Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[Nu-Disco] Trails and Ways – Downright (feat. Harriet Brown) (Falcon Punch Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 14, 2015

Trails and Ways ft. Harriet Brown
Downright (Falcon Punch Remix)

Since we first caught wind of Trails and Ways all the way back in 2012, we’ve kept a close eye on the Oakland band. They’ve steadily built their following since then, but this year has truly been a breakout one for them. After signing to Barsuk Records early this year, they released their debut album, Pathology, which both showcases what we love about their radiant, organic sound all the while expanding their sonic scope. The track “Downright” falls into the latter category with a groove that manages to combine their signature, South American-tinted style with an ’80s groove and aesthetic. A verse from Harriet Brown, another Ninja favorite, ties that vibe together with his silky vocals that recall Prince.

A week ago, Denver-based producer Falcon Punch put out a remix of “Downright” that maintains the 80s-revivalist nature of the tune all the while transforming it into a nu-disco jam. Electing to place Brown’s voice first, Falcon Punch utilizes many of the original’s elements–the breezy guitar and the catchy backing piano–but with the help of perfectly placed pads and a BPM boost, breathes new life into the song without losing its charm. Take a trip back to the Neon 80s and grab a free download above.

[House] Jamie xx – Loud Places (ft. Romy) (John Talabot Dub)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 12, 2015

Jamie xx
Loud Places (John Talabot Dub)

Stream Only

Last week, on WNYU’s Beats In Space radio, a new remix of Jamie xx‘s “Loud Places”–undoubtedly been one of the songs of the year thus far–was sneakily premiered. Created by fellow Young Turks artist, the Spanish John Talabot, the 4×4 re-interpretation takes just a bit from Romy’s soaring vocals building a steady, heavenly house groove with syncopated synths. Adding to the already ethereal feelings evoked, are gorgeous ambient pads that actually resemble a softer version of those that build on Jamie xx’s “Gosh.” Talabot’s re-imagination of the tune never loses the uplifting nature of the “Loud Places,” even without the original’s impassioned Idris Muhammad sample, all the while displaying his equally impressive signature aesthetic. It’s an impressive feat for a song this good, but it comes as no surprise that Talabot, a pioneer in his own right, was able to pull it off. Just bask in, and absorb, the warmth of this phenomenal composition.

[House] Lane 8 – Undercover (feat. Matthew Dear)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 10, 2015

Lane 8
Undercover ft. Matthew Dear

Soundcloud

In our recent interview with California-bred, Germany-based producer Lane 8, he told us he was looking to put “a foot in the indie world as well as…more in progressive house” and the final single from his debut album does just that. With the help of jack-of-all-trades Matthew Dear, “Undercover” is an emotionally powerful slowly building song that will draw you in almost immediately. Dear’s vocals paired with some simple, yet atmospheric, keys open the track before percussion really falls in bringing the track from sultry to triumphant seamlessly. Lane 8’s debut album, Rise, officially drops on July 17th and can be pre-ordered here, but is streaming in its entirety over at the New York Times now. Hit the link below to peep the whole thing.

~Stream Rise~

[Electronic] Giraffage & Viceroy – Impression of You (feat. Patrick Baker)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 10, 2015

Giraffage & Viceroy
Impression Of You (feat. Patrick Baker)

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Producer collaborations tend to take on one of two forms–either composers go back-and-forth transitioning between styles or they blend their techniques to create something completely novel. In the case of Giraffage and Viceroy‘s new single, released on Dim Mak Records, it’s most certainly the latter. “Impression of You” sees a collision of Giraffage’s playful, yet emotional, R&B-tinted steez and Viceroy’s jazzy, summery vibes for an enchanting tune. Giraffage’s signature synth-work and video-game inspired elements open the tune but once the track fills out Viceroy’s radiant style quickly emerges. The tune is tied together nicely by Patrick Baker, who’s name you may recognize from his recent Lane 8 collaboration. The wavey, chilled-out feeling of the song combined with Baker’s romantic crooning create an interesting combination–a sort of summer fling anthem.

P.S. If you dig Giraffage as much as we do, make sure to check out our interview with him from last year.

