Current Jams 03: February

mattniblock (53)in #music • 7 years ago

Star Roving - Slow Dive (Single)

Starting this month’s selection off is this track from the shoe gaze dreampop outfit, Slowdive. For a band that formed almost 30 years ago, it’s great that they can still put out fresh music that gets the blood pumping.

Star Roving, a song by Slowdive on Spotify

Malukayi - Mbongwana Star, Konono No.1 (Single)

To change direction completely I’ve picked this track from Congolese band Mbongwana Star. I don’t anything about the band or how I came across this track, but I love the low-fi sound and the vocals which make me want to listen to more from Mbongwana Star and others like them.

Malukayi, a song by Mbongwana Star, Konono N°1 on Spotify

Lit - Kiasmos (Single)

This next track is back towards my usual chilled electronic fare. I love the haunting echoes and building beats that increase over time.

Lit, a song by Kiasmos on Spotify

Jnane - Sau Poler (Single)

This final single track from my selection is a more high-energy pick that would be great to run or drive to. There’s a continuous bassline that underpins the track and lifts all the other synths and effects that ebb and flow above. Love it.

Jnane, a song by Sau Poler on Spotify

Royal Blood - Royal Blood (Album)

I thought I’d pick something a little different for the album choice this time round. The first couple of selections have been electronic focussed, well this time I’m going for the debut 2014 album from Brighton rock duo, Royal Blood.

For a band comprised of just two people, the energy they have feels equivalent to a 10 piece. Comprising of only a drummer and a bassist, they create so much sound that radiates with so much punch that it can’t help but draw you in.

Opening with a smacking drum roll, Out Of The Black makes its intensions felt with attitude and vigour oozing out of both band members. The ferocity doesn’t stop there as the scaling bass leads you through my favourite track of the album Come On Over.

One thing they do really well is give each other room to breathe before ramping up and joining forces. For instance, Figure It Out allows Mike Kerr (the bassist) to set the rhythm and tone while Ben Thatcher (the drummer) acts as support until they both hit full tilt. There are moments throughout the album that this happens in varying quantities but it works really well.

One thing I would recommend is watching their live performances as it takes the perception of them to a whole new level. Check out the video below and then if you like what you see, definitely check out the album.

Royal Blood by Royal Blood on Spotify