Jess Glynne is back with a killer throwback dance track. It falls somewhere between the new wave of Brit dance pop and 90s soul house (with some Disclosure flavor in there). Her vocals are full and powerful, just what’s necessary to carry such a heavy and forward beat. With some playful saxophone, perfectly placed snares, and undeniably danceable bass, Right Here is my new favorite party track.
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.
Calling all poptimists. Katy Perry is streaming her new album. I love that we’re getting more 80s, some early 90s dance, and just damn good (likely chart topping) pop songs again. Um, I like, totally love it.
Simply put, Autre Ne Veut’s (AKA Arthur Ashin) sophomore, Anxiety, is a Pop masterpiece. Hugely produced in all the right ways (a deviation from Ashin’s usual bedroom R&B recording and style), masterfully layered and delightfully original. And while his music is exciting and new, it (like anything and everything) exists within a musical and cultural context, and isn’t ashamed to play with that. Ashin doesn’t hesitate to draw heavily on an array of influences, and while being innovative he still recognizes that in a sense, nothing is original. Continue reading
Doctor Who’s TARDIS has nothing on Naytronix’s debut record Dirty Glow. It’s a party time machine, taking us to the future and the past without omitting a single spine-tingling detail. Nate Brenner, popularized as the bassist for tUnE-yArDs, has fused Experimental Pop with Jazz in a way that sparks fireworks and incites dancing. The record features horns interwoven with funky electronic beats, sweet barbershop melodies between zippers, irresistible cadences, and beautiful harmonies amidst chaotic percussion. Continue reading
Kaiotic Music 