The Predatory Wasp
Of the two rap albums released last week that I paid attention to – the other being 6LACK’s Since I Have A Lover – Kota The Friend’s To See A Sunset is definitely the most fun. I think I’ve used the word ‘breezy’ every time I’ve posted about his music, and I see no reason to break that habit here. Breeeeezy!
https://kotathefriendofficial.bandcamp.com/album/to-see-a-sunset-explicit
I first saw Lucinda Chua supporting KARYYN in what felt like an underground bunker somewhere near the Thames, but may in fact have been a weird museum. My memory is hazy, but I do remember a) being concerned that if a fire started there was no way we’d all get out in time and b) that she was very, very good. Many years later, her debut album YIAN is now out, and it’s also very, very good.
I’ve got places to be today but here’s an absolute banger from 6LACK’S new album Since I Have a Lover to roll you into the weekend.
Andrea’s last album Ritorno was one of my favourite releases of 2020, so it’s great to see him back on Ilian Tape for the follow up, Due In Color. Atmospheric breaks one again dominate, with perhaps just a little more ambient whimsey present than last time around. Lush In End (Drum Version) is one of the more energetic tracks, and it’s absolutely brilliant.
Yves Tumor continues their evolution from experimental electronic noodler to stadium rock icon with their new album, the insanely (and brilliantly) titled Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds). I haven’t had a proper chance to delve into its metallic depths yet, but on the first listen Parody stood out as particularly fun.
I don’t think I’ve posted a big, brash pop banger on here for a while, so this might come as a bit of a shock to anyone who’s got used to my meandering ambient leanings. One of four new songs on Tei Shi’s new EP BAD PREMONITION, FAMILIAR is sparse, taut and immediately satisfying.
I’m sick for what feels like the third time this year already. Even typing is taking it out of me, so here’s a quick one for you that’s soothing my weary brain.
System Olympia has a new greatest hits album out, and even though everything on it has been previously released, I still think it’s worth highlighting as it’s really brilliant. Also: that album cover. Now I’m no prude, but I was genuinely startled. New Erotica Collection very much by both name and nature it seems.
https://systemolympia.bandcamp.com/album/new-erotica-collection
The Antlers first release of the year is perhaps their gentlest, dreamiest song to date. Unveiled this week alongside the announcement of an NYC show, there are no hints about a forthcoming album – and as this sounds like it could have easily been recorded for 2021’s Green To Gold that seems unlikely – but it’s still very nice to have new music from arguably my favourite band of the last decade.
The Glastonbury line-up poster was revealed last week, so obviously I am spending quite a lot of my time fanatically listening to everyone I’m not already familiar with. Fever Ray was vaguely on my radar before, but I just didn’t really connect with them. Their latest single is amazing though, and I also only just realised that they were one half of The Knife! Which considering I loved them, and also consider myself vaguely musically attuned is a fairly major oversight. Also: that video.
The Predatory Wasp 