Best New Tracks Of The Week: April 23rd, 2023
Even though I've liked both of these artists a lot in the past, to say I was skeptical of this song would be a huge understatement. While I did think each of their previous two songs were okay it felt like they were both headed for some kind of slump and hearing the relatively lazy sampling on display in the previews for this track didn't help remedy that. Ultimately though this song is also pretty decent with an exciting performance from Nicki and a hook that is sticking with me more and more. It's far from the best either are capable of but it's a plenty serviceable collaboration.
4. Undergrowth - Squid
If hearing the funk rock riffs and the repeated Limp Bizkit ass "melt" hook on this song immediately activated your gag reflex, you're not alone. My first reaction to the song was pretty garish as well. In fact it took me a few times of hearing it with completely shifted expectations to realize there are actually things I like a lot about it. The vocals here continue to be some of the most compellingly confrontational in all of post-punk and despite how occasionally goofy the jazz instrumentation can sound it also has it's moments. This may not be the direction I would pick for Squid to head in permanently but I can certainly appreciate this track.
3. High Life - Bloc Party
Am I crazy or is this actually a pretty great new Bloc Party single? It wouldn't be completely out of the question given I loved the track If We Get Caught from their last album but that track relied on gentle melodies and sentimentality. Not that this song isn't emotional, but it's also exciting with a bouncy array of versatile percussion and a strong infectious groove. It feels like the band feeling youthful in a way they haven't in quite a long time and I am HERE for it.
2. STORIES - Moor Mother
This era of Moor Mother's career has been so fruitful that even the B-Sides and leftovers are ahead of almost all her contemporaries. This second taste of the record's forthcoming deluxe edition features a blend of bouncy jazz instrumentation with gorgeous pitched-up vocals and layered harmonies that all blend around each other to achieve a surreal and psychedelic effect. It's another fascinating new flavor from one of the most interesting artists around right now.
1. Don't Let The Devil - Killer Mike (feat. El-P & thankugoodsir)
In a week full of uncertainties it was pretty obvious that this collaboration was going to work. With killer sampling and just an all-around killer instrumentation, this is everything the RTJ pair needed to succeed and they go off over it. It's a booming bar fest that proves why both Mike and EL have the reputations they do.
