Rapid Review - 3/30/21

YBN Nahmir – VISIONLAND: One of my favorite “one hit wonder” artists Nahmir drops a twenty-track album with some great features and beats. It feels as if that same playfully spirited energy and method from Rubbing Off the Paint has generally matured and improved after he fell out of the limelight (the major mainstream at least). The record simply exudes good vibes with fun and hard features from Offset and 21 Savage (a particularly great verse). I also appreciate the detail of putting some features at the end of the tracklist, combating the common problem of popular music albums dragging filler tracks at the end of them. Otherwise, the only aspect I disliked was the awful autotune on Soul Train. ~7.5

Death from Above 1979 – Is 4 Lovers: A short, fast-paced yet nuanced album by an older band unfamiliar to me, Death from Above 1979 shows an extraordinary amount of diversity in musical skillset while keeping a thoughtful theme. I hear anything from conventionally electronic implements to rock-esque vocals on the record. Finally, they finish the album with pop-type vocals that is alone or abruptly interrupted by phenomenally passionate screaming through countless layers of lo-fi effects. ~8.5

Xiu Xiu – OH NO: The experimental rock, noise pop, post-punk, outfit releases a “duet” album of sorts where each song on the album is a collaboration with a different artist. Ranging from Drab Majesty to Chelsea Wolfe, you will likely be exposed to a new artist even if you are a Xiu Xiu fan. However, Xiu Xiu clearly establishes stylistic themes unique to this album, regardless of what artist is being featured. OH NO focuses heavily on electronic and noise pop elements; elements I would describe as “orchestral electronic pop” as the drones and noises are used in a grandiose way that is distinct from, say, a conventional post-rock or shoegaze immersion. There are parts that are beautiful, parts that are terrifying, and others mystical. Track 2 and 4 are my favorite. 7.5-8

Japanese Breakfast – Psychopomp: A great indie rock composition with an acquired sound for nasally vocals that complement the resonant instrumentals. Reminds me of WU LYF.