Album Reviews: May 2013 Week 4

"Never Say Die Vol. 2" 2013

If anything, this compilation shows what a sad state that dubstep has gotten to in such a short amount of time. None of these songs are incredibly interesting to me, which is sad for a sub-genre that is supposed to be exhilarating. Check out the video for "Experts" by SKisM, which features a pretty good Phil Anselmo vocal sample from his famous stage banter. Also check out "Mind Control" by Zomboy and "Sucker Punch" by Dodge & Fuski, which almost sounds like the most hyperactive Depeche Mode song ever created in an alternate universe.

Global Goon - "WeMe10 Edits" 2013

I've been really diggin all these new Global Goon releases, and this is no different. This one is only an EP, but it still packs a pretty good punch with his own strange brand of acid techno. Unfortunately, I can't find any links to listen to this anywhere,so you'll just have to take my word for it.

Parhelia - "Astralaguna EP" 2012

A blind download that turned out to be some very light sounding drum and bass. It's strangely soothing, kinda like dentist office music for the future. Check out "Cote D'azur", "Gliding Through Constellation", and the title track.

Serengeti - "Saal" 2013

He seems to have this weird way of getting in a certain groove for each separate project he does, which are all different from each other as well. This EP is like a weird hybrid of indie rock and rap that sounds pleasing to my ears. If you analyze the lyrics it all seems slightly creepy, but it all somehow comes off as endearing as an end result. Check out "Day By Day" and the video for "Glasswell Park".

Lapalux - "Some Other Time" 2012

So, I'm really feelin the LP he just put out, so I had to go back and check out his EP's from last year, and this stuff sounds just as amazing as his LP. This is the future of progressive pop music. Check out "Close Call / Chop Cuts", "Jaw Jackin", and "Forgetting & Learning Again" featuring Kerry Leatham.

Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - "Twelve Reasons To Die" 2013

So, after checking out some of his other music, I was eager to see what Adrian Younge was going to do for Ghostface. This album is most definitely good. These funky backdrops are perfect for a Wu Tang project, and I actually think currently, Adrian Younge may be more suited to produce songs for them than RZA, in terms of sound. A lot of the beats have an almost Tarantino feel to them, due to all the wah wah guitars going on. This album is by no means perfect, but if anything the weak link is Ghostface himself, as sad as that is to say, he seems like he might finally starting the downslide of his career at this point, after such a long run of sounding dope as hell. I'm really just being nitpicky though, he still has the same bravado he always had, and it's a great match for this brand of live band beats. Check out "Revenge Is Sweet" featuring Masta Killa & Killa Sin, "Blood On The Cobblestones" featuring U-God & Inspectah Deck, and The Sure Shot (Parts 1 & 2).

DMX Krew - "Broken SD140 Part II" 2013

I must admit, i've been slightly disappointed with the last few EP's I heard from them, but this is pretty solid. Nice and Aphex Twin-like. Check out "Sppooookey", "Honeydew", and "Apple Grid".

Del The Funky Homosapien & Parallel Thought - "Attractive Sin" 2012

This is the 2nd album they've coupled up for as a MC/producer duo, and I like this one a lot more than the 1st one. Del seems at least slightly more focused again. Not up to his prime form, but a definite improvement from what i've heard from him during the last 6-8 years. Maybe he just seems the most comfortable over these 90's sounding beats, but in any event this is at least worth a listen if you ever liked him. Check out "Get To Drillin", "Blow Your Mind", and "Activated Sludge".

Lapalux - "When You're Gone" 2012

Just a superb EP. If you're not willing to check out Lapalux, you're fuckin up in life. Check out "Moments" featuring Py, "Gone", and "Yellow 90's".