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Track Reviews

Kat Dahlia – Gangsta

kat dahlia

This is really real. We don’t actually know much about Kat Dahlia, other than that she’s from Miami and born of Cuban immigrant parents. She could be anyone really. Object #1 here is the strength of the writing, the conviction and power of the vocalist, and the refreshing quality of “Gangsta’s” sound. We expect comparison after comparison to Lana Del Rey or Santigold or hip hop or whoever/whatever to surface but none of that really matters either. Removed from the hype/the music journalism panopticon/black hole, we are witnessing the genesis of a real and singular star.

Kat Dahlia (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

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reviewed by
03-05-13

Chrome Sparks – Sparks [EP]

chrome sparks EP

Chrome Sparks never ceases to impress, remixes and singles alike, the artist has yet to disappoint. The new Sparks EP has that same glow. Singles, “Send the Pain On” and “Marijuana” both make appearances but are far from the only standout tracks on this release. Sparks doesn’t miss a beat. The EP is replete with tracks that can both lull you to sleep and make you dance all night. Sparks is Springtime music and with the new season right around the corner, it’s just in time. By Phoebe Anne Severin

Chrome Sparks newyork (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

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reviewed by
03-05-13

Lucy Cait – Gabriel’s Wharf

gabs wharf plain

Previewed below is the lead single and title track from UK singer/songwriter Lucy Cait’s debut EP for Folkroom Records. “Gabriel’s Wharf” is big, but big in terms of its weight and expansiveness. The “Gabriel’s Wharf”s background wash of delayed tremolo’d guitars create an interesting dynamic; while the guitars sounds both far off like their revolving out in some distant orbit; they feel ominous too, as if they could fall in and suffocate at the song at any moment. The effect makes for a compelling piece of cinema; that and the track is melodically excellent too. Give “Gabriel’s Wharf” your ears below.

Lucy Cait england (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

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reviewed by
03-05-13

Mr. Gonzo – Gon Be A Thrill (J. Paul Getto Remix)

gonzo fear and loathing

Interstellar traveller/electronic producer Mr. Gonzo comes up aces on this sunny new roller skates-pop collab with East Coast DJ J Paul Getto of new track “Gon Be A Thrill”. Now lace up those skates while we get a mantis dance circle going on the skate floor.

Mr. Gonzo (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

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reviewed by
03-05-13

Ciara – Body Parts (Prod. Mike Will Made It)

ciara2

We’re not even mad. Sure, the song title and concept are dumb, “Body Party” anyone? But melodically “Body Party” is a slice of mainstream R&B perfection. That, and an excellent A-level Mike Will Made It instrumental, make this new Ciara joint a must listen.

Ciara (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

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reviewed by
03-04-13

Terrace Martin – Poetic Justice (Saxophone Remix)

terracemartin

We love Terrace Martin. The L.A.-based Producer/MC/saxophonist can seemingly do it all. Here Mr. Martin puts a Quiet Storm shine on K. Lamar’s current “Poetic Justice” hit layering with a generous smattering of dope sax leads. CC this one to yr shawty.

Terrace Martin (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

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reviewed by
03-04-13

Nike Nando – Double Dragon (Feat. Tabi Bonney)

nikenando

Bammers endin’ up on a milk box. MD rapper Nike Nando lets loose the T-Mos produced “Double Dragon” from his upcoming SPRDLV mixtape. Our man from Maryland goes in well enough but the big points are won here by fellow DMV-er Tabi Bonney (where’s this fool been?), who’s feature on verse two is very good (very very good). Props, too, T-Mos for an A+ harp-driven instrumental. We are into it.

Nike Nando – Double Dragon (Feat. Tabi Bonney)

Nike Nando maryland (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

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reviewed by
03-04-13

Tuesday Born – Sleep With Stars

tuesdayborn

“Sleep With Stars” is the just released sophomore single from after hours pop artist Tuesday Born. The single which will also include remixes from Auntie Flo and Debian Blak and is a apertif to the London-based Tuesday Born’s forthcoming “Singing in the Dark” EP, which is due April 1st. The muted rhythms and soothing electronics of the excellent “Sleep With Stars” should serve as a great introduction to this newcomer artist.

Tuesday Born england (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

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reviewed by
03-04-13

GIveaway: Alpine @ The Bootleg in Los Angeles this Tuesday, March 5th!

alpine side

On Tuesday, March 5th, hotly tipped Aussie outfit Alpine will swing by The Bootleg as part of The Fold Silverlake Presents. The band will be in LA and NY for select dates before they hit Austin for this year’s SXSW festival, and we’ve got a pair of tickets to this Tuesday’s show in LA for one lucky reader! To win, email us here and say that you want some Alpine tickets. We will pick our winning email submission at random this Monday night 3/4/13. You can get more information on the show and purchasing tickets here.

Alpine australia (Official)
The Fold Silverlake (Info and Tickets)

reviewed by
03-03-13

Premiere: Barny Carter – Montpellier [EP]

Barny Carter - Montpellier

Budding Bristol, UK based multi-instrumental producer and composer Barny Carter continues down a road of picturesque soundscapes on his forthcoming EP, Montpellier. This sophomore release drops Tuesday, March 5th via DryCry Records. It features a recent Gilles Peterson (BBC) minted first spin with “Bouquet”, and as great as that track is, Montpellier as whole offers a momentous listen. From the serene initiation of “Clamour” to the piano chatter of “Oceans”, Montpellier boasts a complete body of work. B3SCI has your first listen-through, and if you have 20 minutes to spare, then we highly recommend that you lend your ears below.

Barny Carter (Purchase)

Rating: 8.4

reviewed by
03-03-13

Finesse Supafly – Get to Steppin ft Jay D

Pace-o

Finesse Supafly is a part of Mont Brown’s Philly collective Astronauts Really Fly. The braggadocio of “Get to Steppin” is evident. Finesse and Jay Dempsey ride the soulful beat with nothing but cockiness. It’s just some fun, youthful energy as made clear by the witty lines and track artwork. While Mont has the Pop feel, tunes like this are perfect for Internet success. ARF is really tackling all angles of rap. This that type of music that you bump with your car windows open, like your cool. And, Spring is right around the corner.. By Teddy Pendergrass

Pace-O – Get to Steppin ft Jay D

Pace-O (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

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reviewed by
03-03-13

Roosevelt – Around You

roosevelt

Roosevelt, who impressed last fall with his debut track “Sea”, returns with sophomore single “Around You”. Light, airy, “summery” but still very well conceived as a pop song, “Around You” is very impressive indeed. Look out for an EP release from Roosevelt a bit later this year on Greco-Roman.

Roosevelt Balthazar (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

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reviewed by
03-01-13