Weekly Release Spotlight
That one perfect album that we (and you) almost missed.
marked by Klein
One of the most intriguing and unique sounds in music today, Nigerian-British artist Klein uses drone, ambient, as well as elements of R&B, to create multi-layered tracks on her latest album, ‘marked.’ Klein’s range cannot be understated. She creates a slow-building, grainy collection of beats layered over voice samples, classical piano, and apocalyptic, siren-like drones–best exemplified on “Blow the Whistle,” a near five-minute track that satisfyingly builds into a unique, industrial drumbeat. With enthralling and dizzying audio panning, ‘marked’ defies and pushes sound to its extreme while having fun and experimenting with genre. Klein’s goal has been to make music without an audience in mind, and this album perfectly exemplifies the pure musical exploration of that sentiment.
Unbound by Bizhiki
The physical origin of Bizhiki is found on the indigenous homelands of the Ojibwe people, upon the northern shores of Lake Superior. The group first came together at the Eaux Claires festival in 2015, after an open-ended invitation to play music in their ancestral homeland. Out of this collaboration of Dylan Bezhikiins Jennings, Joe Rainey, and Sean Carey comes “Unbound,” an album made of remarkable, ethereal sounds grounded in powwow traditions. The group describes their album as a “dialogue of ancient tradition of powwow singing and a contemporary musical palette,” which is exactly how it feels: all-encompassing, thought-provoking, and inviting. Bringing in Sean Carey’s on-the-nose soundwork, instantly recognizable from his previous work with Bon Iver, the trio’s first recorded project is simply breathtaking. “Unbound” is a reminder of the unmatched harmony that erupts from indigenous music creation.
Samurai by Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco’s ninth studio album serves as a personal, empathetic look into his journey as a rapper. The title ‘Samurai’ translates to ‘service,’ and is also inspired by a proclamation that Amy Winehouse made at the end of her life: that she had been writing battle rap, and was a lyrical samurai. This seemingly odd choice of inspiration proves to be not only fun and whimsical, but heartfelt and imaginative. Though the album isn’t a straightforward narrative, or a biography of Winehouse, Fiasco pays homage to the late singer-songwriter through his always-innovative lyricism. Tracks across the album reflect Fiasco’s ever-strong commitment to justice, as well as critique of political establishments and timely commentary on the need for community through hardship.
Vibhuti by Sis
Multi instrumentalist and vocalist Jenny Gillespie Mason, under the name Sis, has released her third and most fully-realized album, ‘Vibhuti.’ With elements of bossa nova and light, floating electronic tracks, Sis creates a warm and inviting environment on this album. Sis questions motherhood, finding the “new” in one’s own artistic projects, as well as reflecting upon the human condition. ‘Vibhuti’ is the perfect album for long, slow days spent contemplating meaning and purpose.
data by Avas
Bouncing between Minneapolis and Chicago, Avelina DeCandia, under the name Avas, produces fresh, high-energy electronic beats that perfectly mesh the sounds of both cities. On her debut EP, ‘data’ DeCandia creates a pulsating, innovative, and undeniably fun sound. The tracks evoke both nostalgic and futuristic ambitions and are undeniably infectious. Enlisting the help of familiar hyperpop collaborators JHL and Plastic Pets, Avas’ meticulously constructed beats breathe new life into Midwest club music, all the while highlighting and uplifting the community that built it.
Believe by Men Seni Suyemin
Debut album, titled ‘Believe’ from Kazakhstan-based artist Minona Volandova, under the alias Men Seni Suyemin (meaning “I love you” in Kazakh), full of danceable, dreamy tracks. As a whole, ‘Believe’ takes electronic music to a new level; Volandova cites love as the catalyst for creativity, and multi genre influences, both of which are undoubtedly apparent in the album. With driving, almost industrial beats, Kazakh folk influence, and soft, floating vocals, Believe is an addicting listen. Tracks range from pondering, soft post-rock melodies to electronic dance tracks, making the record truly unique and inspiring, a breath of fresh air.