Hadewych
enthusiasm and stubbornness
rock, heavy metal, hardcore, pop, hip-hop, r&b, vaporwave
Bart Graft’s rocking synthwave if on full display on Modern Life (2018, Playmaker). I’m not sure if it’s his best album (there are many), but it sure is a ton of fun, and the guitar solos are super on point.
b l u e s c r e e n - 真菌 (2018, Immersion Complete)
These are some really chill vapor tracks: mid-tempo, sophisticated sample choices, capable blendage. Beautiful cover art, too!
death’s dynamic shroud deftly weaves together chopped up pop bits into irresistible mid-tempo tracks. Heavy Black Heart (2017, Ghost Diamond) contains 10 bangers that have been on repeat all week.
ga-nu’s Ocean Lady (2018, Holloway Tapes) is some gorgeous aqueous R&B with a deep groove. Really laid back; an EP that promises a lot more, and I can’t wait to hear it.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Polygondwanaland (2017, Various)
One of my favourite albums from last year. Boundlessly energetic and fun psych rock, released for free by the band and in various formats—as encouraged by King Gizzard—by labels all around the world.
Minor Threat - Out of Step (1983, Dischord)
Proper punk classic. Channel that inner black sheep and keep walking out of step!
Pod Cast - Dead King’s Dream (2018, Brave Mysteries)
As reviewed earlier this week. Superb playful dungeon synth.
SAYOHIMEBOU - 卡拉OK♫スターダスト東風 (2017, Business Casual)
Always good for some weird chopped up disco beats, which leads to something of a contemporary, post-vapor take on happy rave and hardcore. This one is totally eccentric and irresistible, plus it includes a spiffy remix/cover of Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration”!
Trouble - The Skull (1985, Metal Blade)
This is real classic doom, the kind that blends Sabbath with the innovations of NWOBHM. The result is catchy, with the typical fuzzy sound of the mid-80s, and a bit of an odd one out with its heavy Christian focus as well.
You can literally always wake me up for waterfront dining’s #babewave. American Love 愛 (2015, DMT Tapes FL) is an older one, smooth af, with the choicest slow jams to cuddle your honeys to.