by Dave Bertram and Philip Moss
Beach House – Dive
Dive is the second single to be released from Beach House’s upcoming seventh album, 7.
With the duo taking on production duties themselves, the band began work on the record at their home studio in Baltimore, before being joined by Sonic Boom (Spaceman 3) who, according to the press release, helped “in the shedding of conventions and in helping to keep the songs alive, fresh and protected from the destructive forces of recording studio over-production/over-perfection”. The record was then mixed by Alan Moulder (U2, Interpol, The Smashing Pumpkins).
7 will be released through Bella Union/Sub Pop on 11th May, with UK tour dates announced to take place in October.
Anderson .Paak – Til It’s Over
Anderson .Paak’s Grammy nominated second LP, Malibu, was released to widespread critical acclaim in 2016 and, after a two year break, he returns with his latest single, Til It’s Over.
Produced by Jeff Kleinman (Frank Ocean, Little Dragon, Tyga) and Michael Uzowuru (Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples), seems for the time being to be a one off single, released as part of an Apple advertisement – directed by Spike Jonze and starring FKA Twigs (see below).
However, it could still appear on .Paak’s next album (expected later in 2018), which he recently revealed Dr. Dre has played “a heavy role” in.
serpentwithfeet – bless ur heart
Baltimore’s Josiah Wise aka serpentwithfeet is the latest artist to sign to one of our favourite labels, Secretly Canadian, and this week released his hotly anticipated new single, bless ur heart.
The single follows 2016’s EP, blisters, which saw Wise collaborate with long time Bjork associate, The Hakan Cloak. Having grown up singing in pentecostal choirs, bless ur heart sees him channel his inner Frank Ocean and David McAlmont (yes, his voice is that good).
Debut album, soil, is out on 8th June through Secretly Canadian, and will be available on both cd and limited edition coloured vinyl.
Perfume Genius – Jory / Lulla / Onscreen
Mike Hadreas, aka Perfume Genius, posted three new ambience-fused tracks this week, marking a sharp step away from last year’s melodic, poptastic and much celebrated No Shape.
Set against a backdrop of vintage porn footage, Hadreas voice is deeper and mournful – the value of lyrics set to one side as words blend into sounds. The tone is pulled under the surface here as a result, and the ambient loops of piano and synths mix with atmospheric washes to create an odd amorphous quality.
This feels more of an experimentation with song structure than serious release and there’s no word if Jory, Lulla and Onscreen will feature as part of an official, forthcoming record. Ears to the ground then. No Shape’s follow-up will likely take a completely different shape altogether.
TT – Love Leaks
Theresa Wayman of Warpaint fame has announced her debut solo album, LoveLaws, which will be released under the pseudonym of TT.
The first single, Love Leaks, is the first taster from the record which she describes as “down tempo, pretty sexy, and a bit emotional’.
Despite being billed as a solo record, the album features her Warpaint band mates, and has been produced by Dan Carey (Bat For Lashes, Hot Chip), Beastie Boys collaborator Money Mark, plus her brother, Ivan.
The record will be released on 18th May through LoveLeaks/Caroline International.
TT – LoveLaws track list:
1. Mykki
2. I’ve Been Fine
3. Love Leaks
4. The Dream
5. Tutorial
6. Dram
7. Safe
8. Sassafras Interlude
9. Take One
10. Too Sweet
