Rapidly working their way through a host of un-google-able band names such as “Youth” and “Books” Bella Unions latest signing seem to have finally settled on “Money”, and this is their new video for future album track “Bluebell Fields”. Comparisons are being made to the likes of early Verve records and with the elusive nature of this Manchester outfit so far, the late summer release date for their debut record is already a highly anticipated one. It’s also worth taking a listen to their recent session with Amazing Radio to further appreciate the emotional capacity of their beautiful reverbs and heart-wrenching songwriting. By Nathan Hetherington
In continuation of my thoughts that Philly indeed birthed some of the most talented emcees of this generation (read more here), I’d like to rant on the current state of hip-hop in the 215. In all honesty, I find myself critiquing every rap song I hear, and interestingly enough, I always seem to lose myself into dozens and dozens of track replays from unsigned Philly rappers. Why do I get so bored with most emcees world wide, but can’t get enough of people that you never heard of? I’d guess it has something to do with my theory on mainstream v. independent rap. That popping artists rarely have the passion to match lyricists who are still at the bottom.
Mont Brown – ARF EP
Astronauts Really Fly (aka ARF) is Jay-Z’s undiscovered, competition. If you listen to all Mont Brown’s songs it has everything you could ask for from hip-hop and more. “Reachin” from the ARF EP is an extraordinary example. I can see the Philly ladies and gents alike playing this song loudly from their car stereos. Mont is definitely putting his heart into rap. I remember I saw a review for Danny Brown before he was this big. Anthony Fantano said Danny really figured it out with XXX, showcasing the importance of passionate and honest lyrics. Mont Brown is doing this but too many seem to be sleeping on it. Pace-O Beats’ small part in “Reachin,” is flawless. It’s pop music, man. What more do you want? Astronauts Really Fly could go on tour with Bruno Mars easy. Bruno Mars should sign Mont Brown for more “street” hits.
Philadelphia has a second force to be reckoned with as well. I’d like to introduce you to The Bakery Boys. This crew is for real, and some necessary competition for the dominant Odd Future. Bouts always make the game more interesting, right? Let’s review some Baked projects.
The Bakery Boys – FourEver EP
The title cut off the FourEver EP feels like old Roots but more raw, un-cut. “B-A-K-E-D.“ The Bakery Boys have crazy flow and team chemistry. The last verse is the most unique from Diabolicool (more reviewed on him below). Listen to his words closely; it’s pretty jarring but pure awesomeness. The track “Love Lost” shows range. It’s reminiscent of early 90’s fly rap, style and fun. The emcees like the chicks and can describe their infatuation ever so smoothly. Great tune.
“4:20” is slow, baking music. I admire how the Bakery Boys know to offer multiple sounds. And their flow has yet to become tiresome. The instrumental is amazing. While the Nate Dogg sample is probably my least favorite part, of the tape, it doesn’t stop me from listening again. Closing track “Salute” hits hard with some Cali rhythm. Rappers, definitely, have influence and youth in Philly have always loved California. The hook is a standout. Young hooliganism is ever present with The Bakery Boys and it’s captivating. I also love that nothing about these guys’ music forces the “Philly sound” stereotype.
I feel this EP really captures the mind-state of young street life. It’s not so violent but it’s real. It’s crazy ironic that rappers in their 30s are lying about what they’re really involved with, and the rappers in their teens are genuine and honest. This tape is pure quality. It’s my second favorite of 2013. Philly’s really holding it down as the initial track on my list is from Mont Brown. Variety man, that’s all it’s about in music and both these Philly camps have that down.
Diabolicool – Terrible EP
In introduction to this last review, Diabolicool is super strange. But his unique style is precisely what makes the Baked kids fierce competition. It’s important to not only be able to give the listeners what they want, but to also offer things they have never experienced before… things that may take some time to get used to.
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Uh Oh
“Uh Oh (Intro)” let’s you adjust to the weird, otherly personality of Diabolicool and the gritty EARDRUM production style just right. Listen closely to connect with his lyricism or you’re not going to like him. “I’m the coolest cat like a snow leopard.”
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Terrible
“Terrible” is an engaging psychological set-up. I like his creepy vibe that you can also bounce to. Remember Mobb Deep’s haunting beats? This is the new era of that, clearly. He’s got flow man. The transitions are classic. This is very impressive.
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Big Bad Bastard
Now onto “Big Bad Bastard.” Diabolicool is confident in his style and skills. It’s super lyrical rap music. The album has introspect/intellect. Realize EARDRUM is the featured producer and capable of anthems.
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Doctor Strange
“Doctor Strange” showcases Diabolicool’s alienated attitude. There is tons of humor in this track. “Ejected sperm on a fucking perm.” He doesn’t want to be taken too seriously over this spacey instrumental.
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Freddy
“FREDDY” is horrific, with the incredible and only EP feature. I see aggression towards the enemy. They have hard shit, for the streets, which is huge in Philly. Diabolicool is so weird with this third eye shit (and everything else) but I can’t get enough of it. “I’m on fire like Richard Pryor.” Blah Blah Blah Favorite. <3
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Looney Tunes
“Looney Tunes” is like old Obie Trice but not really. I love jokey hip-hop. And Diabolicool is fucking looney, “busting nuts in loose cunts.”
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Try Me
“Try Me” is the perfect close. While The Bakery Boys really have the boom bap rap down pact. Everyone likes that stuff. “Knock, Knock.”
