Also featuring Tropical Fuck Storm and Shannon & the Clams.
Friday is here, which means it’s release day for a bunch of artists at home and around the world. With so many hot releases out there to tuck into, we’ve compiled some of the best to present to you for the weekend.
B Wise shows his other sides in new record Jamie, Lorde returns with a dazed view on pop and life with Solar Power, Tropical Fuck Storm stick it to the man with Deep States and Shannon & the Clams create their best record to date with Year of the Spider.
This week’s top picks:
- B Wise – Jamie
- Lorde – Solar Power
- Tropical Fuck Storm – Deep States
- Shannon & the Clams – Year of the Spider
Read all the latest music news here.
B Wise – Jamie
The highly anticipated second record from Sydney based hip hop figure B Wise shows a new side of the performer. With features from drill crew ONEFOUR, Milan Ring, Sampa the Great and Manu Crooks among others, this is one packed roster that supports B Wise without overshadowing the artist.
Standouts from the record include ‘Won’t Stop’ with ONEFOUR in which B Wise tells the world what he says in the title and ‘Jamie Overstreet’ where his voice glides over the laid back beat with a very formidable performance. The closer ‘Ezinna’ is an uplifting track which features both Sampa the Great and Milan Ring who shine over a funk style arrangement.
Check out the single ‘Won’t Stop’ below.
Lorde – Solar Power
After her highly successful first two records, Lorde seems to strive to shake off her pop past and move forward into a grounded more succinct vision. Working again with legendary producer Jack Antonoff, Lorde swaps powerful vocal delivery for subtle, understated, seemingly whispering to you only.
‘Stoned at the Nail Salon’ is a great example of this, where basic but full arrangements focused on acoustic guitar and Ella’s voice showcase her lyrics which include “all the music you loved at sixteen you’ll grow out of”. Very fitting for the mature approach to this record and moving forward of themes and instrumentation.
Another lead single from Solar Power, ‘Mood Ring’ is a stab at new age wellness practices which seems perfect for summer beach listening. ‘Secrets from a Girl (Who’s Seen It All)’ is a nostalgia filled track which plays into the loud/quiet verse chorus trope but still ties in with the rest of the album. Overall relaxed listening on this record perfect for a chill day at home.
Tropical Fuck Storm – Deep States
From socio-political commentary on their last two records, the pandemic brought on what the band calls “give-a-fuck fatigue”, leaving them without the ability to write for six months. They emerged from that, and we’re glad as the new record Deep States explores topics like conspiracy theories over whatever musical style suits them on a given track. Very punk.
Their experimental nature leads to a deeply interesting record which doesn’t sink into a groove, keeping you on your toes throughout the whole LP. ‘G.A.F.F.’ talks about being fatigued from over-consuming media and getting “Give a fuck fatigue”. ‘Legal Ghost’ is the most accessible track on the record, with a stripped back arrangement and Liddiard’s voice front and centre.
Check out the video for ‘Bumma Sanger’ from the record below, and stay tuned for our interview with Liddiard.
Shannon and the Clams – Year of the Spider
If you like funk, soul and psych sounds, this record is for you. Blending them all with ease, Shannon & The Clams meld together a gorgeous collection of tracks produced by Dan Auerbach of a band you might know, The Black Keys!
The title track is a standout, Shannon belts her vocals in a track that sounds like it came out of the Motown studios, oversaturated vocals and all. ‘Godstone’ could be a track by The Beach Boys and further showcases their musical prowess. ‘Leave Fall Again’ could be stripped right out of a Western film, in which you’re being chased by gunslinging cops and the impending end of the road is upon you.
All in all, Year of the Spider is a stunning record and definitely worth a listen cover to cover. Our interview with the band will be live very soon.
