VenessaMichaels "Flight EP (RTP)"
You like the trap? The hip-hops? The soul r&b grooves? In 3 and half songs, San Diego native and super producer VenessaMichaels has covered all of those bases. Raised on Timberlake, Destiny’s Child, and No Doubt, VenessaMichaels brings the 90’s to the present (sorry fax machines, you’re still in the rearview mirror) with full on slamming production that will sound awesome coming out of the back of your Acura or your $5000 beat headphones (they really gotta bring those prices down). With special guest verses from Effy the Outlaw and $K Venessa are the jams you wanna be pumping and bumping this summer. Check out “Ridin The Waves” and feel the good vibrations-speaking of… if Venessa could only line up Marky Mark and Mike Love as guests on her album.
Laura Jean "Devotion (Chapter Music)"
Oh Australia – when will I ever take the 232 hour flight to taste a real John Dory or hang out with Mel Gibson? Until then, Laura Jean’s Devotion is better then any trip to Outback Steak House. Imagine the XX with the stepchild of Lana Del Rey and Florence (without the machine) and you can start to imagine the downtempo beauty of Laura Jean. If you need a female empowerment jam (sans over the top bravado), check out the winning “Girls On The TV”.
High Disciple "High Disciple (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)"
Not every band is difficult to describe. For every one that defies genre placement, there is a band as blissfully specific as High Disciple. They are a dub band. A space-y, surf-y reggae-y dub band. Comprised of Chris Daly from Jets To Brazil, Larry DiGiovanni from Dub For Light (I told you! DUB BAND!) and guitarist Scott Saing Hilaire, their self-titled debut on Ernest Jenning Record Co. is some sweet, jammed up dub music. You will slowly nod your head, you will marvel at the ease at which they grab a hold over you, and you will likely just start the record over once it’s done. Check out the laid-back funk of “Tranquility.”
Maps & Atlases "Lightlessness Is Nothing New (Barsuk)"
Lightlessness Is Nothing New (Barsuk), the new LP from Maps & Atlases, is something of a reboot from the band. Gone are the math rock leanings found on their earlier albums, and in its place is a bright, joyful synth pop. This change came about as frontman Dave Davison tried to assuage his grief over the recent loss of his father. But rather than wallowing, Dave is instead reminding himself (and thus the world) of al the great things left here. And if ever there was a time that people needed reminding that there is joy left, it’s now. Like a bouncy, lighter version of Erasure mixed with ‘80s Bowie, Lightlessness… has something for everyone, as is evidenced by the hummable hooks of “Fall Apart.”