Essential Sounds (2010/05/12)

Kanichiwa interwebbers it is I, your friendly neighbourhood music guru, and as ever from my headquarters here in Blighty I have been scouring the land for the best new music to keep your ears and soul at peace. This weeks essential sounds sees us travel through a sonic chamber of eclectic material bringing you a buffet of hip-hop, electro, punk and everything else bar the kitchen sink so grab a pair of headphones, plug in and take off.

1. “We Are Water” by Health

Californian noise rock troop Health return with a taste of new material in the form of “We Are Water”. Despite having only been in action since 2007 the LA based group have made somewhat of a name for themselves and with their latest single they are making all the right moves to further develop their reputation. On first reflection the potent mix of pounding drums and distorted ambience come across as a cocktail of sound which consists of equal measures fear and intoxication. This is the tracks strength and fortunatly for the listener it never dies down, gripping you by the ear drum and the jugular until the ride is over. This is an essential track because basically it is the equivalent of adrenaline pumping through your blood stream, it gets under your skin and becomes a part of you.

2. “Shutterbug” by Big Boi

The often underated and overlooked other half of ATL’s iconic Hip hop duo Outkast, Big Boi further pursues his solo career with this hard hitting certified club banger! If “Shutterbug” is to be seen as a sample for what we can expect from Big Boi’s debut album Sir Luscious Left Foot then the early signs are good, very good. The expected soul and funk influence we’ve come to establish Big Boi with is ever present but under the production guidance of Scott Storch there is much more commercial appeal in the form of its big beat rhythm and squelchy synth work. All of this is topped off with Big Boi’s quick delivered and always on point flow, some may see this as move towards selling out but really its a long overdue move out of the shadows.

3. “Rambling Man” by Laura Marling

On her 2008 track “New Romantic” English singer songwriter Laura Marling makes a reference to fellow musician Ryan Adams and in particular his music. In her latest single “Rambling Man” his influence on her work has never been more noticeable. The tender and beautiful nature of the song distinctly echoes the tone of Adams debut album Heartbreaker. At the young age of 20 years old Marling writes with the whimsy and experience of someone ten years her elder. The beauty behind the track is its simplicity, the stripped down structure of guitar, drums and the ever fashionable banjo mixed with haunting harmonies and the sweet sticking beauty of Miss Marling’s voice make for an excellent example of delicate yet unforgettable song crafting.

4. “Born Free” by M.I.A

It’s been three long years since Mathangi Arulpragasm, better known as M.I.A last had an album of new material for the world to revel in and despite a little tease of new music earlier this year she has been rather quiet. Until now that is, “Born” Free is the first official single from the forthcoming as of yet untitled Lp and believe me it dosent dissapoint. Kick starting with thrasing crescendo of drums it’s not long before the infectious bass line sinks it’s claws in and the track takes off like a rocket. Swelling with plenty of punk rock attitude and dancefloor swagger “Born Free” would be just as well suited to a riot as it would an underground club. Of course not one to shy away from thought provoking lyrical content its clear to see that after six years in the buisness she still has just as much if not more to get off her chest. Take all this and throw in some grimey distorted vocals and a rebel rousing one line chorus and you have all the right ingredients for a truly essential song.

5. “Celestica” by Crystal Castles

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that you will be hard pressed to find a more euphoric experience than this new exhibit from one of Canada’s finest exports Crystal Castles. Packed with a pulsating rhythm, swelling keyboard lines and a sun shower of synthesised delight its easy to see why I love this song so much. Alongside the shades of classic house music it seems as if the electronic duo have turned their ear to contemporary trends as well. A good example of this can be found in the lowered pitch of the vocal harmonies which are somewhat representative of UK Dubstep artist Burial. However the real gloss which makes the track shine bright is the pop like vocals of band member Alice Glass. To accompany the versatile instrumentation, Glass gives us one of the sweetest melodies you’re likely to hear in this genre.

–Malcolm Foster

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