Shamir – Ratchet
Shamir’s first album positions the 20 year old singer at the forefront of the burgeoning electronic r&b scene. Following up his first EP, Ratchet is dazzling. Crisp, spacious production that emulates old school Detroit techno by producer Nick Sylvester highlights Shamir’s almost impossibly high voice that seems to straddle the line between feminine and masculine. These two work together to create create incredibly catchy pop that emulates the best of Michael Jackson or Prince.
RIYL: Michael Jackson, FKA Twigs, Justin Timberlake, Sylvan Esso
Top Tracks: On the Regular, Call it Off, Youth
Chappo – Future Former Self
This Brooklyn group’s newest album is an ambitious blend of traditional psych rock and experimental production. Making full use of autotune, glowing synthesizer, and something that seems almost like rapping but not quite, Chappo sometimes falls short of making perfectly coherent songs. But when this album does come together, it does so beautifully, with tracks like Orange Afternoon and I’m Not Ready putting forward some of the better psych rock I’ve heard recently.
RIYL: The Flaming Lips, MGMT, Temples
Top Tracks: Orange Afternoon, I’m Not Ready, Hey-O
Eskimeaux – O.K.
Eskimeaux has made many different albums all falling somewhere on the electro-bedroom recording melodrama spectrum. This one leans more toward the latter, in the vein of Frankie Cosmos, which makes sense, since Gabby (Eskimeaux) plays keyboard in Greta’s band. Where Eskimeaux differs is in its sonic thrusts of noise and powerful bold feelings rather than the muted ones that often define this genre. It is very easy to get carried away with these songs.
RIYL: Frankie Cosmos, Told Slant, Small Wonder, Future of What
Top Tracks: I Admit I’m Scared, Broken Necks, Folly
elvis depressedly – new alhambra
Mathew Lee Cothran and Delaney Mills have been making music together for about 5 years, while Cothran has maintained regular solo output under the ‘Coma Cinema’ moniker, which is almost indistinguishable from the duo’s recordings. From low-fi oddball (knock-off?) covers of early 21st century pop to the noise album Save the Planet, Kill Yourself elvis depressedly is inherently more experimental, while still holding on to sad sentiments and pop influences. This is a very polished album.
RIYL: Alex G, Elliott Smith, teen suicide, Ricky Eat Acid
Top Tracks: thou shall not murder, rock n’ roll, wastes of time
Juan Wauters – Who Me?
In his second outing, Juan Wauters proves himself to be a force to be listened to intently with both vigor and amusement. Who Me? combines a plethora of influences, from early-Beck style guitar to early 90s hip-hop, to create a super fun, surprisingly enlightening experience. Using his experience with The Beets, as well as stories from his day to day life, Juan Wauters creates a wonderful, occasionally bilingual album that’s charming and catchy.
Top Tracks: En Mi, Todo Termino, She Might Get Shot, I’m All Wrong, El Show De Los Muertos
RIYL: Daniel Johnston, The Beets, Frankie Cosmos