SAINT PEPSI HIT VIBES (KEATS//COLLECTIVE, 2013)

Fuck what ya heard, because vaporwave never actually died. No, it didn't die, but instead spawned a whole new wave of practitioners to pick up the baton left by the likes of New Dreams Ltd. and Mediafired. SAINT PEPSI is among the new generation of vaporwavers, and having released 6 full-lengths prior to HIT VIBES, it goes without saying that he's quite a prolific artist. His earlier work, while vaguely interesting, was never fully realised conceptually or musically, but his latest release sees him righting these wrongs and delivering a very good album in the process.

Part of the issue with releases like EMPIRE BUILDING and STUDIO 54 is that they didn't bang enough. They felt as if SAINT PEPSI was going through the motions. His brand of vaporwave (or broperwave as it has been coined) relies on the manipulation of groovy dancehall cuts, and this is where HIT VIBES delivers; many of these tracks are funky and danceable, with motifs nabbed from the likes of Rose Royce and The Live Band. The synth and bass lines that run throughout HIT VIBES are downright infectious, and the soulful vocal snippets are sure to stick with you long after the album is over. Elsewhere there are slower-moving, chilled-out tracks in perhaps a more familiar fashion to the vaporwave that dominated 2012, and these make for an interesting diversion from the dancehall bangers rather than merely padding out the album. SAINT PEPSI is onto a winning formula here for sure, and if he further hones his sound, a new vapor classic may be released in the not-too-distant future.




Diamond Terrifier The Subtle Body Wears a Shadow (Terrible, 2013)


Sam Hillmer is the saxophonist of the Brooklyn avant-rock outfit Zs, and The Subtle Body Wears a Shadow is his second full-length under the Diamond Terrifier pseudonym, released by Chris Taylor's ever impressive-looking Terrible Records. Last year's Kill the Self That Wants to Kill Yourself is a scattershot, almost piecemeal record, but still a somewhat absorbing experience with a couple of killer tracks thrown in for good measure. This effort, on the other hand, is definitely more cohesive, yet fails to deliver as many memorable moments as its predecessor.

The Subtle Body is meant to be experienced as a whole, a 33-minute composition comprised of four movements. Whereas tracks like "Adamantine" broke the sometimes-unidimensional sound on Kill the Self by experimenting with a variety of genres and loops, this album is mainly comprised of warped saxophone squeals and effects, which leaves a little to be desired. Another distinctive feature of The Subtle Body is the English snippets of the Bodhicaryāvatāra that are recited by a computerised voice at various junctures in the proceedings; the irony of the clear influence of religion on this record is that it fails to move me or provoke thought. Although it does have the occasional moment (see the metallic chugging in "Triple Gem"), The Subtle Body is quite an uninspired listen, especially when stacked up against Hillmer's previous achievements as a member of Zs and on Kill the Self.




Inga Copeland Higher Powers (Self-released, 2013)


Although I would hardly accuse the Hype Williams duo of Dean Blunt and Inga Copeland of going pop, 2013 has seen both of them move away from their tape hiss-infected sound and towards clarity; Dean released his crystal clear The Redeemer to a smattering of acclaim, while Inga showcased some fantastic synth-pop with her Don't Look Back, That's Not Where You're Going EP, released on the duo's World Music imprint. While I am a fan of these excursions, they've kind of left me longing for a return to their well-trodden lo-fi sound - fortunately, Inga Copeland is glad to fulfil my desires, in the form of her new mixtape Higher Powers.

Although it is tantalisingly brief at just 20 minutes in length, these 6 tracks share qualities of Hype Williams' previous work while still sounding fresh, new and exciting. "faith" is an intriguing opener that features piercing tones and barely audible singing amidst the dub-y undergrowth, while tracks such as "light up", "b.m.w." and "obsession 2" wouldn't be out of place on releases like Find Out What Happens When People Stop Being Polite, And Start Gettin' Reel or One Nation. A new version of the previously released "A&E" is also featured here, but the standout cut has to be "a world in danger iii", a minimal but addictive exercise in effective drum programming, organ-like synths and tasteful sampling. Overall, Higher Powers will satisfy anybody who has missed the Hype Williams aesthetic of old, and then some, with a fresh spin on a tried-and-tested modus operandi.

