SHREM’S HUNTED AND GATHERED SEPTEMBER SONGs
1. “READY PLAYER ONE” – JORI HULKKONEN (My Favorite Robot Records)
One of Finland’s most critically acclaimed electronic producers Jori Hulkkonen returns with his brand new full length album “Oh But I Am” which travels through kaleidoscopic genre-bending and mood-changing soundscapes. “Ready Player One” is a 1980s flavoured electro force which I’ve literally had on the loop since the moment I came across it.
2. “BODY TALK” – ESCORT (self-released)
Brooklyn nu disco ensemble Escort return with “Body Talk” – possibly their most accomplished single since the inescapable groove “Love In Indigo” saw the light of day back in 2006. The lavish production, Adeline Michèle’s effortless vocals and impressively rich melody, one that could serve 3 separate songs, makes “Body Talk” an instant modern disco classic.
3. “REWIND” – KELELA (Warp Records)
Kelela, the pioneer of Future R&B, delivers the impeccably produced upbeat gem “Rewind”, with a little help from Kingdom and Nugget, already sounding like one of her most irresistible and artistically accomplished moments to date. The video for this surprisingly catchy song was directed by Eric K Yue. The mélange of throbbing electronic beats, layers of flawless vocal harmonies and that infectious melody, all combined in the most perfect proportions, make “Rewind” a winner in my music book.
4. “WINDOW SHADES” – U.S. GIRLS (4AD)
I adored U.S. Girls’ previous 2 singles the dubby “Damn That Valley” and the electro noir “Woman’s Worth” but it’s the hypnotising, piano and oriental string laden “Window Shades” which is taking the crown for me out of the three. I am becoming increasingly intrigued by this passionate, independent and truly unique chanteuse.
5. “HOW DO YOU DO IT?” – EMPRESS OF (TERRIBLE RECORDS)
Lorely Rodriguez vel Empress Of captured my heart with the dream pop marvel “Hat Trick” back in 2013 and out of all 4 songs presented to us prior to the release of “Me” – the surprisingly catchy “How Do You Do It?” is by far the most captivating. With the slight change in her musical direction, Empress Of aims for more upbeat, electronic and joyous sounds.