Ulrich Schnauss & Jonas Munk – Passage
Yet another brilliant collaboration between Ulrich Schnauss and Jonas Munk.
As seen in their 2011 album (Ulrich Schnauss & Jonas Munk), adding Munk’s guitar to the already existing talent of Mr. Schnauss creates wonders.
These two fine artists come together in Passage so harmoniously to create a unique album that brings out the best of both worlds. A wonderful mesh between Ulrich’s electronic vibes and Munk’s soft guitar with which he manages to strike a chord in the right places to create that chill that runs down your spine.
Some of the tracks are perfect for meditation and contemplation and others will make you wanna put on your spandex and hit the dance floor.
However you look at it, it will make for great background music.
Thundercat – Drunk
Thunder! Thunder! Thunder! Thundercat!
Drunk or sober, you should definitely listen to what Stephen Bruner has to say. Other than giving us some good advice such as combing our beards or brushing our teeth, Thundercat composes a story-like album where he puts his life on the table and shows all its colors, in a way we can all relate to. In 23 short tracks, Thundercat brings together a whole range of emotions into a one of a kind funky, mellow and sexy album.
Wire – Silver/Lead
40 years and still going strong, the UK post-punkers deliver yet another great album, oozing intense darkness and emotional depth that are conveyed perfectly by Colin Newman’s dramatic vocals. Silver/Lead creates a storm of emotions that grows stronger track by track and reaches a climax with the last two songs that are hands down the icing on this delicious cake.
Some of you might find it odd that we didn’t select Aimee Mann’s new album “Mental Illness” for this month’s pick, but we felt that Wire’s album was the silver lining of a month that was heavy as lead.
Juliana Hatfield – Pussycat
In her newest album Pussycat, not only does Juliana showcase her talent as a gifted singer-songwriter, she also brings up the oh so relevant issue of the unbearable lightness of sexual harassment, that is much too often overlooked. With biting whit and sarcasm, she speaks up for all the women who’s words fall on deaf ears. Her lyrics are strong and penetrating and send a clear message as it should. This is by far, Hatfield’s fiercest album, as she holds nothing back.
We’re not sure if this is the best indie album of the year, but it defiantly deserves attention.
Coldcut & on-U sound – Outside the echo chamber
Coldcut and On-U’s Adrian Sherwood collaborate to create a very eclectic, stimulating & complex, yet reachable album. Black, More & Sherwood elegantly bring their own character and style to each song without dominating it. Outside the echo chamber is a brilliant collection of Reggae, Hip-Hop, Electro and Dub with intriguing lyrics and hypnotizing sounds . Multiculturalism at its best!
If you’re looking to stimulate your mind a bit – this is the album you want.
Bonobo – Migration
This album by Bonobo is slightly different than his previous ones s“Migration”, which is probably Bonobo’s most solid album so far, shows just how much Simon Green has progressed and evolved as an artist. With delicate finesse and great talent he’s able to take you on an endless journey of captivating melody and incredible intimacy. To sum it up “Migration” is a sophisticated album with unique sounds and great vocals.
If you’re a Bonobo fan, You’ll want to get a hold of this on.
Japanese Breakfast – Soft sounds from another planet
This is Michelle Zauner’s second album. Her debut album “psycopomp” was released merely a year ago (2016), amidst her mother being diagnosed with cancer and her subsequent death. Naturally, in “Psychopomp”, she deals with related themes, such as death, loss, heartbreak and grief. In “Soft sounds…” she continues her life’s journey facing other struggles such as hope, love and uncertainty. With her silky voice and bittersweet melancholy, she creates an album that is immersed in raw intensity and pure emotion.If you’re an Indie lover – this one is a must have.