2fiveonine is an electrifying debut, considering its fragile yet epic approach. Glaswegian Marco Bernardi demonstrates his mastery of rhythm on “Les Misereye,” tweaking mismatched staccato basslines into a prickly jigsaw of glowing melodies, and old-school ambient tracks “Ligrgirl” and “Acieob” could be lost parts of Selected Ambient Works. But it’s Bernardi’s deep love of Detroit sounds that melds these striking pieces into a cohesive whole: “Save Your Saviour” and “Scionide” conjure dreamy atmospheres from clear notes and messy synth swipes, recalling techno’s formidable early-’90s years with warm affection.
Omni Batterie
At some point, every artist could use a change of scenery, which Omni confirms on his latest effort. After dropping the decent but ultimately forgettable album Ballyhoo, this L.A. MC temporarily relocated to Australia to record Batterie–a release that’s noticeably more inspired than his last. Working mostly with Aussie producers like Bonez and Optamus, Omni sounds reenergized, rapping over everything from bottom-heavy bangers (“We Are All We Have”) to melodic D&B (“Boost”). Omni’s subject matter here may not be incredibly original, but even when he rhymes about preserving hip-hop (“My Culture”), this MC finally sounds like he’s got a cause.
New Year
Dan Deacon Releases Album
As an important member of the Baltimore warehouse scene, notably Wham City (download a copy of XLR8R 106 to read more about this), Dan Deacon is setting out to have fun on his latest album, Spiderman of the Rings. Listening to Deacon’s music feels akin to wandering through an electronic Candyland, with larger-than-life sounds going head-to-head with one another, and plenty of electronics coated in a fuzzy layer of static.
In his online biography, Deacon states that his mission is to take “music out of the esoteric intellectual gangs and hipster communities,” adding that he draws influence from Italian Futurism–the 20th Century art movement that professed a love of speed, technology, and violence. One listen to the manic tracks on Spiderman of the Rings, and Deacon’s affinity for the movement is understandable. One thing’s certain: He has a specific audience in mind with this release, one that includes neither gangstas nor hipsters. Mission accomplished.
Spiderman of the Rings is out May 8, 2007 on Carpark.
Tracklisting
1. Woody Woodpecker
2. The Crystal Cat
3. Wham City
4. Big Milk
5. Okie Dokie
6. Trippy Green Skulls
7. Snake Mistakes
8. Pink Batman
9. Jimmy Joe Rokhe
Bang Gang Announces Remix Contest, Releases Album
Icelandic music isn’t known for being upbeat. With Múm, Sigur Rós, and Bjork hailing from the region, true bangers are something of an anomaly. And while the name Bang Gang may imply dance-fervor, Iceland-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Bardi Johannsson’s project follows the familiar moody isolation of his aforementioned polar peers.
Johannsson’s newest offering, Something Wrong (From Nowhere), is an acoustic eclipse of dramatic semi-ballads (soft female vocals, lots of strings, and layered IDM drum-scapes). As off-putting as that may sound for those who want a band with the name “Bang Gang” to shovel out at least a few party staples, there is still hope.
A new release isn’t the only thing Johannsson is offering. His From Nowhere imprint and Fanatic Promotion are serving up a chance for one lucky bedroom kingpin to experience the motherland–all you have to do is turn out a killer remix of Bang Gang’s dream-pop hit “It’s Alright.” Johannsson himself will judge the remixes, and the winner will receive two tickets to Reykjavik, Iceland, two nights in a Reykjavik hotel, transportation to the hotel, and a shitload of exposure. Not too shabby (even if you have to endure two days of darkness).
Contestants should send MP3s of their remixes, and full names and email addresses to [email protected] by Friday, May 11, 2007. A winner will be notified on May 21.
Something Wrong is out now on From Nowhere.
