Review
by Kyle Ellison
Having heard Chris Taylor’s fingerprints over a dozen fine records, it’s great to finally hear one that he can call his own.»
In Depth by Kyle Ellison
As well as a round-up of recent noteworthy mixtapes, this edition of Champion Sound sees us speak with LA beatmaker Samiyam, whose new LP on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label was released in late June. The eponymous Sam Baker’s Album has been one of the label’s most hotly anticipated releases, following in the footsteps of an encouraging debut, Rap Beats Vol. 1, and subsequent EPs on Hyperdub and Poobah. Needless to say, the record did not disappoint, and we caught up with Baker to chat hip hop, mixtapes and the LA beats scene.»
In Depth by Kyle Ellison
Hello and welcome to a new regular column documenting hip hop through the mixtape, and other loosely released rap records that I decide to include. Because let’s face it, the term mixtape has become basically meaningless in recent years other than being synonymous with being given away for free. Importantly to this column, though, the ready availability of mixtapes says nothing of their supposed quality, many of them bettering the content on official albums made by the very same artists. »
Review
by Kyle Ellison
It may take just 20 minutes to listen through, but Parting the Sea… is an album which plays hard on the emotions.»
Review
by Kyle Ellison
While some may have expected the chef to fall on his Shaolin sword, Raekwon has delivered another consistent and occasionally inspired body of work.»
Review
by Kyle Ellison
While Jamie XX uses this album as an outlet to explore a variety of different styles, importantly he never loses sight of the source material. »
Review
by Kyle Ellison
If iyou’ve lost your copy of Loveless, you could do far worse than listen to Colour Trip.»
Review
by Kyle Ellison
Given the chance it’s both a moving and rewarding listen.»
Review
by Kyle Ellison
Technicality and pop music don’t really mix, but this record remains a charming and at times convincing attempt to fuse the two. »
Review
by Kyle Ellison
Darkstar took a risk in straying from a template that had already served them well, but nobody ever made a great record by playing it safe. »
Review
by Kyle Ellison
While it may not be this kind of event which makes the Notting Hill Carnival the brilliant occasion that it is, this is a party to remember.»
In Depth by Kyle Ellison
Baths is the latest electronic music project of Will Wiesenfeld, an LA musician who this month released his debut album Cerulean. The record’s eclectic mix of styles and ideas saw it garner a good deal of critical acclaim upon release, including the 8/10 review on this very website.»
Review
by Kyle Ellison
As ever with Chilly Gonzales, here is a record that is entertaining, but lacks a coherent enough vision for it to add up to something truly great.»
Review
by Kyle Ellison
If there was ever a doubt Zola Jesus had talent under all the noise and electronics, then here is the raw proof, howling at you from the stereo. »
Review
by Kyle Ellison
The idea of Ian Astbury stepping into Boris’s experimental vision is greatly appealing, but that’s not what is offered here. »
Review
by Kyle Ellison
Cerulean is a collage of sounds that don’t all exactly fit together, yet as a record is loveable for its imperfections.»
Review
by Kyle Ellison
While The Terror of Cosmic Loneliness is not a complete disaster, even the most loyal of fans will find it difficult to love.»
Review
by Kyle Ellison
Further is at times a thrilling listen and barely puts a foot wrong, yet at a time when electronic music is expanding so quickly, it doesn’t shine as brightly as it might have a decade ago.»
