Top of The Drop

By Daniel J. Springer

In this monthly installment by Daniel Springer of the Gwangju Foreign Language Network (GFN), “Danno” picks his favorite newly released tunes that you may have missed, along with some upcoming albums and EPs that you might want to keep on your radar. — Ed.

EL MICHELS AFFAIR & BLACK THOUGHT –“GRATEFUL”

For those in the know, Leon Michels and his twin percussive engines of Big Crown Records and band El Michels Affair have been at the leading edge of experimental funk and soul sounds punched with a hip-hop ethic on the beat for years now, and this single announces a huge new project that is about to put this label into orbit. During the depths of the pandemic Michels and The Roots lead MC Black Thought got to work, the result of which is Glorious Game, which both drops in full on April 14 and promises some of the most personal and transparent verses we’ve ever heard from the legendary rapper. Do not miss this one, kids!

BOYGENIUS – “EMILY I’M SORRY”

After releasing their self-titled debut EP in 2018, the now supergroup’s three members in Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus have become some of the most interesting personalities and compelling musicians in the business on their own. All three have released critically acclaimed albums while dotting the audio spectrum with guest appearances galore. Now, we have the band’s debut album The Record, due out March 31, and if the absolutely gaga reaction to the announcement measures up to the quality, it might just be, in fact, THE record of 2023.

LUNAR ISLES (FEAT. NOGYMX) –“SHIMMER”

Two amazing artists who’ve been making great noise on their own in Cheongju, Korea, are David Skimming (Lunar Isles) and Jimmy Dunne (Nogymx…as in “no gimmicks”). While Skimming on his own tends to put out dreamy, guitar-centric, indie surf inspirations, and Dunne puts out stylistically bifurcated lo-fi beats, this is their first outright collaboration, seeing a nice melding of the two styles.

JOESEF – “JUST COME HOME WITH ME TONIGHT”

Based in Glasgow, this artist has absolutely exploded onto the scene as 2022 began to wrap up. This past month saw the release of the artist’s debut LP Permanent Damage, which is a lovely versatile collection of soulful electronica and odes featuring a lyrical force that is truly powerful. While this will most likely not be album of the year, it is an exceedingly strong debut that is proving immensely popular.

MISS GRIT “LAIN (PHONE CLONE)”

This is the work of KoreanAmerican artist Margaret Sohn and is one of the lead singles to the upcoming Follow the Cyborg LP, which is Sohn and company’s debut full-length. Previously, we’ve seen two EP’s that have been extra high in quality, which were 2021’s Impostor and Talk Talk from 2019. Miss Grit has this electronicized edge of dark rock that is difficult to get right in the mix, but Sohn’s melancholy delivery and the production seem to nail it every single time. Follow the Cyborg seems like a huge breakout moment, and is out February 24.

THE NATIONAL – “TROPIC MORNING NEWS”

Everybody heard this when it dropped, and everyone can identify with the major theme of the song. Rolling out of bed, grabbing the phone, and “doomscrolling,” which must eventually be made an official new word in the English language as it captures the times to their very essence. Anyway, this tune announced Matt Berninger and company’s latest album First Two Pages of Frankenstein, which is out April 28.

LITTLE SIMZ – “ANGEL”

Admittedly, this single dropped on December 12, but it was very sudden, with the Londonbased rap royal dropping the No Thank You LP like a cluster bomb with barely a word of warning. Interestingly, this was put out via mystery label Forever Living Originals, and unsurprisingly, given the connection to Sault, features Cleo Sol on some vocal drops in the process. A sprawling 10-song record that clocks at just under 50 minutes, this is an incredible tour of hip-hop guided by gospel, soul, and electronic funk. Brilliant.

PHUM VIPHURIT – “WELCOME CHANGE”

One of the great discoveries of the past decade in South Asia has been this incredible Thai singersongwriter who went viral in 2018 with “Lover Boy.” This is the fourth single to be released from the oft-delayed sophomore LP from Viphurit, as The Greng Jai Piece was previously slated to drop last year, but is now finally ready for closeup on Jan 31.

ANDY SHAUF – “TELEPHONE”

This is the third teaser single to the upcoming eighth studio album from the famed Canadian indie folk singer titled Norm. The song, which to us feels like the ideal speed Shauf is at his best, features lyrics discussing the desperate need to connect with somebody even though they absolutely detest being on the horn, which shows their true love. Norm drops in full February 10.

BENNY SINGS – “YOUNG HEARTS”

This is the title track to the upcoming LP from Dutch LAbased multi-instrumentalist Benny Sings. The sunny and deceptively simple arrangement are trademarks for the artist, and this track doesn’t surprise. However, after making a live debut in Korea, Benny Sings has found a deserved following amongst young people here, especially females. Young Hearts drops March 24 via Stones Throw Records.

January Releases

Joesef – Permanent Damage (Jan 13)

Belle & Sebastian – Late Developers (Jan 13)

Gaz Coombes – Turn the Car Around (Jan 13)

Biig Piig – Bubblegum (Jan 20)

Jadu Heart – Derealized (Jan 20)

Mac DeMarco – Five Easy Hot Dogs (Jan 20)

John Cale – Mercy (Jan 20)

We Are Scientists – Lobes (Jan 20)

Samia – Honey (Jan 27)

Johah Yano – Portrait of a Dog (Jan 27)

SG Lewis – Audiolust & Higher Love (Jan 27)

Paranoul – After the Magic (Jan 28)

Phum Viphurit – The Greng Jai Piece (Jan 31)

FEBRUARY UPCOMING (WATCH OUT!)

Andy Shauf – Norm (Feb 10)

Black Belt Eagle Scout – The Land, the Water, the Sky (Feb 10)

Tennis – Pollen (Feb 10)

Paramore – This Is Why (Feb 10)

Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World (Feb 10)

Screaming Females – Desire Pathway (Feb 17)

P!nk – Trustfall (Feb 17)

Gorillaz – Cracker Island (Feb 24)

Shame – Food for Worms (Feb 24)

U.S. Girls – Bless This Mess (Feb 24)

Logic – College Park (Feb 24)

Miss Grit – Follow the Cyborg (Feb 24)

The Author

Yun Hyoju was born and raised in Gwangju, and somehow ended up married to an Irish guy named Alan. She has been working on her short comic, “Alan and Me,” which is about their daily life. She publishes a new comic every week on Instagram. It can be found here: @alan_andme.