A showcase of some of the best new music releases from the past week.
Lontalius – I’ll Forget 17
With a sublime set at Las Vegas in Auckland last Thursday, Lontalius unveiled his debut album, I’ll Forget 17 – the title of which takes its name from a line in Frank Ocean’s ‘White’. The record is a collection of perfectly sweet, sad and fragile pop songs. Find it via iTunes.
A.K. Paul – ‘Landcruisin’
The revved-up ‘Landcruisin’ is the first release from the Paul Institute, the new project from elusive brothers A.K. and Jai Paul. The ambitious single - described by Zane Lowe as “Blade Runner pop” when he premiered it late last week on Beats 1 - takes the lead from Prince, but it’s not quite a throwback. Rather, it’s channelling a sound that’s a little more contemporary (Miguel, maybe?). Either way, there’s not a whole lot to be disappointed about.
Waterfalls – ‘Empty Arms Are Kinder’
There’s some beautifully subtle moments amongst ‘Empty Arms Are Kinder’, a new one from Wellington solo artist Amber Johnson (aka Waterfalls). Synths crescendo and vocals climb over each other, but it all fits together just right. If you’re based in Wellington, she’s playing Eyegum Wednesdays tonight at San Fran alongside Mother’s Dearest.
Drake – ‘Controlla / ‘These Days’
While we’re all waiting on Views From The 6, two new Drake tracks snuck their way online this morning. The first – ‘Controlla’ – is a charming and tender tropical jam that features dancehall king Popcaan. The second though, because why wouldn’t he, is a cover of ‘These Days’, written by Jackson Browne and popularised by Nico when it featured on her 1967 album Chelsea Girl. Let that one sink in. According to Dazed, it’s part of a covers EP from Barf Trop rapper Babeo Baggins. “‘These Days’ is my favourite song in the world and I showed [Drake] the song because he had never heard it,” she says. “He connected with it, which explains us doing the cover.” Hear them both via The 6 Track before they disappear again.
TRAAPS – ‘Pinnacles’
Known for his work with Wellington duo Black City Lights, Calum Robb has returned with a new project titled TRAAPS. There’s been a steady stream of new songs out via his Soundcloud, and his latest release features Daniel Neeve of local two-piece Bad Blocks. As he told Impose Magazine, Robb’s focus nowadays is on making music that he enjoys. “I really just make music now for myself and to possibly pursue a career in it, but end of the day if people like it that’s cool, if they don’t then that’s cool too.”
Mac Miller – ‘5 Foot Assassin: Larry Fisherman Tribute’
RIP Phife Dawg.
