Release Date: 22 May 2024
BADBADNOTGOOD
Mid Spiral: Order
A week on from EP that I covered last week, these guys are back at it again with another EP in the Mid Spiral series they seem to be putting together, which seems like it will have one more addition titled ‘Growth’. This one is a lot more their traditional sound, particularly the opener, contains a lot more emphasis on reed instruments and has some Latin/Bossa Nova influence (see Juan’s World & Taco Taco which is awesome). Love it, keep these EP’s coming fellas!
Genre:
Jazz, Latin Jazz, Bossa Nova
Tasting notes:
A lot less guitar focussed than previous, more woodwind and some Latin influence. Still relaxed and calm listening.
Standout Tracks
Taco Taco is great and funny too
Looking for more:
Ezra Collective
Release Date: 12 April 2024
English Teacher
This Coluld Be Texas
Northern England has been rockin’ recently, with loads of new talent emerging from underground. This Leeds band mash genres and influences from all over the place on their debut album, nodding to Gen-Z references and commentating on current affairs and politics.
Genre:
Post-Punk, Alternative, Indie-Prog, Folk,
Tasting notes:
What the vibe of the song is, some listening recommendations, situation to listen etc.
Standout Tracks
The world’s Biggest Paving Slab is awesome grungy feel
Mastermind Specialism, great lyrics on this one
Looking for more:
Some similarities to Wet Leg (particularly on I’m not Crying, You’re Crying), Also reminds me of Sleaford Mods/Billy No Mates
Release Date: 19 May 2022
Silvan Struss
FACING
Almost like a beat tape, this one is short and sharp album, 10 songs and just under 22 minutes. Despite this, every song feels a complete piece in itself. Strauss is a talented drummer and musician from Hamburg who’s on the up, so keep an eye out. Check out this video of a live session from the album.
Genre:
Jazz, Jazz-Hop
Tasting notes:
Snappy drums with jazzy influences
Standout Tracks
The opener The Snake is outrageously dope, someone who can rap needs to snap this beat up!
Looking for more:
Jazzbois do some similar stuff, Yussef Dayes is a fair comparison with the drumming but this is less pure jazz for sure.
Release Date: 24 May 2024
Vince Staples
Dark Times
The Long Beach native has released what he has touted as his last album on Def Jam’s label. I think this one will please his fan base, and seems to reminisce on his career so far at many points. Overall great and complete album cover to cover, it’s pretty amazing to see where Staples is musically at this point in his career.
Genre:
Hip-Hop, Rap
Tasting notes:
What the vibe of the song is, some listening recommendations, situation to listen etc.
Standout Tracks
Étouffée – This one will be popular with his fans, has a classic Vince Staples feel.
Government Cheese – I liked this one, probably due to the homage to ‘Blue Suede’ from his debut album in 2014.
Shame on The Devil is beautiful and thought provoking.
Looking for more:
Isaiah Rashad is similar I feel in terms of vibe, and talented yet staying surprisingly underground.
Release Date: 31 March 2023
Modha
Endless Thoughts
From the album Through the Cycle, this is a chill instrumental jazz tune. I think the name sums it up, and when listening I find my mind becomes contemplative.
Genre:
Jazz
Tasting notes:
Helps you drift off into thought without even realising. Great train music for watching the world go by.
Looking for more:
Chip Wickham