(FREE DOWNLOAD)

Starship Amazing Ruby Dagger (Self-released, 2013)



Starship Amazing described their latest release as containing 'aggressively happy pos-vibes funk-jams for expressing inward and outward love' on their Tumblr page, and I simply can't think of a better way to put it. Ruby Dagger is a vivacious album that typifies what modern synthpop is all about; convivial basslines with an infinitely flexible structure, and considering that it reached number 1 on Bandcamp on its day of release (16th July 2013), it has proven to be a popular summer soundtrack.

Despite the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed previous releases such as A Man Who Made A Choice and The Robot Trilogy, I'm glad that Starship Amazing have gone down a different path with Ruby Dagger as it shows that there is a lot more to come from this talented Alaskan electronic duo.

In a nutshell, if you're down in the dumps then go and listen to this, it's one of the most cheerful albums I've heard all year. It took me back to the POP days... ah.

A lot of their earlier EPs are free on their website, so go and check them out if you enjoyed listening to Ruby Dagger. - http://starshipamazing.com/

Considering that we've each done a list of the best albums of 2013 (so far), Joe Sherwood and I decided to also do a bumper list of our 20 favourite tracks of the year. However, neither of us were allowed to have tracks that the other person has, so take our lists with a pinch of salt. They're un-ordered because we change our minds about 5 times every hour as to which is THE best song. We also have a special guest this time due to the fact that our good friend, Jack Morgan, is a music enthusiast and would like to start up his own site in a few weeks time, so stay tuned.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:



(If the track isn't on Spotify, it'll be linked via SoundCloud or YouTube instead)


Joe Gilbey:

Chance The Rapper Cocoa Butter Kisses (ft. Vic Mensa & Twista) (Acid Rap)

Acid Rap is one of the most easy-going rap albums that I've listened to in a very long time for two reasons; the punchy upbeat basslines and Chance The Rapper's effortlessly comedic rapping style. "Cocoa Butter Kisses" epitomises this in my eyes, and due the addition of the legendary Twista and new-kid-on-the-block Vic Mensa, it is probably the most fun-filled rap track of 2013 so far.





Action Bronson Seven Series Triplets (ft. Prodigy & Raekwon) (Saab Stories)




Kanye West Black Skinhead (Yeezus)

So much power. Learn the lyrics and scream the chorus. That is all.

Sigur Ros Brennisteinn (Kveikur)



A$AP Rocky Wild For The Night (ft. Skrillex) (Long.Live.A$AP)

I feel like I should say a little something about the album considering it marginally missed out on my top 5 albums of the year so far and therefore didn't quite find itself on the reviewing podium, so here I go. Despite the fact that A$AP Rocky's debut release was a little disappointing, he has undoubtedly more than redeemed himself with his latest LP Long.Live.A$AP. The album showcases many different artists such as 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Ferg and a surprising appearance from Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine, and this contrasting variety of acts seemed to work brilliantly for Rakim Mayers. Although Skrillex doesn't seem to be a great match for Rocky's rap background at first glance, the partnership was definitely a successful one. The synthetic horns and refined rhythms on the track complimented the MCs style brilliantly, so I have a feeling that we'll hear more tracks like this in the future from both artists. (If you're going to Reading/Leeds then SEE THEM!)

James Blake Overgrown (Overgrown)



Daft Punk Doin' It Right (ft. Panda Bear) (Random Access Memories)

The comeback is here. Daft Punk's iconic jovial sound has made a timely return, and although we've had to wait a fair few years, I think we can safely say that Random Access Memories brings back what the band is all about; bouncy, upbeat music. Much like the formidable summer anthem of 2013, "Get Lucky", "Doin' It Right" is a perfect example of Daft Punk's transcendent presence in the musical world, and alongside Animal Collective's Panda Bear, they seem simply unstoppable right now.

Disclosure White Noise (ft. AlunaGeorge) (Settle)



Pusha T Numbers on the Boards (My Name Is My Name)

Even though there was a surprising lack of Pusha T on Kanye West's latest release, Yeezus, it appears that Mr West and his rapping prodigy are still as close as ever. "Numbers on the Boards" combines Pusha's pleasantly raspy voice and Kanye's incredibly cultured beat production in a seemingly minimalistic manner, much like a less harsh version of Yeezus. If you're into modern rap with cutthroat beats then this is definitely one to listen to.

