Currents (Week of June 11)
Currents in a new (or old, depending on who you ask) column for which your friendly neighborhood blog director (me) will highlight some tracks that I can't get enough of. Some are new, others are just new to me, but they all caught my ear this past week and I've jamming ever since.
“jaguars in the air” - Lykke Li
Embracing influences from modern hip-hop, R&B and dance music more than she has on any past record, Lykke Li's new album so sad so sexy is full of gems. “jaguars in the air” had me hooked from the first listen. The dream pop track is infectious and perfect for late night summer drives.
“Nont For Sale” - Sudan Archives
Inspired by West African rhythms, Sudan Archives’ new experimental R&B EP Sink is one of the most unique I have heard in a while. The second track is a richly textured banger that I can’t help but move to whenever I listen. The production is so enticing and paired with her sultry vocals and the razor-sharp lyrics this song is overwhelmingly compelling.
“No Time to Lose” - Madison McFerrin
This upbeat jam feels like summertime. The beat, consisting entirely of a doo wop-like vocals, claps and snaps, serve as the perfect backdrop for Madison McFerrin’s soulful yet sweet voice. An a capella anthem about moving on, I’ve been playing this track on repeat and haven’t gotten tired of it yet.
“Hijo de Su Madre” - Omar Apollo
This up and coming Mexican singer-songwriter is definitely on to something. On his debut EP Stereo, Omar Apollo voice is an impressive instrument that proves it should not be put into a box. On one of my favorite tracks, “Hijo de su Madre” Apollo vocals sound Pharrell inspired as he switches in between a monotone rap and an impressive falsetto.
“Slept On” - Yeek, Robin Daylan
The simplicity of this laid back duet allows Yeek and Robin Daylan’s vocals shine throughout, a good choice as their voices compliment each other beautifully. The lo-fi feel of the track from Yeek’s Blackheart EP is reminiscent of an indie rock ballad with the duo crooning longingly about being overlooked. But even with the melancholy that permeates the song, the ending brings back the hip hop undertones signature to South Florida songwriter’s sound.