Release Date: 5 April 2024
Khruangbin
A LA SALA
A standout act in modern music, the Houston trio Khruangbin get back to their roots with their fourth studio album ‘A LA SALA’. This feels like an extension of their earlier albums such as ‘Con Todo El Mundo’. By far my album of the week, has constantly been on repeat since release.
Genre:
Psychedelic Rock, Alternative
Tasting notes:
Great for easy as well as in-depth listening, with many subtle elements. Makes for terrific ambient background music while entertaining friends, or when taking in nature.
Standout Tracks:
Juegos y Nubes – This song felt like an old friend, and as if it was a sequel to one of the bands earlier hits.
Les Petits Gris – Embodies the feeling of the end of a great night.
Looking for more:
Anything from Khruangbin’s catalogue
Kamasi Washington
Dream State
The Saxophonist teams up with newly crowned fellow woodwind artist Andre 3000 for this dreamy tune. The song is one of three singles released from Washington’s upcoming album Fearless Movement, giving us an idea of what to expect when the full album is released on 3 May. Washington has called the song “a celebration of life” and was totally improvised by the two feeding off one another
Genre:
Jazz, Woodwind
Tasting notes:
An 8 minute journey, this one starts very mellow and crescendo’s, whilst still retaining a calm feel.
Looking for more:
First Responders by Dinner Party, Raisins Under the Sun by Yussef Dayes, anything from Pharaoh Sanders
Release Date: 5 April 2024
Release Date: 1 March 2024
Mildlife
Chorus
The third studio album from the psych-jazz, funk fusion out of Melbourne Australia is a gem. Despite being around since 2013, this is my first exposure to the band after stumbling across this album. Since then I’ve been obsessed, combing through the bands previous releases to uncover multiple great tunes.
Genre:
Psychedelic Jazz, Acid Jazz, Funk, Fusion
Tasting notes:
Funky, Downtempo and Trancey with great guitar, synths and percussion elements. A measured approach that keeps a consistent groove throughout. Great for a sunny arvo.
Standout Tracks:
Forever – Strong bass-line followed with perfectly placed percussion drums is a instant hook
Sunrise – A fitting name, and once again the bass-line pulls you in from the start
Looking for more:
Automatic from Mildlife, & Dean Town by Vulfpeck
Resolution 88
Final Approach
The single from their upcoming album ‘Vortex’ which is releasing on July 19, this transcendent late-night groove “mimics the pulsing landing lights” of a plane on a runway.
Genre:
Jazz, Funk, Synth Jazz
Tasting notes:
Late-night listening whilst taking in a cityscape. Feels older than it’s time with a very 80’s nostalgia.
Looking for more:
‘Summer Madness’ by Kool & the Gang, Inspired by Herbie Hancock’s Man-Child, ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ by Roy Ayers Ubiquity
Release Date: 12 April 2024
Release Date: 13 October 2017
Westside Gunn & MF DOOM
Gorilla Monsoon
Despite coming out in 2017, this one has been in rotation for me a lot recently having only been recently discovered. This came out before Westside Gunn & Griselda had rose to international fandom, and is reflected in it’s little known status despite featuring the heavy hitting MF DOOM. Both compliment each other very well, would have been great to hear these two create more before DOOM’s untimely death.
Genre:
Hip-Hop/Rap, Boom Bap
Tasting notes:
Features a classic Griselda ominous, swirling beat which and classic lyricism from both artists.
Looking for more:
2 Stings By Westside Gun & MF DOOM, which is the b-side of the single, Mamas Primetime by Westside Gunn
Future & Metro Boomin
We Still Don't Trust You
After the release of ‘We Don’t Trust You’ which featured the Kendrick Lamar verse which started the ongoing beef between multiple rappers and Drake, Future and Metroboomin’ have followed up just two weeks later. This album is a lot more R&B inspired than the previous release.
Genre:
Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B, Trap
Tasting notes:
Lots of R&B style beats and vocals, and a lot more mellow than the album released a couple of weeks prior.
Standout Tracks:
We Still Don’t Trust You – The opening track is my favourite. Features The Weeknd heavily with a dreamy beat.