Jagwar Ma The Throw (Howlin)



Woodkid I Love You (The Golden Age)

'Woodkid (Yoann Lemione) has burst onto the experimental scene this year with tracks such as "Iron" and "Run Boy Run" which truly define the word epic. However, with his newest single "I Love You", he brings things back to a more comforting level. He takes fun from throwing a wide array of orchestral and industrial sounds into one big cooking pot and this time he has hit the perfect balance. The workman-like beat and the signature Woodkid violins come together beautifully which is then topped off by Lemione's deep but soothing voice. "I Love You" is certainly the track that will give Lemione the credit he deserves.' - Jack Morgan

ScHoolboy Q Collard Greens ft. Kendrick Lamar (Single)




Just Blaze x Baauer Higher (Single)

Yes, Baauer is the bloke that created the infamous "Harlem Shake", but I promise that this is an absolute banger. There aren't any words that I could use to make you believe me, so I think I'll leave it there for this one (please listen to it though, your opinion of him will be changed).




Laurel Halo Throw (Behind The Green Door EP)




Tyler The Creator Rusty ft. Domo Genesis & Earl Sweatshirt (WOLF)

There's not really a lot that I haven't said about the father of Odd Future's latest album, WOLF, but I figured that I'd give Rusty some recognition considering that it's probably one of my favourite tracks that he's ever released. Tyler's verse is 141 seconds of pure lyrical greatness which is impressive in itself, but you can't help but love it even more after hearing the tongue-in-cheek punts at Adele's weight, 2 Chainz' age and everybody that uses Tumblr... it's nice to know that he is sticking to his controversial roots.


Tyler's performance of Rusty on Late Night With David Letterman with Domo Genesis and Earl Sweatshirt.

DJ Rashad Rollin (Rollin EP)



Marina and The Diamonds & Charli XCX Just Desserts (Single)

A tenebrous song that's a clever blend between Charli's preferred spoken-word style of singing and Marina's eerie vocals, driven by the duo's sweet longing for revenge. It's rare for me to like many songs of this genre, but there's just something about these two that gives me hope about the current state of the pop industry, let's just hope that they continue in this way.

Jessie Ware Sweet Talk (Devotion)



Koreless Ivana (Yugen)

I only heard of Koreless about a year ago through Spotify's recommendations, and due to his relatively small discography I didn't really have a lot to compare his latest release, Yugen, to. However, after listening to the 5 songs on the extended play I was absolutely mesmerised as to why this man has received such a little amount of coverage.

It's difficult to describe the project as it's comparatively unique, but if I was to sum it up in 3 words, those words would be relaxing, psychedelic and dubsteppy (I know that's not a real word, but I did say it's difficult to describe).

The Knife A Tooth For An Eye (Shaking The Habitual)




Joe Sherwood:

Ace Hood Bugatti (ft. Future and Rick Ross) (Trials and Tribulations)

Ace Hood is hardly my favourite rapper, but I absolutely cannot deny "Bugatti". Production from Mike WiLL Made It, the hottest beat-maker in the game right now, makes "Bugatti" one of the finest bangers of 2013 thus far, and features from the ever-impressive Future and Rick Ross ensure the track is lyrically serviceable as well; the AutoTune-assisted hook is possibly the catchiest you'll hear all year.

Ciara Body Party (Ciara)



The Knife Raging Lung (Shaking the Habitual)

The Knife's latest album, Shaking the Habitual, has many pop gems sitting alongside droning, ambient tracks. "Raging Lung" is one of them, complete with tribal drumming and a chilling synths. Lyrically it tackles the schism between the rich and the poor; "Western standards" lead to the profitability of poverty, and Karin Dreijer Andersson asks, "where's your troubled mind?" in what is an attack on the wealthy people who exploit the poor for monetary gain.

Melt Yourself Down Fix My Life (Melt Yourself Down)



DJ Rashad Drums Please (ft. DJ Manny) (Rollin EP)

DJ Rashad is a man at the forefront of the footwork invasion, and it's easy to see why; four full-lengths and many stellar short-form releases in a matter of years have resulted in his signing to Hyperdub, and his first EP for the London-based label contains four shining examples of his stylish, bass-induced brand of footwork. The most impressive of these is "Drums Please", a collaboration with TEKLIFE affiliate DJ Manny, which screws a drumroll sample into a dizzying juke track that's as experimental as it is danceable.

