For most students, this school week kicked off like most: stooping out of bed with droopy eyes, an impenetrable state of slothfulness, and an over-creamed coffee in tow. This state was luckily aided by a fresh batch of new tunes, as a number of eccentric artists released new records at this week’s beginning. Catalyzing listeners’ liveliness track by track, these artists helped score a week otherwise plagued by rain and impending midterms. Having previous efforts already showcased over WGRE airwaves, these artists will likely be college radio mainstays this fall, both in Greencastle and beyond.
Flying Lotus – Consistently intriguing and everlastingly obscure, Flying Lotus has expanded on his cultish following with his new album, “You’re Dead!” A jarring effort, this 19-track collection explores the frontiers between life and death, all while exploring the experimental tendencies that the artist has employed throughout his discography.
Contrasting from 2012’s euphonious “Until The Quiet Comes,” “You’re Dead!” is heavily jazz-influenced, even featuring renowned jazz artist Herbie Hancock. Although some might assume that a jazz foundation would not be compatible with FlyLo’s erratic beats and eerie overtones, “You’re Dead!” finds an adequate balance, allowing each facet to shine sufficiently. The pinnacle track, “Never Catch Me,” featuring Kendrick Lamar can be justly seen as one of the best this year.
SBTRKT - In 2011, SBTRKT’s self-titled debut album displayed the potential for indie electronic artists complimented by precise vocalists. With Little Dragon’s Yukimi Nagano on “Wildfire,” Jessie Ware on “Trials of the Past” and “Right Thing To Do,” as well as the omnipresent Sampha, SBTRKT created a fit for indie singers willing to experiment within the percussive realms that he precisely crafts.
This is furthered on “Wonder Where We Land,” the sophomore effort by the British DJ. Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig escapes his normal indie-rock parameters while vocally pacing the midnight ditty, “New Dorp. New York.” A$AP Ferg struts through “Voices In My Head” as if it was his own, while Jessie Ware and Sampha rejoin on a handful of songs. Although "Wonder Where We Land" is certainly less expeditious than his debut, it more so highlights SBTRKT’s ability to accentuate vocalists over a dubbed foundation.
These artists and additional gems surface at WGRE amidst the haystacks of new tunes that are delivered to the station daily. If this sounds enticing, the music department invites you to join our quest in delivering the most luscious tracks fit for college radio. Email head director Brian Austin at brianaustin_2015@depauw.edu.