New Music Alert w/ Aesop Rock, Minerva Wakes, Mickey 9s, Tricky, Gruff Rhys & More 19.03.21
Minerva Wakes dropped her debut album today on Bandcamp, Spotify and all streaming sites
‘Selling Skin ‘ by Minerva Wakes
Is taken from the debut 'Mirrored Moon' album by Minerva Wakes which dropped today on YCTR's sister- label Traffic Cone Records. It`s hard to pick one song from this gem of an album which is spearheaded by The Twistettes/ Girobabies post-punk icon Jo D`arc but after a few repeated listens I have chosen ‘Selling Skin'. It’s a great appetiser of what to expect from this ethereal trip hoppy, dubsteppy, electronic yet poetic banger of an album. I enjoy the easter egg for fans of her previous work which shows an undeniable and almost recognisable transformation from the music that she made her name in. It starts frantic and takes you on a swirling adventure and a great starting point for this trip-step masterpiece which provides sprinkles of Leftfield, Prodigy, The Knife and Tricky while still remaining rooted firmly in it's own unique and otherworldly planet. The Goddess has finally awoken. Stream here on Spotify or treat yourself to a CD/ Art print/ Book bundle on Bandcamp. There is also a secret listening party that is available exclusively to all our patreon supporters by signing up here where Jo, Nicky and special guests shared some insight into the album, premiered new videos and spoke with some special guests who helped bring it all together.
'Fall Please' by Tricky feat. Marta (Kahn Remix)
the sparse drums and minimal instrumentation add to the menace of Tricky's despondent delivery and the eeriness of Marta's soaring yet serene cries for help. Kahn has done an exceptional job of reworking a modern classic. There can be no doubt that Tricky is one of the most influential producers and vocalists the UK has ever produced with an ever growing back catalogue of consistent and ground breaking work. Kahn has stayed true to the trademark sound but added his own edge. Perfect song to compliment Minerva Wakes at the beginning of our updated YCTR playlist.
'Long Legged Larry' by Aesop Rock
from one legend to another . Just last year Aesop Rock concreted his name as one of Hip Hop's greatest ever lyricists with 'Spirit Field Guide' and today he dropped a single that celebrates the mythical legend of 'Long Legged Larry' . He is famed for his complex double meaning and multi-syllabics which normally takes you down dark paths but every so often he treats us to a fun yarn or two and this falls into the latter category. I defy you to not jump into a ‘Go Larry ‘chant that even the man himself would be proud of. Sharp witted and cavalier as always. Aesop rock just continues to do what he wants and leave a trail of emcees who take themselves too seriously in his wake.
Mickey 9s with a warning about going ‘Full American‘
Another band who aren’t scared to have of a bit of fun on their records while also raising a mirror to the societal dysfunction that we are all living through is Mickey 9s . Here frontman Dougie tells us he is ‘surfing on my psychosis ‘ . At first it sounds like a pop at the American way of life until you realise most of the lyrics apply to Scotland and the UK in 2021 . Maybe we should avoid going FOOL American. Take note Boris & Co. I have had the honour of hearing an advanced copy of the album and it sounds like the guys have went back to a raw, rockier sound than the previous releases. Full of anthems and daftness with sharp observations throughout. Does make you want to go to a gig though. When lockdown is over we should all get a free Mickey 9s gig on our Universal Basic Income to remind us of the fun that has been lacking this last year.
'Loan your Loneliness' by Gruff Rhys
is a welcome antidote to the isolation of lockdown . A slice of spring and hope in a 5 minute instant indie pop classic. That familiar voice we know and love from Super Furry Animals always taking things into new and interesting directions. While many singers/ musicians I grew up with continue to walk down the same dull path, Gruff is one of the few who lights that path up with LED Lights, fireworks and his inimitable fuzzy logic before flying off into the sunset in a psychedelic helicopter. ‘The silicone strategy is in freefall’ it begins with that reassuring voice of nostalgia that actually promises , and delivers, a future I can truly believe in.
‘Invisible Lines’ by Mima Merrow
Mima Merrow has returned after the success of November’s ‘Good Grief’ EP which she launched on a You Call That Radio Live Stream and she is in reflective mood ‘Pretending they can control nature and we’ve carved up the sky with invisible lines that decide who is lost and who can fly’ with ever thoughtful lyrics that soar within her incredible vocal range . The Belfast-born and Glasgow-based music maker has worked really hard over lockdown building her reputation, and fanbase, and underlined many critics predictions as definitely one to watch when live music returns.
‘Stuttered’ by Scientific Support Dept
Brian Docherty returns with his SSD project which Spotify tells me is his first release since 2006? That can’t be right surely. I am not sure if he has been staying off Spotify or has been concentrating on his many other projects . I had the privilege of recording an old Girobabies song called ‘Elephant in the Room’ and was blown away by his attention to detail. ‘Stuttered’ is exactly what I had expected, and hoped for. Spacious yet layered, Vague yet poignant. Imagine Mogwai jamming on a piano in a jazz bar with an industrial construction site around the corner that always threatens to drown out the mellow vibes but thankfully never quite manages to.
’The Dunkin’ Dutchman’ by Your Old Droog & Tha God Yahim
This popped up on my Release radar this morningand is part of an album that dropped today. This is more of a note to self for me to listen to the full album as 'Packs’ by Your Old Droog was one of my favourite Hip Hop albums of 2017 so I look forward to examine this project in detail over the next week. I expect unflinching underground hip hop and some clever wordplay to boot. I will keep you posted if that is indeed the case.
and finally we have the exceptional Iona Fyfe who recently defeated Spotify with her campaign for them to recognise Scots as a language on the platform. This is indeed the first ever ‘Scots’ song to be released on Spotify and we are definitely off to a great vocal. Heartfelt emotive vocals throughout with perfectly timed keys and strings. It was originally a poem by Violet Jacob, which was then set to music and popularised by Angus singer and songmaker Jim Reid. On this version Iona truly makes it her own . You can hear more from Iona about her career and her campaign by watching this recent interview we had with her on You Call That Radio TV
You can listen to all of these songs plus much more on the YCTR Playlist here