Tracklisting
1. Inside
2. Follow
3. Something Wrong
4. It’s Alright
5. There Was A Whisper
6. Fporward and Reverse
7. Find What You Get
8. In the Morning
9. Stop In the Name of Love
10. Everything’s Gone
11. Contradictions
12. Look at the Sun
So Damn Fresh: Indie Rappers
Following in the footsteps of 2 Live Crew and JJ Fad, Gold Chains and Gravy Train!!!, Snap and Lil Jon, a new club rap canon emerges, guided by the same bass-inundated party-and-bullshit ethos, but availed of above-average vocabularies and high-speed internet connections. Meet Philly’s off-the-cuff MC Pase Rock, who many know through frequent appearances with Spank Rock and potty-mouthed partner-in-rhyme Amanda Blank. Brooklyn’s Bunny Rabbit and Black Cracker are the sonic incarnation of Williamsburg attitude with their cynical wordplay and sinister beats. Yelle and beat-maker Grand Marnier are France’s cotton-candy take on the genre, while Ed Banger’s Uffie (and her producer boyfriend Feadz) fuse Miami bass to the dirty sounds of French electro. Tampa’s Yo Majesty unwittingly stumbled into fast tempos by way of England’s David Alexander, who gave them free beats. Meanwhile, in the Midwest, ’90s dance informs the unhinged cadences of 19-year-old Milwaukee native Juiceboxxx and Chicago juke–the new incarnation of ghetto house–inspires internet phenom Kid Sister. This is the new era of indie rap, a generation that weighs authenticity against individuality, treats charisma as currency, and argues that sometimes style is substance.
What’s your sound?
My music style is a direct result of growing up biracial. For example, at times I think I sound really fun and effervescent but there’s always a hint of, “Aw heeeell naw’ know that bitch didn’t look at me crazy in my own house!” in there. Mmhmm, you might get stole on.
Describe your look.
A fine balance between Baby Phat layaway items from Marshall’s, Daffy’s, and TJ Maxx, and free shit my man gives me.
Name one article of clothing you can’t live without.
My single, solitary pair of Levis! I can’t afford another pair. After that, I’d say my Barney’s shopping bag/tote bag–it’s a big cave! I’ve got lipsticks, cell phones, a stolen Kinko’s employee card, and a big bottle of Frank’s RedHot sauce in there right now.
Any on-stage fashion disasters?
I rocked my first big show last year traipsing the stage with my bright pink Hawaiian-print high-leg panties showing out the back of my jeans. Everybody saw them–I think they were briefs. I threw those jeans away the other day.
What’s your sound?
Shunda K: Universal-woman-type shit.
Describe your look.
SK: Plain Jane: wife-beaters and jeans.
JB: Retro and punk. If I really had money, that’s how I’d roll.
Shon B: I’m lovable, but not to be fucked with ’cause I don’t fuck wit nobody.
?
Name one article of clothing you can’t live without.
SK: Wife-beaters and boxers. Sport bras too.
JB: Fucking boxers ’cause everything else sticks in ya p$#%@. I could not live without boxers–my life would be miserable. Muthafu@#$% Fruit of the Loom.
SB: Nike and some underwear–clean underwear–everyday. The briefs–the kind that look like bicycle pants.
Any on-stage fashion disasters?
JB: Hell naw, what da f&^% dat mean?
SK: Naw.
SB: No, not really, ’cause I haven’t had no money, so I know how to put thangs together.
What’s your sound?
Bunny Rabbit: Heartbeats of lions and tigers and bears, Christmas carols, and children laughing at the playground.
Black Cracker: Cats in an alleyway in heat, domestic violence, a sort of inner violence that is sexy from afar but from more close up has disturbingly bad breath.
Describe your look.
BR: Dollar-store snow globes of the Last Supper, porcelain angel wings, air-brushed “baby girl” tees, temporary tattoos of clichéd Chinese dragons, and colored bows.
BC: Broken-pigeon-wing hoodies and handkerchief halos, hollow rum bottles and high waters.
Name one article of clothing you can’t live without.
BR: My teddy bear and cubic zirconia, cuddle buddies and cheap promise rings.
BC: I try and wear my love like fresh kicks leaving the footprints of humanity’s possibilities in the snow.
Any on-stage fashion disasters?
BC: One time I asked a friend of mine to come on stage and dance. She ended up taking all her clothes off and kicking her arms and legs hysterically, caught me in the back of the head, made my mouth smash into the mic, busted my lip, and stained my shirt.
What’s your sound?
Yelle: My music is like a lollipop with a bit of spice in it. Dance booty music for dreams. Music for skirt-chasers.
GM: Grand Marnier’s liquor! Le rap, le rock, la pop, et le funk–a mix of all this music.
Describe your look.
Y: Chic and fun with colors. A bit sexy.