Rocko U.E.O.N.O. (ft. Future and Rick Ross) (Mixtape)



Nosaj Thing x Chance the Rapper Paranoia (Hidden Track) (Acid Rap)

Acid Rap is a laid-back tape for sure - as the name implies, it's intended to be heard in conjunction with an acid trip. However, there is a sense of unease in some of Chance's lyrics throughout the tape, and no track captures this better than the hidden track that follows "Pusha Man". Referencing the 'murder season' in his hometown of Chicago, Chance talks of his fear when it's "warm out", and having to ride around with his "gun on his hip" to keep himself safe, because "everybody dies in the summer". Combined with the chilling glitch-hop beat from producer Nosaj Thing, "Paranoia" proves to be one of the more haunting tracks this year.





Machinedrum Clissold VIP (Single)



Mariah Carey #Beautiful (ft. Miguel) (The Art of Letting Go)

The hashtag appears to be a part of Western culture now, although it understandably has trashy and shallow connotations. On that basis, you wouldn't expect "#Beautiful" to be one of the most wholesome pop songs of the year, but it truly is, featuring a lovely, simple guitar riff, and gorgeous vocals from Carey and Miguel, whose stock has no doubt increased since last year's Kaleidoscope Dream. It's a wonderful summer jam, and far less gimmicky than the title suggests.

Tessela Hackney Parrot (Single)



Haroon Mizra vs Factory Floor /o/o/o/o/ (NVC Remix) (12")

The multimedia artist Haroon Mizra gave Factory Floor and Django Django (who operated under the Jellyman moniker) source material with which to create a remix, as part of a wider project for his /o/o/o/o/ exhibition. While the Django Django interpretation is an interesting, almost clubby track, the Factory Floor version is a stark, minimal and rather tense experience. Flushes of static, pounding drums, swathes of guitar and a prominent beeping sound are all present and correct here in what is easily the most impressive rework of the two.


 


Justin Timberlake Suit and Tie (ft. Jay-Z) (The 20/20 Experience)



Danny Brown Kush Coma (Non-album track)

I may be telling a little lie with the italics above - Kush Coma will be featured on Danny Brown's upcoming album Old, albeit with a feature from A$AP Rocky and the snare drums higher in the mix. Personally, I prefer the original version released earlier in the year, mainly because I feel a track as wacky as "Kush Coma" works better as a shorter blast. Obviously, this is stoner-rap fare, wherein Brown is smoking "back-to-back" blunts, and although it's very silly lyrically, the production from Skywalkr works well to keep the track somewhat grounded in reality.




Autre Ne Veut Play by Play (Anxiety)



Daft Punk Get Lucky (ft. Pharrell and Nile Rodgers) (Random Access Memories)

In years to come, people will talk about "Get Lucky" in the same way they talk about "One More Time" or "Harder Better Faster Stronger"; a reminder of halcyon days in summers past, of simpler times. Although Random Access Memories turned out to be a little disappointing, there is no denying that "Get Lucky" is the song of the summer, an endlessly enjoyable track with an irresistible riff and sumptuous vocals.

Kanye West New Slaves (Yeezus)



Dean Blunt Felony (Non-album track)

Dean Blunt's The Redeemer is one of my favourite albums so far this year, but picking a choice track is fairly difficult since they are all part of an ongoing story arc; all of the tracks are indispensable in the grand scheme of the album. Thankfully, a non-album track titled "Felony" was released on the pollyjacobsen YouTube channel not too long ago, and it's riveting stuff - Dean's heartbroken croon accompanies a clear-cut sample and MIDI strings in a similar vein to the full-length. Also, the video is something to behold, with Dean gazing out to sea in a Lil B-esque introspection.




Sophie Bipp (Single)



Vektroid Enemy (Single)

The mastermind behind the enigmatic New Dreams Ltd. artists (Macintosh Plus, Laserdisc Visions, 情報デスクVIRTUAL) has had a troubled 2013, but under the Vektroid alias she released "Enemy", something of a vaporwave epic. Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, the slow-moving track is a blissful experience, as samples weave in and out of the programmed drums and synths in true vapor fashion.





Pharmakon Crawling on Bruised Knees (Abandon)