Readers of this column and listeners of my weekly radio show The Antidote will know that I am becoming increasingly obsessed with this little thing called ‘bass music’ and all its various (never-ending/ever-expanding) incarnations. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the downtempo hip-hop adventures from labels such as Brainfeeder, Alpha Pup, Fat City et al. Of particular note is the debut album from 23 year old Lorn, a cat from the Midwest of the US. Nothing Else has just been released on none other than Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label and it’s very impressive indeed. Lorn is the only dude inducted into the Brainfeeder camp to not come outta LA and his sound is undeniably darker than those of his label mates. Mastered by Christopher Clark (so you know the overall sound is going to be top notch) the album is washed in melancholy atmosphere and dynamic beauty. There’s a definite modern r‘n’b style twist to his sound, but Lorn expresses in a wholly individual way to create his own sound. Highly recommended. Also on the agenda in the instrumental hip-hop field are new LPs from Alex B, Take and DJ Nobody and EPs from Tokimonsta, Darkhouse Family and Shlohmo. All great music of the downtempo variety so get digging and treat those ears.
Over to the legendary Planet Mu stable now and the new LP from the renowned Ital Tek who has been getting extremely busy with a slew of quality new releases. I’m really feeling his new LP Midnight Colour which finds him expanding his musical palette to more Joker styled half-step and other 2-step meandering like label mate Kuedo. Midnight Colour is the perfect mood music, full of colour and featuring some incredibly beautiful melodies (ear worms galore!). Also on Planet Mu is the brand new LP from Philly’s Starkey. Ear Drums & Black Holes is pure sonic wizardry. Sometimes crunked out heaviness, other times blissful ambient sci-fi beauty but always essential listening. Forthcoming on the label is the debut LP from Barcelona born Oriol. Entitled Night & Day, he has created what Mu call ‘the perfect summer album.’ Taking in influences from Herbie Hancock to Theo Parrish to create his own ‘off-world utopia,’ the snippets I’ve heard sound very promising, so looking forward to hearing the full LP.
On the straight up hip-hop top, the legendary Roots crew have returned (again!) for their third outing on Def Jam. How I Got Over explores the same theme over its short running time and harkens back to the more organic live days of Illadelph Halflife to great effect. Black Thought again proves that he is the most underrated emcee in the States and the band provides mellow backgrounds for his keen social extrapolations. Featuring some inspired guests (Monsters Of Folk, Joanna Newsom) and some familiar faces (Dice Raw, Peedi Crakk), How I Got Over is another jewel in The Roots’ crown.
You’ll be able to check out sounds from the above releases and much more at a night me and the Mercury Switch crew are kicking off at Hippo Bar on Saturday July 10. Low Freqz will showcase quality sounds (both new and classic) of the bass variety, taking in influence from a number of genres; hip-hop, glitch, dubstep, d‘n’b, future garage and much more. If you like your music bass heavy and forward thinking, come join us on the night.
Queensland’s The Optimen are also dropping into town to promote their latest rap opus The Out Of Money Experience which is out now through Inertia. They’ll be at Transit Bar on Saturday July 17.
Ahh snap, outta room for another fortnight. Time to keep it moving people.
To hear music from all the above releases and more, tune to The Antidote on 2XX 98.3FM every Tuesday night from 9.30-11pm. Stream the show live at: www.2xxfm.org.au.
Roshambo
