Bay Area based “Industrial” duo “Chelsey and the Noise” released an impressive E.P. last year titled Blank Frames, an E.P. laden with hard-hitting “EBM” inspired production along with catchy songwriting that brought an undeniable sense of catchiness to the usually chaotic world of “Industrial.” Today the duo dropped a stellar new track titled “Mercy Kneel,” and this thing is incredibly addictive. You can listen to the track below:
https://m.soundcloud.com/chelseyandthenoise/mercy-kneel
Artist: Charlotte Adigéry
EP: Zandoli
Genre: Electronic/Experimental Pop/Synth-Pop
Rating: 9/10
Zandoli, the new E.P. from Belgian-Caribbean artist Charlotte Adigéry is utterly unique “Electronic” infused “Pop” that is immensely refreshing. This is her second E.P. following her 2017 self-titled EP, and her work with frequent collaborator Bolis Pupul has reached new heights. The two work together perfectly. Adigéry flourishes on each versatile track with sensual swagger with vocal and lyrical content that can be just as playful as it is imaginative, and I really do mean the production is versatile, because these are shapeshifting multifaceted tracks that can be tribal influenced like the all French sung opening track “Paténipat,” and then they can be rich in danceable wonkiness like the track “High Lights,” which has an unorthodox approach to “Pop” with it’s skittering synths. “I know I shouldn’t do it, but I like synthetic wigs a lot,” sings Adigéry, paying homage to the empowerment of wigs and hair extensions, and though this may sound surface level, the way she delivers this theme is completely liberating. Adigéry is an impressive and thoughtful poet as well, metaphorically speaking on sex and seduction on the track “B B C,” and considering how seamlessly she transitions from this track into the conceptual closing track “Okashi,” it’s evident that Adigéry is far from one-dimensional. Unfortunately this E.P. flies by with each listen, because it’s only 5 tracks in length, but every second of these tracks are vastly promising, and they leave me begging for a full-length album this year.
Written By: Steven Sandoval
Date: 02/09/19
Artist: Boy Harsher
Album: Careful
Genre: Electronic/Industrial/EBM/Synth-Pop
Rating: 8/10
Creating eerie atmospheres with very dark synth-driven “Electronica,” Western Massachusetts based duo “Boy Harsher” have been at it for awhile now making a name for themselves in the underground of “Electronic” music. After two EPs and one full-length album, releases that found the two exploring dark atmospherics that evoke David Lynch-esque surrealism, and combining these explorations with very dark Gothic-tinged “Synth-Pop,” the two have nearly perfected this sound on their new second full-length album Careful. This music is dance floor ready, but also very gloomy with it’s foggy and anachronistic style that sounds like 80’s “Synth-Pop” from an alternate universe. The production provided by member Gus Muller recalls the danceable side of “Industrial” or “EBM,” perfect for those who favor Twitch Ministry over The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste Ministry. On top of that Jae Matthews’ vocals exude sensuality and are often ethereal. Her almost whispered delivery adds a fragile yet impactful element that impressively blends into the instrumentation to the point where her vocals become an instrument. This album overall projects images of foggy nights or cloudy days upon hearing it, but with enough danceable beats, this juxtaposes the dark minimalism very well, offering an undeniably enticing listen.
Written By: Steven Sandoval
Date: 02/02/19
Artist: WYVZ
Song: Rescue Annie
Genre: Electronic/Experimental/IDM
“Everything sounds the same.” This statement couldn’t be more true when describing the current landscape of most genre music. Especially in the world of “Electronic” music. Though we do have our imaginative visionaries who push the boundaries and offer more than the four to the floor predictability, most casual listeners are accustomed to the idea that “Electronic” music is one-dimensional, and that’s unfortunate, but “Electronic” group “WYVZ” are here to break that monotony. The aforementioned quote comes from the group’s new single “Rescue Annie,” where vocalist Devon Travis sings with melancholy fervor, and though the vocals evoke sadness, there’s also a hint of hope in his tone, and that contrast is beautifully executed. The instrumentation provided by member Georgia McEwen-Hall is what powerfully pushes the boundaries and displays the vast possibilities of “Electronic” experimentation. “WYVZ” is her brainchild, and her creation is truly captivating. Her previous E.P. Triangle showcased her innovative style, and now with “Rescue Annie” she has moved to the next level. With subtle atmospherics that have a meditative nature, the track builds and builds without being too overblown. The track carries a consistent tone that never bombards the listener with an obnoxious climax, but the attention to detail and the subtle progression keeps that track away from repetition. Everything from the arpeggiated bass in the beginning, to the Sci-Fi laden synths, to the eruption of clean percussion, this track is immaculately produced. Georgia McEwen-Hall is a producer to pay attention to, and now that “WYVZ” is a collaborative effort with fellow talented artists Devon Travis and Okee Brand who handles the technical side of things, this is an exciting moment for “Electronic” and “Experimental” music. A new full-length album is on the horizon, and hopefully the band doesn’t make us wait too long for it.
