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Top of The Drop
Gwangju News, August 2022
gwangjunewsgic.com
CULTURE & ARTS
By Daniel J. Springer
Each month, Daniel Springer of the Gwangju Foreign Language Network (GFN) picks his favorite newly released tunes that you may not have heard yet, along with some upcoming albums and EPs that you might want to keep on your radar. — Ed.
BLACK MIDI – “EAT MEN EAT” While back in 2019 this UKbased band’s debut Schlagenheim sounded more like a college rock band that was talented but hadn’t truly hit stride (although the critterati went absolutely gaga over it, it must be noted), the group’s latest album Hellfire (and sophomore LP Cavalcade) is just jawdropping. The meld of rock and jazz with other multi-genre influences on this record leaves the listener to wonder how much tighter this band can wind it moving into the future, as the technique of every element is already wound like a metal wire. LAYZI – “SHOP AROUND” If there’s any track this month where you need to “wait for it,” fair listener, this one is it. In a track that sounds like any other ho-hum, lo-fi-meets-indie track that’s far less than a dime a dozen nowadays, the gargantuan chorus hits so hard you might be wondering why you didn’t fall off your chair. Keep an eye out for this budding, independent artist, because Layzi has the voice and the production ear to go very far.
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LUNAR ISLES – “BALLOONS” For our local spotlight this month, we present Cheongju-based Scottish expat David Skimming. In the last two calendar years, the former rock guitarist has put out two albums and an EP under his new moniker, and the results are striking surf-tinged dream pop centered on his axe. “Balloons” is the artist’s latest standalone single, and for those who like to float a bit, this up-and-coming local is a great find. SAY SHE SHE – “TROUBLE” NYC-based band Say She She is the septet headed up by noted vocalist Piya Malik, and this is the third funky-as-hell single from the group. The band is the latest addition to Ohio-based soul superlabel Colemine Records and their sublabel Karma Chief, with the group being named as a sly nod to Nile Rodgers’ Chic Organization. Judging by what’s come out thus far, Prism is going to be a can’tmiss album that drops September 23. LIL SILVA FEAT. CHARLOTTE DAY-WILSON – “LEAVE IT” Bedford, UK-based veteran producer TJ Carter has been making some amazing dance singles and maxi EPs over the past 10-plus years, but the maestro of the famed “Silva Sound” now has a debut record with Yesterday Is Heavy. While the LP has been 10 years in the making, the artist notes work only really began in earnest back in 2019. I mean, the man was busy working with the likes of Adele, Mark Ronson, and George Fitzgerald, so it’s not like a decade of twiddling thumbs. The album itself is also an impressive list of collaborators with Little Dragon, Sampha, and Charlotte Day-Wilson making amazing appearances for a very solid debut record. PINE BARONS – “BABY BLUE” This is a band out of Southern New Jersey and has been around since their 2017 debut LP, The Acchin Book. This tune is the lead single to their covers album paying homage to legendary Japanese jazz psyche band Fishmans. I Love Fish
2022-07-26 �� 3:50:41
