album last year but this debut shows a special creative talent with no immediate peers.
Iglooghost — Clear Tamei EP & Steel Mogu EP: 21 year old Irish producer Iglooghost does not make music of this world, or even of this dimension. These 2 EPs released on the same day just make him even harder to pin down.
Moses Sumney — Black in Deep Red, 2014 EP: I had the honour of seeing Sumney in a tiny basement club last year which secured him as a genius in my eyes. This 3 song follow up to last year’s Aromanticism is more perfection.
Hilang Child — Years: I met Ed through friends as he’s just moved to Brighton and released his debut album on Bella Union. He’s got an absolutely stunning voice which makes these songs come alive. A must-see live.
Young Thug & YSL — Slime Language: Anticipation for new Young Thug music was dampened somewhat when we realised it was a label compilation, but the high points are still great fun. Still waiting for some real Thugger tho.
Mitski — Be The Cowboy: With far less guitar than the Rock-y Puberty 2 it was testament to Mitski’s songwriting and singing talent that she could release an album every bit as stunning while using totally different sounds.
Stefflon Don — Secure: From the legend-worshipping cover art to the explosive production, it’s clear that London’s own Stefflon Don is a scholar of rap. The first international artist on an XXL Freshman list she’s done us proud.
Animal Collective — Tangerine Reef: This was actually the first Animal Collective album I’d listened to since Merriweather so it was a nice trip down memory lane, if really not up to the standard of their late 00’s output.
Death Cab For Cutie — Thank You For Today: Another nostalgia trip with this one as I’d been out the loop with them for about a decade too. This was a nice reminder of what a great songwriter Gibbard is but sent me to the older stuff.
Bugzy Malone — B. Inspired: There aren’t enough grime MCs from outside of London. Enter Manchester’s Bugzy Malone with his first proper debut full length. It’s earnest but hard, gritty but fun all at the same time. Real good.
Anna Meredith — Anno: Four Seasons: I’ve been intrigued by Scottish composer Anna Meredith’s work for a while so when I heard she was reimagining Vivaldi’s best known work I jumped in — I wasn’t disappointed.
Hermit And The Recluse (Ka) — Orpheus Vs. The Sirens: Ka is one of the smartest and most undersung rappers in the game. Here he teams up with producer Animoss to reframe Greek Mythology in the streets of Brooklyn.
Blood Orange — Negro Swan: I’ve loved Dev Hynes, in various monikers for many years. Blood Orange is his best project yet and this latest album is a delight. It’s better than his last, but the lacks the immediacy of Cupid Deluxe.
Bas — Milky Way: J. Cole’s Dreamville imprint is on a roll right now what with J.I.D and Eathgang killing everything. But longtime signee Bas has been consistently great for a while now. This new one is another jewel in his crown.
Star Slighter & Scally — First Love Music: Star Slinger knows how to make a sunny melody more than any other producer right now. Maybe it’s because he’s escaped the gloomy UK for beautiful Slovenia but this is pure jubilance.
Interpol — Marauder: I’ve struggled with Interpol post-departure of founding member and bassist extraordinaire Carlos D — but this is their best work since. Paul Banks’ inimitable vocals anchor the songs as they try new, good things.
Big Red Machine — Big Red Machine: Back in 2009 4AD released a compilation to raise money for RED. One of its best songs was a Bon Iver/The National’s Aaron Dessner collab. They return here with a full album that good.
Idles — Joy As An Act Of Resistance: This was my biggest left-field love this season. Idles debut didn’t connect with me but this second one is jam packed with amazingly visceral, powerful punk songs about Britain in 2018. Epic.
Eminem — Kamikaze: I’ve never been an Em fan and I think this is actually the first album of his I’ve made it all the way through. Despite still disliking his voice and the lyrics, I did enjoy the fiery passion and his flows on this one.
Don Q — Don Season 2: Don Q feels like a rapper from a different era. His gravelly tone would be familiar in the bling era or before but he makes it work today with the help of great production. Still waiting on a statement though.
HONNE — Love Me / Love Me Not: I just finally listened to this just before finishing this piece and it’s really good. The synths on it are really nice and his voice soars over them masterfully. Keen to check out some more from these.
September
Joey Purp — Quarterthing: Purp is to Chance what Q is to Kendrick — he’s the hard-talking firebrand of the group and this follow up to his flawless debut tries lots of different things and is a non-stop thrill from start to finish.
$UICIDEBOY$ — I WANT TO DIE IN NEW ORLEANS: These guys inhabit a dark corner of hip hop which seems to be threatening the group’s own existence even as this debut comes out. It’s a statement to their influence in dark trap.
Maribou State — Kingdoms In Colour: I’ve been a fan of these producers since my uni days but their debut didn’t quite capture their magic. A few years on they’ve come so far and this latest is an absolute delight. Euphoric magic.
YGN Gang — YBN Mixtape: I didn’t expect much from this because I don’t really get the appeal of Nahmir. But between Cordae, Almight Jay and the killer production this actually ended up being a great listen, even at <1 hour.
Yves Tumour — Safe In The Hands Of Love: Genuinely at a loss at how to describe this. It has the restless experimentalism of the great producers today but the vocals somehow call to mind the late Lil Peep. All things — just listen.
mmph — Serenade EP: I got into mmph from his production of the stupendous serpentwithfeet record but it didn’t prepare for such a stunning display across this magical 5 song collection. Some sounds here I’ve never heard before.
Octavian — Spaceman: I was lucky enough to see Octavian live recently and it was really special. Harder than Drake, cooler than Rocky; this first full statement cements him as the most exciting new act to come out the UK.
