Benrihnn

I’m very impressed with this debut effort from Dua Saleh. The production is so fresh and lush. I especially love the electronic experimentation on the opening track and the midsection of Callate—there are so many risks taken on here that are worth commending. Her wispy and sometimes haunting vocal performances are also captivating; she has an Amaarae thing going on while at times sounding Chapman-esque like on Flood. Though the record loses some steam after the explosive and ... read more

Genesis Owusu was firing on all cylinders on struggler, but he’s really reaching new levels on this one. Redstar wu is a reflective and conscious triumph that consists largely of Genesis Owusu’s best songs to date. The singles were all great to amazing. Pirate Radio has stuck with me since I first heard it, with Death Cult Zombie and Stampede, respectively, following closely behind. Equally well-produced and expressive—and somehow more explosive—than the efforts from ... read more

I’m not a musician and so I have no understanding of how to make something like this. That said, I feel like it has to be difficult to play simultaneously with precise discipline and experimental freedom. Wor Jackie is so incredible, as is Azure Blues!

The duo leans into a darker, more gnarled sound on their self-tiled record, a move which, I hope, indicates that this trajectory is one they plan to continue on. Still lofi and rough around the edges, this record also blossoms with lush arrangements and oversaturated guitars—an odd match made in heaven. It loses steam after the first two tracks; Ground Kiss is nearly a perfect song. It’s so fierce and heavy, with a chorus that is so catchy, and subtly perfect. Seen Thru is also a ... read more