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dvsn – Hallucinations

Jay — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:34:40 +0000

We’ve seen this story before: a mysterious Canadian R&B artist appears out of the blue and starts dropping professional-level tracks setting the indie music blogosphere into buzz building mode (looking at you, Weeknd circa 2011). So, although what dvsn — or the marketing team behind the mystery man — is doing may not be all that new or exciting, his latest contribution, “Hallucinations”, certainly is. “Hallucinations” is the 4th track to surface from dvsn and is arguably the best of the bunch. The track lyrically is about as direct as you can get about longing and lost love. However, where it really shines is in the gradual push and pull of harmonic bursts that highlight the emotional poignancy of the song and provide momentum over a continuously chugging bass. These elements make “Hallucinations” catchy, devastating, and beautiful all in one. Give it a listen below.

Jay’s Favorite Tracks of 2015

Jay — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 14:41:20 +0000

2015 was quite a year. For me it was a year of unparalleled personal and professional growth. In fact — and in full disclosure — this was also the year I hit 30. Maybe it’s reaching a new decade or maybe it was just the tone of music in 2015 or maybe I’m just projecting, but I noticed my favorite tracks being much more lyrically driven than in previous years. There’s certainly no doubting this notion with selections like Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen,” Grimes’ “REALiTi (Demo),” Courtney Barnett’s “Depreston,” and Kurt Vile’s “Pretty Pimpin.” Now, I understand this isn’t quite a resounding plug for an uplifting listen. However, there is a realness, intensity, and immediacy in these songs that I haven’t noticed or felt in my prior year-end lists. Also unlike years past, I made the decision to keep my playlist to my absolute top 10 songs — no more, no less. So, to stay with the theme of conciseness, here are the 10 songs that made my 2015. I hope you find as much enjoyment out of them as I have over the course of the year.

Wild Nothing – To Know You

Jay — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 13:39:49 +0000

To say I’ve been eagerly anticipating new Wild Nothing is an understatement. I still believe Nocturne is still one of the best albums of the last few years and Empty Estate was a great EP. That being said, it’s been a long wait… 3 years to be exact. This past week though, Wild Nothing made an epic return with a double release of “To Know You” and “TV Queen” off the upcoming Life of Pause. Of the two, “To Know You” takes the cake for me. The song has a driving, almost post-punk feel to it, but still remains the Wild Nothing feel. Jack Tatum (a.k.a Wild Nothing) has said, “I view every record as an opportunity to write better songs. At the end of the day it still sounds like me, just new.” So, it seems Tatum has hit the mark in glorious fashion.

Disclosure – Magnets ft. Lorde (Jon Hopkins Remix)

Jay — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:53:11 +0000

Disclosure second album, Caracal, came out back in September and now the duo are putting out remixes to celebrate the release of ‘Magnets’ as a proper single. One of these remixes comes from UK producer and electronic experimentalist Jon Hopkins. Hopkins’ version pulls apart the original, stripping and stretching it into a pulsating and sprawling 7-minute atmospheric journey. What’s even more impressive is that Hopkins utilizes the subtle arrangements buried in Disclosure’s version, distorts the bassline, and morphs Lorde’s vocals —almost to the point of being unrecognizable — to create the essential elements of his own version. If nothing else, the remix is a study in how far a song can be stretched and morphed to create something bolder and entirely new.

DIIV – Dopamine

Jay — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:26:43 +0000

It’s been a long time since Brooklyn-janglers DIIV released new music — three years, to be exact — which can build some lofty expectations and eagerness for new material. This past week, the band unceremoniously delivered the first taste of upcoming album, Is The Is The Are, by releasing new track ‘Dopamine’ late at night and out of the blue. The track is a pleasant mix of their usual reverb-heavy and melodic guitar work with a new positive sheen and tightness. This sound is a stark contrast to the lyrical content of personal insecurities and drug use to fill the void, but this only adds to the complexity and maturity the band is showing. Even with the expectations placed on this first release, it is a success and builds further anticipation for more new material.

Peter Lyons – Envy

Jay — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:27:08 +0000

‘Envy’ is the second track from London-based artist Peter Lyons, offering contrast to his debut, ‘Leave Me.’ The new track opens with densely layered and scattered beats that can be jarring at first. However, these beats come together delicately — and through the addition of menacing orchestral strings — slowly bloom into a moody cinematic arrangement. ‘Envy’ does take some patience, but it is undoubtably worth the reward.

Autre Ne Veut – World War Pt. 2

Jay — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 16:53:32 +0000

To say I was obsessed with Autre Ne Veut’s album, Anxiety, is a bit of an understatement. I loved the dense, layered, and somewhat avant garde brand of R&B that was featured on the album. Now, two years have since passed and Autre Ne Veut (Arthur Ashin) is set to release follow-up, Age Of Transparency. Apparently the new album is the second part of a three part series, with Anxiety serving as the first. Under this theme, it makes sense that the first single is titled “World War Pt. 2″ — a nod to, and a continuation of, the closing track of Anxiety. The newest release demands attention right from the get-go and initial feels like it will be a challenge of a listen; however, what ends up unfolding is a subtly building and twisted gem that is nearly impossible to get out of your head. Give it a listen below, but beware, the video may not be suitable for work or right before bed.

Painted Palms – Disintegrate

Jay — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 15:08:57 +0000

If you are a fan of the latest Cut Copy album or the ‘Madchester’ sound of the early ’90s, then chances are you will dig the vibe on the latest Painted Palms release. If not, well, you may still like it, too — let’s not be exclusionary here. ‘Disintegrate’ successfully walks the fine line of sounding like it comes straight out of the Hacienda and Factory Records without being dated or completely derivative. Give it a listen below and expect more from the San Francisco duo over the course of the year.

Gallant – Weight In Gold

Jay — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 12:58:16 +0000

Gallant, an emerging Colombian-born L.A.-based R&B singer, recently had his latest single endorsed by Zane Lowe and premiered on Apple Music. Not a bad way to break a new song. That song happens to be “Weight In Gold,” a booming and dazzling track that showcases Gallant’s impressive vocal range over glittering synths. With a single like “Weight In Gold,” there appears to be a lot to look forward in his EP that is set to drop this year.

Leisure – Hot Love

Jay — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 12:42:42 +0000

To date, New Zealand newcomers, Leisure, have released two songs. First came “Got it Bad” back in April and now they’ve put out the excellent, “Hot Love”. Both tracks are heavy on grooves and a funky playful spirit. Otherwise, there isn’t much out there on the group other than they are, in fact, from New Zealand and recently signed to Lorde’s former management, Seiko. However, all of that could change soon if they keep on putting out quality tracks like the previous two. Until we hear a 3rd song, enjoy the latest below.