6LACK — East Atlanta Love Letter: The excellent sophomore from R’n’B singer 6LACK places him firmly among the Ty Dollas, Bryson Tillers and Jeremih’s of the scene, but he has something more yearning and fragile about his work.
Noname — Room 25: I love what Noname does but for some reason Telefone didn’t hit me the way it did critics. This, however I found totally stunning. I love her spoken word delivery over the jazzy instrumentation. She’s a star.
Yumi And The Weather — Yumi And The Weather: I was particularly excited to hear this for a few reasons: 1) she’s from my hometown, 2) there’s a song called ‘Callum’ on it and 3) she has a genius ear for melody and this is ace.
Jungle — For Ever: Kind of more of the same from these guys which isn’t exactly a bad thing but the first album has been played out a bit. If you listen at all, make sure it’s to the song ‘Cosurmyne’ which is serious gold.
KAMI — Very Slight EP: Also of Chance’s Savemoney crew, this was my intro to Kami and it didn’t disappoint. The track with Chano & Purp is an instant smash and the whole thing is produced by Vic Mensa’s Smoke Ono partner.
Roc Marciano — Behold a Dark Horse: As time goes on I’m enjoying the film noire side of hip hop more and more particularly between Ka and this guy. With prod. from The Alchemist and Q-Tip this is his best so far for me.
Brockhampton — Iridescence: From the boy band that gave me my favourite albums of 2017; it’s been a rough time for them since but somehow they’ve emerged victorious with a well deserved #1. They just get better and better.
Ryan Hemsworth — Elsewhere: The Canadian Prince is one of my favourite producers and this is his most collaborative effort yet. While I do miss his solo work, his choice of vocalists here is impeccable and it’s a brilliant album.
Ash Koosha — Return 0: So apparently Koosha co-wrote this album with an A.I. computer or something…but the important thing is the robot contributes no vocals and the album is really good. Pushing the boundaries of electronics.
JMSN — Velvet: Admittedly it took me a while to come round to JMSN’s particular brand of soul funk but I finally hold my hands up: this is amazing. It’s Awaken My Love level and in ‘So Badly’ he has a classic love song.
Lupe Fiasco — Drogas Wave: Early feedback called this both a return to form and the hip hop record of the year. I can’t agree with either statement but it’s cool to here him doing his full-conscious thing. Too long & muddled though.
Miink — Small Clan: Every now and then you check out an album purely based on its artwork and this was mine in 2018. The singer-songwriter is from London and makes beautiful, lo-fi R’n’B which begs you to find out more.
Father — Awful Swim: I’ve enjoyed Awful Records’ output for a long time now and its figurehead Father has put out some great work of his own however this album didn’t really catch my imagination and his delivery sort of grated.
Young Thug — On The Run EP: Hands up — I was expecting a full length so this EP already started on the backfoot. Transcendent Elton John reimagining aside, it’s nothing hugely new from the man we’ve expected the world from.
Tim Hecker — Konoyo: I love an artist who commits themselves to a new thing for each project. 2016’s Love Streams was the Icelandic Choir Ensemble and this time it’s a Japanese classical music: gagaku ensemble. It’s amazing.
Logic — YSIV: I’ve really enjoyed some Logic releases in the past but I’ve also agreed with the criticisms of corniness he’s been plagued by. While the Wu Tang joint on this is amazing, the rest totally rubbed me up the wrong way.
SOB x RBE — GANGIN II: Like a lot of people, I got into these guys through their incendiary song on the Black Panther soundtrack. They announced they were splitting just before this released, and somehow it’s still infectiously fun.
Reason — There You Have It: Also on the Black Panther OST, Reason is the latest signing to TDE (who curated the soundtrack.) He’s hard nosed but raps over some great production — somewhere between Jay Rock and Kendrick.
Lil Wayne — Tha Carter V: It’s finally here. 7 years after the last instalment and about 4/5 years in the making — there was no way this could live up to the wait. But somehow it did, despite the bloated length and some of the songs ageing somewhat. There’s a posthumous XXXtentacion feature and no Drake, beats Swizz Beatz, Zaytoven and Metro Boomin and the most deranged Kendrick appearance for years. It’s framed around his heart-warming relationship with his mother and on the last track, finally admits to her — and us — that the accidental shooting aged 12 was actually a suicide attempt. It reminded us of what captured out imagination about Wayne in the first place — he’s from another world.
Mercury Prize 2018
And finally, just a quick word on my favourite music award — The Mercury Prize. As you probably well know, Wolf Alice took the gong home this year which I felt was well deserved. While I’m not a fan of their music it’s clear they’ve worked hard, done things their way and reached a lot of people. For my money — it should have gone to King Krule who should have been nominated for his last album too. I was also really glad to see Richard Russell’s Everything Is Recorded record nominated too and his performance on the night with last year’s winner Sampha was the highlight. Bookies’ favourite Nadine Shah would’ve been an awesome win and I really enjoyed revisiting the album in anticipation. Jazz act Sons of Kemet did far more than previous token nominees and it would’ve been great to see the score reset with them getting it. Novelist and Jorja Smith both would’ve been wicked wins even if I wasn’t mad about their records. It remains a mystery to me how Florence & the Machine or Lily Allen were on the list at all and the nods to Noel Gallagher and Arctic Monkeys were totally gratuitous. Had I been involved in the nominations I would have definitely have had some more electronic music on there, from Mount Kimbie to Four Tet to Jon Hopkins or SOPHIE the genre was criminally underlooked. But hey, let rock music have its moment.