Written By: Steven Sandoval
Date: 01/24/19
Artist: James Blake
Album: Assume Form
Genre: Alternative R&B/Electronic
Rating: 8/10
James Blake has proven himself to be an intriguing shapeshifter in the modern music world over the years. Everything from his early days of Electronic-tinged flirtation with “Post-Dubstep,” to his moody atmospherics on an album like Overgrown, predicting what a James Blake project will sound like has always been nearly impossible, but one thing is certain, he isn’t afraid to sing his sorrow and vulnerability, and his ambition to push the boundaries in “Electronic” music and to innovate is undeniably enticing. However, that desire to experiment was a detriment on his last album The Colour In Anything. With immense incohesion, the album felt like a compilation of short lived vignettes that didn’t reach their full potential, and that scatterbrained style is something that did not work in his favor. Following that album, Blake has worked with a myriad of artists, primarily in the “Hip Hop” genre, lending his talented hand and pushing his name into the masses while doing so. On his new album Assume Form, it’s evident that his work with other artists have given him a new sense of inspiration and rejuvenation. Just listen to the track “Mile High” featuring Travis Scott and Metro Boomin and you’ll know what I mean. The track is a head on exploration in the moody Pop Rap that has become dominant in the music world, but that isn’t to say Blake has completely adopted this style, because though he works with an artist like Metro Boomin who delivers that moody “Trap” flavor on a few tracks, Blake still delves into atmospheric sound and blesses us with gorgeous piano, strings, and sound textures that paint an ominous picture. However, the instrumentation is never overbearing, and it enhances the vocals and lyrics. Here we are hearing a love stricken James Blake. The album’s overall theme is love and it’s complex nature. The myriad of emotions that are associated with love, positive and negative are soothingly displayed. The negatives being the reluctance to get close to someone out of fear of being hurt like on the track “Tell Them,” or that pessimistic feeling that there has to be a catch or that something will go wrong when everything is going right in a relationship like on the track “Where’s The Catch” which features an impeccable verse from André 3000, but the positives far outweigh the negatives, because on the bulk of these tracks James Blake happily accepts the fact that he is very much in love, and that though no love or relationship is flawless, the feeling of loving and being loved is one of life’s greatest privileges. It’s that realistic detailing of love and learning as you go as a relationship progresses that truly flourishes on this album, and that optimistic encouragement to recognize that love is a worthy learning experience is something that will resonate with anyone. A realistic love record. It’s rare when we get those, and who better to give us one than an undeniably talented songwriter who wears his heart on his sleeve like James Blake?
Written By: Steven Sandoval
Date: 01/19/19
James Blake will return next week with a new album titled Assume Form. The album will be released on January 18th, and it will follow his 2016 album The Colour In Anything. You can check out the tracklist below:
Assume Form Tracklist:
1. Assume Form
2. Mile High [ft. Travis Scott and Metro Boomin]
3. Tell Them [ft. Moses Sumney and Metro Boomin]
4. Into the Red
5. Barefoot in the Park [ft. Rosalía]
6. Can’t Believe the Way We Flow
7. Are You in Love?
8. Where’s the Catch? [ft. André 3000]
9. I’ll Come Too
10. Power On
11. Don’t Miss It
12. Lullaby for My Insomniac
In this streaming age of music we’re leaving in now, it’s becoming harder and harder to differentiate an EP from an LP. Nowadays anyone can make a 25 minute album and call it a full-length LP, or even make a five track album and call it a full-length. Just look at the latest criminally short six track “LP” from “Nine Inch Nails,” or the string of Kanye produced seven track albums Mr. West dubbed “full-lengths” this year. Album length has become irrelevant, but to those of us who still hold the idea of the EP near and dear, those short bursts of creativity are still very much important in the music world. They still give us that hope that a full-length album from the artist might be on the horizon, or sometimes, those short but sweet releases are all we need. There were a great deal of EPs released this year, and many of them can’t go by unnoticed. Here are my top 15 EPs of 2018.
