An oldie but by God it’s a goodie. It’s the sound of clubs in 2011. It’s the sound of house parties. I know we are all in quarantine but there’s no reason we can’t all get down. #BangerForTheNHS. It’s the one and only Battle for Middle You.
The Slow Rush – Tame Impala
The Slow Rush is without a doubt my album of the quarantine session so far. It’s Tame Impala’s 4th and it’s a cracker.
Kevin Parker recorded this between native Australia and LA – and that provides a really nice window through which to understand the sound. It’s this awesome struggle between a lazy, beachy indie sound, and the more intense, highly produced electronic LA vibe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.
Bonus track: Ben Gomori’s remix of Breathe Deeper gently lifts it up one notch. Lovely.
Photo credit: Neil Krug
Mall Grab – Boiler Room
Right, so obviously one half of what makes Boiler Room videos great is the randos losing their nut next to the DJ. I get that. But obviously that setup ain’t the most socially responsible right now. So we have to make do with the other half – stonking sets delivered to your screen.
Boiler Room have lined up some of their favourite producers for quarantine sets. My favourite so far is from Mall Grab. Worth it just for that track 8 minutes in. If anyone can ID it I’ll be eternally grateful.
More Mall Grab picks here.
Nothing – HNNY
One going out to anyone who has been having a tough time. It’s a good-vibes-only classic from HNNY, and it’s got your name on it. Stay safe out there kids.
Melt Away – Jadu Heart
*NEW SOUNDS FOR YOUR BORED QUARANTINED EARS*
Jadu Heart’s first full length album is excellent. The masked duo are growing with every release – tightening their grip on their screwed-up electro-pop style, and casting a spell over the listener. The interplay between their voices (his rough and raw, hers sweet and tender) is perfectly measured; and the switches between moody and playful are perfectly executed. Even the album’s more straightforward rougher edges serve to increase its charm.
You can probably tell I like it. And it I like it more each time I put it on. Oh and boy you should see them live.
Most of the tracks have already been released so it might feel quite familiar. My star picks are Wanderlife and Harry Brompton’s Ice Tea, but in truth I could list half of the tracks on there.
More of my thoughts on Jadu Heart here.
Over Your Head – Pale Honey
Lo-fi indie rock from Sweden. Not a genre I know a lot about, but when a song is good, it’s good, y’know?
Ecstasy – Disclosure
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; you’ve got to hand it to Disclosure. They seem to be able to ride each musical wave as it comes, while maintaining something that makes them distinctive. Much easier said than done.
Their latest offering is out now on Island Records. They seem completely oblivious to the fact that it isn’t mid-Summer, but I won’t hold that against them. It is sun-soaked house banger after banger. Props.
My top pick is Tondo, a high energy afro-infused number. Enjoy.
More of my thoughts on the lads’ previous release here.