GM: Nike Air Marty McFlys with fluorescent laces.
Name one article of clothing you can’t live without.
Y: The bling-bling sounds of my wristlets.
GM: My sneakers. I can’t wear anything else on my feet.
Any on-stage fashion disasters?
Y: I did a live show at the Eurockéennes Festival in France with the price label stuck on my sweater hood. I think nobody saw it… I hope.
GM: Yelle’s price ticket on her back.
What’s your sound?
Juiceboxxx is energy music! Years of punk shows and rap/dance radio have set the tone. I love anything with the NRG vibe, be it The Ramones or Rod Lee.
Describe your look.
High-energy, wacky, loud, and fun. I like to dress with color because it makes sense to me as a rapper.
Name one article of clothing you can’t live without.
My shoes, although occasionally I lose them. (Shouts to the Laff Factory.)
Any on-stage fashion disasters?
I’m too busy raging but I’m sure it has happened. Fuck it though. You only live once!
What’s your sound?
T-Ski Valley meets Peaches and buys her a glass of champagne, they have a night of bliss, and nine months later they birth a baby boy named The Pase Rock and he loves him some Powerule.
Describe your look.
My personal style is my personal Jesus, dick-slapping you with it ’til you fucking believe us, Slim.
Name one article of clothing you can’t live without.
Every time I go to Japan I buy these checker-print socks from BEAMS. They cost like $9 U.S. and are the best socks ever on the entire planet.
Any on-stage fashion disasters?
I’ve seen Amanda Blank’s ass several times, but I don’t think it was an accident. You wanna see fashion disasters? Go to a Sweatheart show. It’s beautiful.
What’s your claim to fame?
I always have a whiskey-Coke handy. Saves me from throat problems and stage fright.
Describe your look.
You will know exactly how I am feeling by my face and outfit. If I am feeling really up, happy, and girly, I love dresses with high tops and gold chains. If I am tired or in a bad mood, I am in jeans or a tracksuit.
Name one article of clothing you can’t live without.
At the moment, this blue vintage jumpsuit I found in Australia. It gets difficult on tour looking good each day when you have slim-to-no brain function. This suit is gorgeous and amazing and makes you look great!
Any on-stage fashion disasters?
I think ahead and always have hot pants handy. Sadly, I don’t have any stories but ask me again in a couple months and I am sure I will have some juice then.
Point Loma Forneo
Nortec Collective fans will recognize Point Loma as Bostich, but while his work with the collective always felt ready for a spin around the dancefloor, he’s taken a different route this time. Here, he slowly builds tracks over thick, bassy drones, with synths and percussion dropping in and out, to create something darkly interesting. With one exception, the tracks here are pretty lengthy-and deservedly so, with each feeling like a small journey. You can’t always see where Point Loma is going, but that’s part of what makes this ride so great.
PSD, Keak Da Sneak, and Messy Marv Present Da Bidness
Reports of hyphy’s demise have been overstated; Da Bidness makes it clear the “Northern Califoolya” movement’s just getting started. An all-star collabo between Vallejo’s PSD, Oakland’s Keak Da Sneak, and S.F.’s Messy Marv becomes a pimpish Yay free-for-all, with guest appearances by E-40, San Quinn, Mistah F.A.B., and the late Mac Dre. The album serves up a potent cocktail of purple, thizz, and 1800 juice-influenced electro-funk slaps, and while it’s more of an underground effort (a playaristic update of “Careless Whisper” notwithstanding), if you’re scrapin’, this is what you want coming out of your grill-mounted speakers.
Nick Andre & E Da Boss “Don’t Sleep feat. Bicasso”
While the rest of the world is kissing the ass of all things hyphy, true Bay Area hip-hop enthusiasts know the power of Nick Andre & E Da Boss‘ production. Following the boys’ debut full-length The Catalog, they’ve offered up a 12″ of choice cuts from said record and some exclusive B-Sides. With a champion like Living legends’ Bicasso spitting over the duo’s crisp, soulful, futuristic beats, there’s no way Nick Andre & E Da Boss will be slept on.
I, Cactus (a.k.a. Khonnor) Green Cactus
Someone sent this one to me, and while it’s not the kind of thing I would normally be into, for some reason I keep putting it on. Pretty standard SID sounds, but used with a lot of taste and restraint. Makes me want to buy a Monomachine.