15. Artist: Tyler, The Creator
EP: Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
Genre: Hip Hop/R&B
Tyler, The Creator’s creativity has moved into film now with his recent musical contributions to The Grinch movie. To coincide with the release of the film, Tyler dropped an E.P. inspired by the film. It is a fun Christmas filled listen packed with 80’s sounding synths and the tracks never stray away into cheesiness, which is no easy feat considering they’re inspired by a Dr. Seuss story.
14. Artist: Femme
EP: 2.0
Genre: Electronic/House/Pop
Laura Bettinson under the “Femme” name has been creating delightful “Indie Pop” for awhile now, and on her new E.P. 2.0 She delves into the world of “House” music while keeping her Pop sensibilities. The result is a solid set of dance ready tracks that emphasize fun and optimism.
13. Artist: Little Dragon
EP: Lover Chanting
Genre: Electronic/Synth Pop
Little Dragon’s latest LP Season High was a bit of a step back for the band. Much of it seemed phoned in, and lacked the ambition their previous work had filled with colorful synth heavy Pop and just the right amount of odd experimental elements. The band have definitely redeemed themselves though with their new E.P. Lover Chanting. Being three tracks in length, the E.P. gets back to the band’s sense of fun, and is probably their most danceable release to date.
12. Artist: Wallows
EP: Spring
Genre: Indie Rock/Indie Pop
It’s a bit ironic that the latest E.P. from L.A. based Indie Rock band “Wallows” is titled Spring considering the fact that all the tracks have a nice summery vibe to them. To some this E.P. might be a by the numbers “Indie Rock” release, but to others it’s undeniably addicting. I just can’t resist it.
11. Artist: Protomartyr and Spray Paint
EP: Irony Prompts A Party Rat
Genre: Post-Punk/Indie Rock
Post-Punk band “Protomartyr” had a busy year. They released a stellar EP, began a tour with “Preoccupations,” and even released a split single with “Preoccupations” where both bands covered each, but a more interesting split single to come out of the band’s work this year is most definitely their split single with the band “Spray Paint.” On this single, “Protomartyr’s” lead singer Joe Casey provided lead vocals for a new “Spray Paint” track, and the lead singer of “Spray Paint” provided lead vocals for a new “Protomartyr” track. It’s a match made in “Post-Punk” heaven, because the chemistry between the two bands is undeniable.
10. Artist: Screaming City
EP: The Vanish
Genre: Post-Punk/Darkwave/Electronic
Visalia, California’s own “Screaming City” released a string of Electronic tinged “Industrial Rock” that spanned three EPs this year, but the biggest gem of the three is without a doubt The Vanish. This release found sole member and multi-instrumentalist Trip Logic going in a heavier guitar-driven direction without sacrificing his Electronic roots. Everything from the lyrical content to the myriad of Experimental elements in the instrumentation that impressively manages to maintain catchiness, this whole E.P. showcases the immense versatility Trip Logic has, and there’s nowhere to go from here but up.
9. Artist: Code Orange
EP: The Hurt Will Go On
Genre: Metalcore/Industrial Metal
“Code Orange” are one of those forward thinking bands that make stubborn “Metalcore” traditionalists shout about how “lame” they are for Incorporating outsider genres that aren’t typically explored in “Metalcore,” but guys, put down your Monster energy drink for a minute and admit that the genre has become a bit predictable. “Code Orange” are here to break the stale nature of the genre, and it’s much needed. Following their breakout album Forever, the band dropped a nice E.P. titled The Hurt Will Go On this year, and it’s an impactful reminder that the band are ahead of the game at the moment. Packed with heavy aggression, the “Industrial” and “Nu-Metal” elements the band are known for, and even a Corey Taylor feature, this release has many of us eager to hear another full-length album from the band. Hopefully next year we’ll get what we’re wishing for.
