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Everything Is Recorded – Mountains of Gold (Feat. Sampha, Ibeyi, Wiki, Kamasi Washington)

Everything Is Recorded’s single “Mountains of Gold” is a sweet and savory mixture of electronic, R&B, reggae, and jazz. Featuring neo-soul vocalist Sampha, art pop duo Ibeyi, East Coast rapper Wiki, and renown saxophonist Kamasi Washington, the track offers something for everyone. With a walloping beat that drives a mixture of layered vocal harmonies and sampled tenor sax, we arrive at a brilliantly creative melting pot.

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reviewed by
12-27-17

BØRNS – I Don’t Want U Back

Coming at us like an ’80s synthpop demo, BØRNS has released “I Don’t Want U Back” as a tease from his upcoming album, Blue Madonna. His effervescent falsetto approaches as a one-man army evocative of Bleachers with the slightest tinge of autotune. What begins as possible lo-fi indietronica quickly turns into what we can only describe as thumping, self-sustaining pop. Slide it in your outdated CD player and roll down the windows.

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reviewed by
12-18-17

Lando Chill – Fwm

Hip hop and R&B seem to be scooting closer and closer together these days. Lando Chill has dropped “Fwm,” and you can barely classify it as rap. Dreamy kaleidoscopic synths stream in and out of awareness. Maya Vera slides in under Lando’s refrains with her sweetly tranquilizing voice. We’re ready to be snowed in with our significant other, trapped in a mountain of blankets by the fire.

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reviewed by
12-14-17

NAO – Nostalgia

NAO is serving up something new yet familiar. In her new single “Nostalgia” her words soar over thumping synths and a fast paced drum kit. But I can’t help but hear some Michael Jackson or Madonna in the bouncy guitar riff. I’m seduced by the same accoutrements of “Beat It” or “Material Girl.” The jagged funk vibe almost feels anachronistic, and yet that makes it all the more alluring.

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reviewed by
12-08-17

S. Carey – Fool’s Gold

Sticking to his signature hypnagogic sound, S. Carey is preparing to release his third full-length album, Hundred Acres. Prior to its scheduled debut of February 23, the Eau Claire-based musician has decided to give us a taste of what’s to come. “Fool’s Gold” sports an unprecedented raw confidence. Compressed reverb from an assortment of acoustic guitars sputter and pang ever so gently. S. Carey’s voice is central yet tempered. Is it folktronica or just a highly produced singer-songwriter? I suppose that’s up to you. Check out his Bandcamp to listen in.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
12-06-17