by Dustin van Wyk
Singles – 2014/06/30
Okmalumkoolkat – Holy Oxygen
Johannesburg-based wordsmith Okmalumkoolkat, having rose to prominence as one half of rap duo Dirty Paraffins in 2012, has returned with a frantic Kwaito-inspired single for his upcoming LP. The instrumentation is thick which booming 808 kicks fitting neatly under glacial synths that hop over handclaps and paned hi hats. Zwane’s delivery moves effortlessly between playful , introspective and irreverent throughout. Okmalumkoolkat’s debut EP is set for release August 4th via Affine records.
GRMLN – Jaded
Big chugging power chords, driving bass lines and hazy vocals all enveloped in raucous drum patterns are what make up Californian noise-maker GRMLN’s sound on his latest single ‘Jaded’. The single sees him attempting to reconcile his love of garage rock overtones with surf pop melodies. His sophomore project Soon Away is set for release September 16th via Carpark records.
Jhene Aiko - Pressure
In the new single from the Alt-R&B act, we hear Jhene’s signature alluring melodies as she floats over glistening synths and guitars flourishing in flanger effects while deeply compressed kicks punctuated the airy and serene production. Jhene’s forthcoming LP for Def Jam records Souled Out is set for release August 25th.
Paul White – Honey Cats
Off-kilter experimentalist Paul White, known for his close collaborations with equally off-centre Detroit rapper Danny Brown, has recently unveiled his debut single off forthcoming LP Shaker Notes. The track is murky and desolate with its opium-induced guitar phrases that are supported by modulated percussions, while White’s distant vocals murmer in the background along with organ and tenor sax lines. Shaker Notes will be released via R&S records on September 29th.
Mirel Wagner – The Dirt
The Ethiopian-born Finnish-based folk songstress has recently released her second single ‘The Dirt’ for her upcoming sophomore LP. The record is mired in dark tones as Mirel’s bluesy phrases are accompanied by a lone slow acoustic stroke, placing heavy emphasis on her moody expressions and vivid lyricism. Mirel’s second album When the Cellar Children See the Light of Day is set for release August 12th via Sub Pop records.