8. Artist: S. Reidy
EP: And Here With You, I Am
Genre: Hip Hop/Alternative Hip Hop
The fact that an artist like S. Reidy isn’t mentioned when conversations about “Emo Rap” are sparked is ridiculous. The rapper/producer sounds like what “Emo Rap” should sound like. His latest E.P. And Here With You, I Am is far from being one-dimensional. The production consists of simplistic but effective beats, moody acoustic guitars, atmospheric soundscapes, poetic lyrical content, and vocals that evoke the “Emo Rock” spirit. To simply label him “Emo Rap” would not do his music justice, but he’s delivering the moody introspection that other rappers in the game should strive for, and he doesn’t need tattoos on his face to do it.
7. Artist: Converge
EP: Beautiful Ruin
Genre: Metalcore/Hardcore Punk
Leave it to “Metalcore” legends “Converge” to drop a four track E.P. out of the blue to show the youngsters how it’s done. The band’s recent E.P. Beautiful Ruin is unsparingly monstrous and is among some of the band’s most aggressive work.
6. Artist: Childish Gambino
EP: Summer Pack
Genre: Soul/R&B/Pop
We unfortunately didn’t get a new Childish Gambino album this year, but mastermind Donald Glover was definitely not quiet. Following the impactful music video for his single “This Is America” that lead to countless think pieces and theories, Glover dropped a two track E.P. titled Summer Pack. Though the tracks were a lot more laid back and summery on the surface this time around, this didn’t stop fans from formulating theories about how there is an underlying message about climate change and the state of our distractions of social media and celebrity culture. Whatever the message may be, these are fun soulful songs.
5. Artist: Chelsey and The Noise
EP: Blank Frames
Genre: Industrial/Electronic/EBM
Who says “Industrial” music and “Pop” music can’t coexist? Hayward, CA based duo “Chelsey and The Noise” proved that “Industrial” can be catchy with their E.P. Blank Frames this year. With hard hitting synth heavy production and Metal infused guitars, the duo incorporate pop sensibilities without giving into the typical predictability “Pop” music is known for. This music is catchy, sexy, dark, and at times sentimental, displaying the immense versatility the two have to offer.
4. Artist: Protomartyr
EP: Consolation
Genre: Post-Punk/Indie Rock
“Post-Punk” band “Protomartyr” released quite possibly their best album last year, which most definitely earned them the right to take a break for awhile because one would assume that you would need to take a break after you give your all on an album, but the band aren’t ready to take a break just yet. The band released an impressive E.P. this year titled Consolation and this four track E.P. progressed the band’s sound even further. Incorporating string arrangements and even collaborating with Kelley Deal of “The Breeders,” this release proves that the band work well with other musicians while not completely abandoning their signature sound. Is this the direction they’re heading in? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure, they’re still the leading force in modern “Post-Punk.”
3. Artist: HMLTD
EP: Hate Music Last Time Delete
Genre: Synth Pop/Post-Punk/New Wave
“HMLTD” are quite possibly the most exciting band at the moment. You never know what to expect when going into a new track of theirs, and they haven’t even released a full-length album! Following a diverse string of singles that found the band exploring Post-Punk, Synth Pop, Electronic Music, Gothic Rock, Glam Rock, and whatever else the band feels like dabbling in, the band released a new E.P. this year titled Hate Music Last Time Delete, and it is a cohesive effort that sticks to a Synth Pop/New Wave formula. The band have proven that they can perfect just about any genre they pursue, but it’s clear they wanted to give us their own warped version of “Synth Pop” on this E.P. This music is fun and danceable, but the lyrical content deals with important themes such as social network addiction, learning to love yourself, oh, and falling in love with a mannequin. It’s a good time that leaves you begging for more.
2. Artist: Ravyn Lenae
EP: Crush
Genre: R&B/Soul/Alternative R&B
Among the recent emergence of talented young artists from Chicago such as Noname, Saba, and Mick Jenkins, Ravyn Lenae has been garnering much attention for her beautiful artistry that finds the young singer delivering smooth “R&B” that isn’t afraid to branch out of traditional “R&B” sensibilities. Her latest E.P. Crush is a fitting title, because it’s impossible not to swoon and fall for her gorgeous vocals and attention to Soulful and at times off-kilter production provided by the one and only Steve Lacy. Lenae is one of the youngest artists in the realm of “R&B” at the moment, but her sound exudes immense maturation, and it’s clear she’s on a forward thinking path. Here’s to hoping she blesses us with a full length debut album next year.
