WIDE Recomienda: #0022
On this issue of WIDE Recommends we bring you a well-rounded meal comprising both the saturated fat of the mainstream and the beetroots from the underground, with two high-profile releases, a couple of singles on a retro vibe, a steamy psychedelic track and the transparent antics of El Madrileño.
1. Scott Xylo – Hold On
Scott Xylo has just released a new album under Black Acre, a thick and very seasoned contribution to the â30 year nostalgiaâ epidemic ridden with hints and nudges to Fela Kuti, Earth Wind and Fire y Funkadelic. These references make a perfect match with the neo-soul, hip-hop beats and Soundsystem culture from the UK that the young producer has been delving in to form a hybrid with a distinct and recognizable identity; owing much to a very particular sound design, with instruments set on disparate places of the sonic panorama, effectively creating sonic places. After a tiny pre-release streak on his Soundcloud, Scott presents us the video for âHold Onâ, in which the disorienting soundscape is set in contrast to scenes of tranquility which slowly dissolve, taking the shapes of the music, with some symbologic play that weâre too lazy to research.
2. Desos – I Luv
Danish DJ Brian LĂžgstrup presents this likeable little track as a sample of his latest EP Nave, which sails along the territories of deep house and nu disco: a brief compilation that falls in cue with the night, in fancy venues or clubs that shyly set their pace towards the boiling point at a chilly 120 BPM. Mix all the ingredients in a pot with crackling hi-hats and 4/4 kick drum – nice and steady, unlike your relationships :3
3. Blood Orange â Negro Swan
Itâs been sometime since weâve been awaiting the release of Blood Orangeâs new album and we can finally say: it delivers. A collection of ultra-smooth tracks that make us nod our heads to the beat with sonic textures of the most exquisite craft: iridescent electric pianos, and thick, compressed basslines are occasionally left at the mercy of insurrect synthesizers which cut them side to side like giant scalpels or drown âem in analgesic, vibrant colors. These sonic images arenât gratuitous, for the album is – in the words of DevontĂ© Hynes himself – âan exploration of queer and black depressions and anxietiesâ. Weâre not quite the ones to judge, but we may certainly say that this work distinguishes itself completely from the identity politics hype, giving a serious and heartfelt treatment to its themes. Our hats are off to the author.
Listen to our last series of new music recommendations (0021) here
4. J Hus â Did You See (C. Tangana Remix)
Remixing as an expressive form possesses that very endearing hue where homage, parody and appropriation become visible, and the latter suits Madri-based producer C. Tangana quite well, as it matches perfectly with the international profile heâs acquired thanks to his sharp remarks and loveable slyness and just a few days ago stole (for lack of a better word) the attention and humor of the public on a Live concer in Valladolid. The track in subject reframes J Husâ platinum single placing the british producer on the background, leaving the center of the stage free for C. Tangana to steal his white Mercedes and split the scene burning rubber in the mood for car crashes.
5. Men I Trust â Seven
An indecisive Wikipedia entry asks: is it indie? Electropop? Dream pop? And weâre not completely sure, to tell the truth, but the latest single of Men I Trust hist that spot of the pop music universe inhabited by Fleetwood Mac and, more recently,  Mac DeMarco: Guitars that are either drunk, fainting-from-sleep or trying to undress us. Gentle instrumental percussion and gummy bassline which has been compressed until each of its notes pops like bubble butts. In a nutshell, simple and delightful things, as to spend an afternoon cooking with a person we wanna take to bed sipping on a glass of wine. You got it now?