[House] Barny Rubble – One Thing

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 10, 2015

Barny Rubble
One Thing

Soundcloud

There’s nothing quite like going down a Soundcloud rabbit hole. A month or so ago a friend of mine introduced me to a fantastic singer, songwriter and producer named Henry Green. While perusing his Soundcloud profile, I came across “Keep Me Gold,” an amazing bass-house track made in collaboration with another UK producer named Barny Rubble. I was so impressed that I had to check out some more of Rubble’s music. Then, I found “Sucrose”–an absolutely enormous and filthy future house jam, which has since been the soundtrack of many late night shenanigans including a full-volume play in an Uber ride that probably got me a one-star review.

Since then, we’ve been patiently awaiting new music from Rubble, and today it has finally arrived with his latest single. “One Thing” eases you in with a blissful, piano-driven introduction and airy vocals, which Rubble contributes himself. Just as he begins to lull the listener into a laid-back groove, Rubble introduces a heavy bass-line quickly layered with arpeggiated synths. Those keys briefly take over once again before the song fully erupts into a club-ready anthem. “One Thing” has a marked beauty to it that’s masterfully contrasted with the epic bass line.

Groove to this tune above–Barny Rubble might’ve just officially cemented his place as this ninja’s favorite up ‘n comer.

[Hip-Hop] Toro y Moi – Pitch Black (feat. Rome Fortune)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 9, 2015

Toro y Moi
Pitch Black (Ft. Rome Fortune)

Soundcloud

A few months back, we wrote a piece about Toro y Moi titled “5 Faces of Chaz” exploring the broad-ranging styles and experimentations he’s taken with his music thus far, which really just scratches the surface of his creative scope. Chaz Bundick, the enigma behind Toro, has dabbled in hip-hop in the past (Tyler, the Creator loves him and they’ve got a song together called “Hey You”) and, shortly after releasing a stellar indie-rock leaning album in What for?, he seems to be re-opening that facet of his style. Through his Soundcloud page, he’s released a couple unique trap and hip-hop inspired productions including “2Late,” a collab with former Das Racist member Kool A.D., as well as an epic instrumental titled “That Instead of This,” which we can only really describe as “trapwave.”

Yesterday, he released a collaboration with TMN-favorite, Atlanta emcee Rome Fortune, who couldn’t be a better partner-in-crime for a producer as adventurous as Chaz. In some ways similar to Toro y Moi, albeit much earlier in his career, Fortune has been consistently ahead of the curve proving audacious when it comes to stepping out of any genre constraints. His work with Four Tet, most recently on “Leaders,” is the perfect example of how Rome Fortune can be a chameleon of sorts shaping his delivery to match an unconventional instrumental.

Toro y Moi and Rome Fortune’s inventive styles fuse masterfully on “Pitch Black,” which starts off with an ominous bass-line and disorienting arpeggiated synths before falling into a smooth groove. In Toro’s keys and trickling percussion, you can hear bits of the production style on his 2013 album Anything in Return but with a marked cadence friendlier to an emcee. That being said, it’s not by any means a traditionally structured hip-hop strong with a constantly shifting backdrop. Rome raps accordingly, though, with flows that span slow and spread-out raps, melodic chorus-esque portions and traditional hard-hitting delivery sections. Similarly, the lyrics mirror the juxtaposition created by the instrumental as Rome calls himself the “coolest motherfunker in the planet” all the while talking about a soul-sucking relationship.

Collaborations like this one are important for music and have become increasingly feasible in the digital age. Songs like “Pitch Black” tear down genre walls and, in doing so, push culture forward by bringing together fans of both styles. In short, Rome’s right he really is “the coolest montherfunker on the planet.”

[Future Funk] GRiZ – Summer ’97 (feat. Muzzy Bearr)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 9, 2015

GRiZ
Summer '97 ft. Muzzy Bearr

Download

When GRiZ blew our minds at Mezzanine a couple months back, he was at one point joined by All Good Records label mate Muzzy Bearr on the guitar adding an awesome solo to the already enormous set. Just a couple hours ago, GRiZ dropped an absolute gem of a freebie featuring Muzzy Bearr, who put out a stellar debut album a couple months back.

“Summer ’97,” as its name suggests, has been architected specifically for sunny cookouts, block parties and days at the beach. After introducing a backbone of a groovy piano chord progression, fitting vocal sample and signature All Good future funk percussion, the summer tune showcases Muzzy’s skills on the guitar as he solos over the sublime backdrop. Following that guitar solo, GRiZ steps in on the sax offering a jam of his own making for an awesome back and forth between the two talented artists.

Enjoy above and grab a free download–this one’s an absolute must for your summer playlist.