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(11/14/13 1:29am)
Shy Girls – Timeshare EP
Shy Girls’ “Timeshare” EP is one of those happy accidents that comes along after some old-fashioned, feel good bump and grinding. This is no dream: Shy Girls (moniker for Dan Vidmar) is a real R&B artist with an attention to detail and a smooth touch of electronic, synthesized production. This EP easily sets the mood as “Without” warms us up with some softcore sensual vibes, followed by the slower “Still Not Falling” that reminds us that a little crooning behind the guitar never hurt nobody. The EP closes with “Under Attack,” a lush song with slow strumming guitars that whisk everyone away with a spell of all the feels. The appeal to Shy Girls is that all of the textured instrumentation is simple, but the lyrics dig deeper under the skin to reveal the turmoil of love (“I’ve got a clear vision, but visions don’t make up for love”). While some tracks like “Voyeur’s Gaze” drag on a little too long, Shy Girls has a lot to offer with this seductively sincere EP. Surely, the best is yet to come as Shy Girls invites everyone to be a part of the R&B revival with open arms.
RIYL: Rhye, Milosh, How To Dress Well, Basecamp, The Weeknd, Sampha, Cyril Hahn, Cashmere Cat – Sydney Gore, Artificial Sweetener on Wednesday at 12-2 p.m.
(11/07/13 12:10am)
M.I.A. – Matangi
“Matangi,” M.I.A.’s fourth studio album, is one that’s almost impossible to view without the context of M.I.A.’s past career, her host of contentious public interactions and outspoken attitude. The album is just about as sporadic and bumpy as the past few years of her career, but somehow still impossibly cool.
“Matangi” is rife with dance tracks that changes gears without warning, going from trap to reggae and from sitar-based to electronic, percussion-heavy rhythms. M.I.A. drops spitfire verses, some that make you wonder why she is so revered, and others that remind you exactly why she is. One song that encapsulates this attitude is “Lights,” which definitely has elements of pop genius, but changes, and has you pulling a disbelieving brows-furrowed, headshake.
Undoubtedly, “Matangi” is the best stuff M.I.A. has released in years. Much like the artist, the album is irritating and awesome, confusing and unique, and fans will be relieved and stoked to throw this on at the first chance possible.
RIYL: Dizzee Rascal, The Weeknd, Major Lazer
-Clare Teeling, WVAU staff
(10/31/13 5:20pm)
Innanetape – Vic Mensa
Vic Mensa’s debut album-length mixtape invites a few comparisons. The former Kids These Days frogman wields a stop-start sing-rap style that recalls fellow Chicagoan Chance the Rapper (featured on “Tweakin’”). Elsewhere, Mensa’s syllable-heavy delivery evokes Earl Sweatshirt, albeit with less detachment. These similarities aside, Mensa proves to be engaging while shuttling between a conventional rhyme style and a melodic flow that transforms into a full-on croon. The album’s sound is equally eclectic with touches of drum-heavy neo-soul (“Orange Soda”), upbeat jams (“Lovely Day”) and more straightforward hip-hop (“YNSP”). The furthest departure is “Run,” which sounds like an update of Prince’s high-paced 80’s rock. Soulful guest vocals from Jesse Boykins III on “Magic” and BJ The Chicago Kid on the spectacular “Holy Holy” complement Mensa’s own tuneful performances.
A variety of styles and tempos are juggled to great effect, making for one of the year’s better mixtapes.
RIYL: Chance the Rapper, The Internet, Earl Sweatshirt
-Rafael Smith, The Funk Box on Wednesday 4-5 p.m.
(10/02/13 2:57pm)
London Grammar – If You Wait
With a deep whisper and ice-cold falsetto, London Grammar’s Hannah Reid guides us on a magic carpet ride through bottomless oceans and dark caverns. The band’s debut album “If You Wait” is gravity-defying, epiphany-inducing and reality-resisting, leaving little to be desired. The British trio specializes in atmospheric and reflective tracks, creating an ambiance that is punctuated by the lead singer’s unique voice and the band’s attention to its craft. Most songs are slow and moody, but their pulses separate them from one another. “Metal and Dust” and “Strong” shine as representative tunes, but “Wasting My Young Years” paints a different, lighter picture when optimism rears its head. With a soulful and synthetic authenticity, London Grammar is making waves.
*Recommended If You Like: Florence Welch, Haim, BANKS
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– Mandi Ray, WVAU music staffer
(09/25/13 4:09pm)
WVAU’s DJs weigh in on the music industry’s newest releases.