1. Artist: CMON
EP: Confusing Mix Of Nations
Genre: Post-Punk/Synth Pop/New Wave
There’s no doubt in my mind that L.A. based duo “CMON” (or Confusing Mix Of Nation’s) debut E.P. is the best of 2018, and there’s no doubt in my mind that this is the best E.P. you haven’t heard. Absent from every major streaming service other than their own personal SoundCloud, the band most likely slipped under your radar this year, and that’s unfortunate because their debut five track E.P. is the stuff 80’s Post-Punk/New Wave revivalist dreams are made of. The lush and dreamy guitars, the “House” driven percussion that reflects “New Order’s” heyday, and the subtle but infectious vocals are all promising elements that should put the band on your radar. With very little information about the band online, it’s hard to dig deep into their background, but let’s all hope and pray they continue to release stellar material.
Written By: Steven Sandoval
Artist: Hammare
Song: God Is Doing Blow
Genre: Industrial Rock/Electronic
The debut single “God Is Doing Blow” from Swedish duo “Hammare” is an exploration in dissonance, but rather then descending further down the rabbit hole of inaccessibility, the band have every intention to make you move with the song’s danceable quality with it’s groovy rhythm section. The dissonance comes from the synthesizers and unconventional arrangements. The discombobulating machine sounding noise provided by said synthesizers brings a chaotic nature to the track, echoing the genre of “Industrial” music, but this is controlled chaos. It’s never overbearing, and it’s dichotomized with catchiness and sexy swagger. The instrumentation is dirty yet polished, and it compliments the vocals and lyrical content quite well. With lyrical content that seems to be touching on the abandonment of self-sufficiency and the misguided influences of charlatan leaders, it’s clear that the band wanted to emphasize the lyrics, because they have something to say, and they say it eloquently. This song sounds like a promise that the duo have a lot to deliver. Be ready.
Written By: Steven Sandoval
Date: 10/24/18
Artist: Chelsey and the Noise
EP: Blank Frames
Genre: Electronic/Industrial/EBM/Noise Pop
Rating: 8/10
We’re all aware of the fact that the majority of “Industrial” music is utterly abrasive. Whether it be the chaotic discombobulating harsh noise of “Industrial” pioneers, or the modern “EBM” genre “Industrial” has evolved into with it’s focus on the more tumultuous side of “Electronic” music, it all happily dives into the rabbit hole of nihilism. That’s a good thing when it comes to the genre, but what we don’t get enough of is the representation of how the genre can be catchy, and dare I say…… Poppy? Hayward, CA based duo “Chelsey and the Noise” fearlessly spotlights the catchier side of the genre on their new E.P. Blank Frames. Members Chelsey Hice and Brent “the Noise” Watters create instrumentation that is dark and synth-driven with pulsating percussion and even “Metal” influenced guitars like on the track “Castle.” As chaotic as the instrumentation can get, it never strays away from it’s danceable quality. Singer Chelsey Hice replaces the distorted howls and growls the genre is typically known for with melodic vocals that are sexy, seductive, and vulnerable, showcasing her versatility and myriad of emotions. The final moments of the track “Thick / Clear” delves into gloomy atmospherics with gorgeous piano arpeggios, and this is proof of the duos brilliant craftsmanship that keeps their sound from being one-dimensional. Being only four tracks in length, this E.P. packs quite the punch, and it is sure to get rivetheads on the dance-floor, but simply labeling the duo “Industrial” doesn’t do their music justice, because it is evident that their musical possibilities are endless. This is music that demands your attention, and it can even win over people that typically don’t listen to this kind of music, because the infectious grooves are undeniable. “Chelsey and the Noise” encourages us to dance to doom and gloom.
Written By: Steven Sandoval
Date: 09/13/18
Detroit “Electronic” duo “ADULT.” are set to release their new album This Behavior tomorrow, and while we wait the band have given us another taste of the album with a new track off the album titled “Violent Shakes,” as well as a music video to accompany it. The video features a dance performed by dancer Biba Bell. You can watch the video below:
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