So yeah, maybe you think this guy is ripping another movement but I honestly don’t feel that way. Lots of kids, these days, have pride in their bazaar behavior. Just because more than one person is odd doesn’t mean he/she is ripping the other. It’s just an indicator of how much times have changed. This tape gets two thumbs up and is my third favorite body of work in the last few months. Philly all day, son.
In conclusion, While they’re certainly rough around the edges, you can see incredible potential with The Bakery Boys. Comedy, youth, versatility, honesty, originality and rebellion are needed, in the rap game, and that’s exactly what they offer. Astronauts Really Fly, on the other hand, represents crossover music. Top 40 needs Mont Brown and Pace-O on their radar. It’s so good that hopefully it’ll “pop” soon. It has to.
*Bonus Tracks:
The following tracks are random but it’ll let any doubters know that The Bakery Boys have a host of material that’ll get your head bopping.
Keep Fresh Alive – Jave x Tires
“Jave x Tires” is so trill. Oowops and tube socks are included in this freestyle that makes you disregard its originator. Lil Jave talks about life’s decisions with a natural smirk. The true skater lifestyle should add some more attention.
“Represent” lets leader TJ Atoms display his excellent storytelling ability over some more golden-era nostalgia.
“Billy In The Lowground” is previewed here from the anticipated sophomore release from Goldheart Assembly, aptly titled Long Distance Song Effects. The timeless sounding orchestration and harmonies in “Billy” have that classic British pop allure that you could almost expect from a lost Beatles track, like a song that The Neighbourhood, or maybe even the late Elliot Smith, had been holding on lock-down in their own record collections for __ long. Check out the equally bold video for “Billy In The Lowground” below as well.
Lorine impresses again with a beautiful re-interpretation of the Corinne Bailey Rae track “Another Rainy Day” on “So Shy”. Ms. Chia seems to effortlessly jump between styles and genres and the Sunday afternoon easiness of “So Shy”s simplicity and warmth reveals yet another layer to this rising Cleveland talent. Lorine Redux is out soon.
Yes, of course we love this. “Heart Heart Head” is as dramatic-sounding as it’s title might suggest. Frantic electronics & synth swells build tension & cinema into the 2:48 mark where Ms. Myers goes bananas all over the track, taking to task everyone & everything all at once (but especially one very pivotal person to her life). The cathartic screams in the last bit of the track wipe you out and what’s left remaining only is that repeat button. Cheers to Doctor Rosen Rosen on the A+ production. How you do it.
Fran and the boys are keeping the legend that’s Travis alive with “Another Guy”. The song is an excerpt from their forthcoming and 7th studio album, Where You Stand. The title track from the album will be it’s first single and we can expect our first listen this coming Tuesday, April 30th. Mark it. And in the meantime check out this new video for “Another Guy” shot on a VHS in all of it’s scandalous hilarity staring famed Berlin director Wolfgang Becker.
B3SCI stopped by Elias Studios in Santa Monica for an exclusive live session with electronic trigger maestro Robert DeLong. His set consisted of several songs from his debut full-length Just Movement, available now via Glassnote Records, including this stellar version of “Happy”. Following the performance was an interview with KCRW DJ and Elias Arts music supervisor Jason Kramer, which you can catch a snippet of at the beginning of the video.
We’re loving the visuals on this new music video from The 1975 for the anthemic single “The City”. Check it out below and read our interview with the band about the track here.
Late night creep with the crew on Detroit artist Coyote Clean Up’s hits-you-straight-in-the-chest new dream house track & video for “Awesome Luv”. CCU’s 2 Hot 2 Wait LP is due April 30th on 100& Silk.
VW’s second pre-release offering is slow, soft, and sweet. It’s probably the prettiest song we’ve heard from these guys. Their full-length Modern Vampires of the City will be upon us May 14. From what the band has said, we can expect this album from Vampire Weekend to be darker. Judging from some re-arrangements of older songs featured during the band’s set during SXSW, the album might be slower as well. By Bruce Rave
Join us in Santa Monica this Tuesday night as B3SCI Presents team up with the Central S.A.P.C. for a not-to-be-missed night of local music with this month’s artist in residence, L.A. based synth-pop-rockers DWNTWN.
Fresh off their noise making trek through SXSW and new single “Stood Me Up,” the Jamie Leffler fronted collective has topped music radars as of late. To add to the excitement, French label Kitsuné has just announced that their new Kitsuné America 2 compilation, due April 29th, will feature the track “Move Me,” a collaboration between DWNTWN, Jhameel, and Giraffage. And speaking of DWNTWN and Kitsuné, check out an exclusive video (below) of the band, Giraffage, and HEARTSREVOLUTION performing during the debut Kitsuné America compilation release show in Los Angeles last year.
This Tuesday night DWNTWN will be joined by a stellar bill of buzzing talent that includes Watch The Duck, The Mercy Beat, TEMP3ST and DJ sets by Hi Deaf! Entry for the residency night is FREE (21+) and you can get additional details on the show here. We’ll see y’all there!
We recently caught up with 22 year old UK singer-songwriter Tom Odell to capture an intimate and exclusive performance of his breakthrough track, “Another Love”. The session was filmed at Elias Studios in Los Angeles and features a guest interview appearance by KCRW DJ Jason Kramer. Keep an eye out for Tom in 2013 and his debut album Long Way Down, being released later this spring.
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