New Tune Tuesday (11/18/14)
–Written by Kevin Madert
In case you weren’t aware, Tuesdays are a music lover’s best friend. Although some of these came out a little less recently than today, they’re all essentially new and they’re all definitely worth a listen. If you think we’ve missed something (and with the sheer amount of music released daily, we probably have) drop me a line at kevin@thealternatefrequency.com. Sharing is caring, after all.
Koan Sound x Asa x Culprate x Sorrow – Mosaic
Some songs are destined to be good. When KOAN Sound teased this collaborative track a few weeks ago there was no doubt in my mind “Mosaic” would be one of them. Crafted as a part of eclectic bass label Inspected’s yearly Movember campaign, all the proceeds from the track – released as a pay-what-you-want download – will be donated to fund prostate and testicular cancer research. These four producers came together to compose a great track for a greater cause, and the resultant sonic tapestry is one of uncompromisable beauty. Download it here.
Opiuo – Meraki (Remixed)
Opiuo’s sophomore full-length made our best of glitch 2014 shortlist, so when the audacious Australian announced a remix album was in the works we marked our calendars and started shining our dancing shoes. The list of artists on rework duties is an impressive mix of genre mainstays like KOAN Sound & Russ Liquid and more obscure talents like Spoonbill & K+Lab. The latter two turn in perhaps my favorite tunes on the album – Spoonbill gives us a plodding, sub-shaking interpretation of “Quack Fat,” while K+Lab’s nuanced remix of “Life” melds about three genres without sacrificing the strong vocal work of Syreneiscreamy or the versatile verses laid down by Gift of Gab.
The M Machine – Just Like EP
In 99 cases out of 100, one of my favorite artists straying from their unique sound and creating an EP of what most would consider a much more “mainstream” electronic subgenre would be cause for significant alarm. Luckily The M Machine are that one in one hundred and thensome; the future-bassy sci-fi obsessive trio have turned in a gem with “Just Like,” showcasing their versatility with five slices of deep, steady-beat goodness. It works because there’s little to no sacrifice of the group’s normal sound – from the distorted vocals and bouncy payoffs of the title track to the 80s-influenced atmospherics on “Over Love,” the trio have shifted tempos without sacrificing stylistics.
Blockhead – Bells & Whistles
Trip-hop is a wonderful thing. Equal parts relaxed and upbeat, it’s in essence the perfect aural in-between – for those moments when you’re not sure if you want to jump up and get down or find the nearest couch and sink into a stupor. On Bells & Whistles, Blockhead dances all over this line, often hopping from rowdy to reverie in the span of a single song. Jam-packed with the intriguing spoken-word samples and dusty instrumentation all too familiar to fans of the longtime producer, this album is just as much about the sum as the parts. The best music is universal, and Bells & Whistles could soundtrack a thousand different moments; close your eyes, press play, and see where Blockhead can take you.
Thriftworks – Fader
On the middle installment of Thriftworks’ Fade/Fader/Fadest album trilogy, the bigger picture has started to come together. Boasting 33 tracks and nary a moment of filler it’s another out-there affair, with non-traditional instrumentation, eerie vocals, and an ever-present – although often halting – backbeat abound. Fader boasts a bit less syrup than its present-tense predecessor, opting instead for a more intentioned, slightly spring-loaded shuffle; it’s as if Thriftworks used the 14 tracks of Fade to craft this offbeat world before constructed the entirety of Fader ensconced comfortably within it. Fadest drops on December 1 and with the unpredictability so far could easily be 75 tracks, so stay tuned.
Prismatic – Isles EP
If you’ve kept up with Alternate Frequency, you know we have an affinity for local artists – wherever their “local” may be. In the case of Baltimore native Prismatic, his local and ours happen to overlap. First popping onto our radar last year with his breath-seizing tune “Vibrance,” the up-and-coming producer has since shown a knack for drawing up songs across the genre spectrum, and all his efforts have clearly culminated in the release of his most recent EP. Both more nuanced and layered than much of his previous work, the four tracks on Isles range from growling drum ‘n’ bass to borderline melodic dubstep, all tinged by the metallic, grinding synths he’s honed so well. Do yourself a favor, support a local artist, and buy this EP.