Basement Jaxx – Unicorn

Basement Jaxx is back with a new track and it’s absolute perfection.  The title Unicorn is perplexing, though…is it because a new track from Basement Jaxx has become as elusive as the fictional creature?  Is it because a House/Dance track this fresh is as volatile as a horse with a horn?  It’s very much in the vein of modern tracks that borrow from 90s dance music (and of course the song that defined a genre, Show Me Love), and on par with modern acts like Disclosure, who follow a similar style signature.   If the new album is anything like Scars, then it will borrow from trends in dance and house while elevating the style and establishing new niches (remember how Scars featured Dev Hynes?).  It also seems like this outfit strikes gold with fantastic animals- be it djing monkeys or vibing unicorns.  Can’t wait for this music video.

Boots – Dreams (feat. Beyoncé)

Wait, Beyoncé has released a new track and the world continues to rotate?  To be fair, it’s actually Beyoncé collaborator Boots‘ first track from his upcoming album, and he has somehow managed to take the spotlight while Bey provides some absolutely ethereal sultry background vocals.  Of course, I’m living for the bridge when she takes the driver’s seat, but honestly, Boots is holding his own here.  And the track itself is fantastic- modern yet completely reverent to R&B’s musical genealogy.  It sweeps into your ears, transitioning from romantic to ASTOUNDING.  At minute 4 and from then on out, what Bey is doing with her voice is literally slaying- the unexpected jump right at 4:00 is the money.   Enjoy this beautiful gift of music, and also, the proceeds are for a good cause.

Also, Boots is just on a role with amazing tracks (this debut is going to be…flawless).

X priest X – Samurai EP

Finally, X priest X has released their debut EP, Samurai.  With one brand new track, Enemy Mind, closing out the EP, the Floridian duo completes a unified and cohesive project, and creates an identifiable and established sound.  Watching them flourish from the release of the first single, Samurai, nearly a year ago, into a band that’s getting the right press around an amazing artistic endeavor is one of the most satisfying and exciting experiences for a fan and writer.  Listening to the EP over and over again certainly doesn’t disappoint either- an anticipated debut that satisfies on every level from a duo that has a very special brand of pop, with a surprising amount of darkness and desolation for such a sunny sound.  This is my pick for who to watch in 2014. File next to BREAK OUT ARTISTS.

 

Why do you think Dark Sun was cut from the EP?  Check it out below:

 

X priest X – Sophie K

X priest X does it again with the new cut from the debut EP Samurai (out on April 15th via Emotion).  The track they’ve debuted today, Sophie K, is in perfect synchronization with their focused sense of style- an emotional, dense yet hollow, 80s revamp on pure Pop. Given that it’s the week before they release their EP, and that this is the fourth single the Floridian duo has released, I suspect they are building their audience and their sound.  It’s a fulfilling journey to observe, from their captivating debut track, Samurai, to their follow ups Dark Sun and stand out track Isn’t It So.  If these are the tracks that comprise the EP, then keep your ears to the ground, for the vibrations are a hint of the rumblings to come.

Weekly Digest

 

 

It’s the playlist with the underrated yet worthy internet listens for this week.  Check it out.

RBTS WIN – Death Magic

An emerald of the south, Asheville, North Carolina has risen to American consciousness as a gastronomic capital, music hub, culture cultivator, and outdoor-lovers haven.  As far as being an ‘it’ spot for music, there’s the well-known Orange Peel, with Bob Dylan, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Arcade Fire gracing its stages, while The Smashing Pumpkins chose to kick off their reunion tour in 2007.  Additionally, EDM-chic Moogfest moved to Asheville, from NYC, in 2010.  A staple of Moogfest since its relocation has been sample manipulating dark-wave chill-hop duo RBTS WIN.  Fortunately for music lovers, this eclectic electro-hippie crowd is poised for something beyond bluegrass and appalachian folk, and RBTS WIN has become a beloved local act.

Longevity is on their side- RBTS WIN formed in the freaky-gorgeous mountain paradise in 2008, and have since been prolific in the indie festival circuit and Asheville’s budding electronic music scene.  The duo is releasing a deluxe digital edition of last years Palm Sunday on May 20th, and I’d like to reiterate a stunning single entitled Death Magic- a pulsing, transportive exploration of psych-pop.  Pop enough to be promisingly infectious, psych enough to be positively engaging, this track signals the latest shift in RBTS WIN’s aesthetic- possibly leaning towards approachability, and sweetly refining their Asheville weirdness into something slightly more comestible.  Kudos to this duo, who after putting in their time deserve some local and regional recognition for their long lasting and ever satisfying music.  Enjoy the cut below and snag a copy of Palm Sunday Deluxe.

On Rotation – April

 

Time flies, and so do new music releases.  In an attempt to attach longevity to music, and a timestamp to our soundtracks here is my 18th monthly on rotation playlist.  It’s alive, so subscribe for updates throughout the month of the best new music.

Oceaán – EP

 

Oceaán (Oliver Cean) may be working out of Manchester, and among a hub of innovative electronic soul production, but he still brings his Belgian oddities to the table.  England’s fostering environment makes just the right space for the most interesting new electronic soul & R&B outfits to emerge, and Oceaán is redefining Pop in a way that hasn’t been done since Jai Paul sort of released a debut full length.  Following the releases of Need U and To Lose, the EP doesn’t disappoint.  Instead it proves versatility, dynamism, intrigue, sexuality, and style.  All while maintaining a unique sound and voice, soaring into public recognition.

Get your digital copy or vinyl copy at Rough Trade on March 31st.

Weekly Digest

Here’s a collection of my favorite releases of the week.  With a couple well known names starting the playlist out strong, it also features some accidental stumble upons- soundcloud stumble upons.  Enjoy.

XOXO

On Rotation – March

There are moments of teasing cool gusts of wind, or the chirping of a bird outside your window, that remind you of the beauty that warmth brings into the world (before then remembering the constant and unbearable weight of summer heat).  This playlist is in reverence of the blooming of new things, and with new releases from tons of new artists as well as some career making moments from our old favorites, what better time than now for Spring to harken our musical musings?