In No Particular Order – April 3, 2020
I try to keep things as objective as possible (then again, it is music after all), but today’s my birthday so I’m going to do what I want as I write this from the confines of my house due to mandatory isolation.
(I don’t care about the new Drake music video)
The music gods were generous this year and gifted me a plethora of fantastic album releases for this jam-packed In No Particular Order. New Music Fridays like this one make me thankful for being born now, instead of say, December 30th when there is basically no new music being released AND it’s so close to Christmas you get shafted with fewer gifts.
(The new Childish Gambino album was weird and overcomplicated)
Speaking of which, if you are reading this on your own accord and curiosity, thank you! And if you are here because I guilted you into reading my work because it’s my birthday: also thank you.
Both parties should take it one step further and follow Dusty Organ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify and make all my dreams come true.
Enough chitchat – let’s get to the music!
Born Ruffians – JUICE
Alternative rock
9/10
JUICE is the Born Ruffian’s sixth full-length and their first release under their new record label Wazy Haze Records. Starting out as high school friends, the Midland, Ontario natives eventually made the jump to Toronto and the rest is history. And that collection of memories, cohesiveness, hard work, and friendship has been poured out into their latest album.
The new album is energetic, dynamic, and colourful. And because Luke Lalonde is at the album’s helm, there is plenty of poetic wordplay and storytelling, mostly about the band’s growth over the last 15 years.
Notable tracks: “I Fall In Love Every Night” // “The Poet [Can’t Jam]” // “Wavy Haze”
Purity Ring – Womb
Trip-hop/Electro-pop
7.5/10
Believe it or not, Edmonton-based duo Purity Ring released their debut Shrines back in 2012. Their sophomore another eternity came out in 2015, and the five years since have felt like, well…an eternity. However, the enthralling sound of Megan James and Corin Roddick seems to be a timeless being, and on their new album Womb, their simple recipe remains the same: angelic vocals from James that float well above the texture-filled electronic landscape built by Roddick’s glitchy drum pad and synthesizers.
Shrine leaned heavily into the trap and trip-pop genres that were sweeping the electronic music scene at the time. another eternity shifted ever so slightly into more articulate trip-pop that matched their artistic expression with musical intensity, reaching into more aggressive beats and high energy tracks. Now, on Womb, everything feels more mature, more polished, and more…peaceful.
Notable tracks: “rubyinsides” // “i like the devil” // “stardew”
Empress Of – I’m Your Empress Of
Dance-pop/Electro-pop
7/10
Honduran-American songwriter, musician and producer Lorely Rodriguez is better known as the dynamic electro-pop artist Empress Of. Her anthemic and electrifying music has been sweeping audiences worldwide and her third album I’m Your Empress Of is continuing her entrancing style. Blending together house, pop, EDM, and hip-hop, her new album is packed with dance-floor anthems, love songs, and heartbreak. Rodriguez mixes together the melancholic feelings of romantic loss and loneliness with the infectious sensations of dance and rhythm effortlessly making it easy to find hopefulness in a dark emotions.
Notable tracks: “Love Is A Drug” // “Give Me Another Chance” // “Maybe This Time”
Thundercat – It Is What It Is
Hip-hop/Experimental
8/10
Stephen Lee Bruner has been an accomplished musician since 15. From boy bands to thrash metal to hip-hop, Bruner has stunned the world over with his powerful musicality. Under the moniker Thundercat, Bruner produces complex and enthralling jazz-infused hip-hop as both a solo artist and musical collaborator, working with a number of fellow iconic musicians, leading the way with his whirlwind bass playing.
Once again collaborating with Flying Lotus, his fourth album It Is What It Is is an exploration of life, love, and loss, dedicating it to his late friend Mac Miller. Bringing his friends closer on the record, there are a handful of noteworthy features, including Ty Dolla $ign, Childish Gambino, Lil B, Kamasi Washington, Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Louis Cole and Zack Fox.
Both the ups and downs of life are played out with his crafty bass lines and eccentric production. There’s funk, hip-hop, reggage, drum n’ bass, house, and plenty more genres bashing together in entrancing, unpredictable ways.
Notable tracks: “Black Qualls” // “Funny Thing” // “Fair Chance”
Violent Soho – Everything Is A-OK
Alternative/Emo-punk
7.5/10
Brisbane-raised alternative/emo-rock group Violent Soho have been around for almost 18 years now. Their steady release of grunge-inspired rock has hit home around the world with their brash blend of punk, melancholy, and honesty. Their fifth album Everything Is A-OK continues their resonating mix of life and noise. It’s filled with songs about resilience, getting older, and understanding oneself. With feverish hooks, classic ’90s-grunge inspired riffs, and raw DIY energy, Everything is A-OK is a must-have during these strange times.
Notable tracks: “Vacation Forever” // “Canada” // “Lying On The Floor”
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