Christopher Rodriguez/Contributing Writer
The first week of February had much to offer music listeners of all genres. Here are five of the most essential tracks you should add to your playlist.
Vince Staples – “BagBak”
Coming off the critical acclaim of last year’s “Prima Donna” EP, the Long Beach native offers up spitfire social commentary over a dizzying beat that takes elements from both Southern trap music and early techno. Touching on themes of inclusion, Staples raps “Obama ain’t enough for me/We just gettin started/The next Bill Gates can be on Section 8 up in the projects.”
Staples’ focused anger is belied and often masked by the bubbly energy of the production. Nonetheless, he ends on a repeated affirmation: “We on now,” presented as both a note of optimism and a rallying cry.
Father John Misty – “Ballad of a Dying Man”
One of a string of recent releases leading to his upcoming album “Pure Comedy,” the occasionally egotistical folk and indie pop artist crafts a narrative involving the titular “dying man”, who faces both his own mortality and his impact on those around him. Tillman loosens up on a flexible yet detached vocal performance, occasionally revealing a neat falsetto as he navigates the satirically quotable lyrics.
“Eventually the dying man takes his final breath/But first checks the news feed to see what he’s ‘bout to miss.”
The titular character remains open to interpretation: Is it President Trump, himself, all of us? The vagueness remains nonetheless appealing as the song ends on a satisfying crescendo, marked by a haunting chorus of voices leading us along to an uncertain fate.
Blanck Mass – “Silent Treatment”
The latest from the solo project of Benjamin John Power is an alarming and sprawling piece that combines elements of witch house and drone music. A cut-up sample of a chorus of voices greets us at the opening before descending into a pulsating rhythm of sharp percussion and white noise.
Despite the intimidating length of seven minutes, the entire affair moves swiftly, creating an urgent atmosphere that just fades away without resolution.
Jimi Tents (ft. saidbysed) – “Should’ve Called, Pt. 2”
Brooklyn rapper Jimi Tents released this direct sequel to his 2015 track “Should’ve Called,” a cut from his debut album, 5 o’clock Shadow. Much in the vain of its predecessor, the track revolves around a smooth non-fussy production centered by a pillowy key arrangement that recalls the work of Mick Jenkins and Kirk Knight.
Much like Jenkins, Tents is introspective and melancholic. At one point, he laments, “I ain’t better/I’m bitter” before navigating scenarios of anxiety and loneliness on the road. R&B unknown saidbysed brings it home with the chorus (“It’s all on me/That’s why they all on me”) complementing Tents’ smooth and confident flow.
Vagabon – “Minneapolis”
On her latest from her upcoming Infinite Worlds, Cameroon native Laetitia Tamko digs into the reverb-drenched and fast-paced number that recalls the fuzzy indie pop of Dinosaur Jr. and the punchy melodies of Veruca Salt. Her vocal is all playfulness without strain in the celebratory ode to both the titular city and the idea of leaving home and settling into a new place.
While familiar, the adventurous take —check the drop of silence before she rips into the second verse— offers up an exciting peek to her upcoming studio debut.
Fresh Bake is a weekly column that reviews new music releases in various genres.
Photo Courtesy of Flickr
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