A showcase of some of the best new music releases from the past week.
Chance The Rapper – Colouring Book
Chance The Rapper makes music so uplifting that it’s impossible not to love him. But on Colouring Book, the 23-year-old’s just-released third mixtape, he goes out of his way to ensure that it’s a feeling everyone can share. The record is stacked with the likes of Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber, and Chance’s jubilance seems to have rubbed off on all of them. Best of all, it’s a sentiment that also gets passed down to whoever’s listening.
Sampha – Timmy’s Prayer
It’s been a quiet two or so years since we’ve had anything new from London solo artist Sampha, but boy does he know it. “I've had a lot to process these past couple of years, as we all do,” he tweeted out yesterday. “It's hard to articulate at times. I wanted to say thank you to all the people who've shown me love and support.”
He might be familiar to most for his hushed guest spot on Drake’s Too Much, but his latest single Timmy’s Prayer sounds as achingly personal as what he revealed on much of his 2013 Dual EP. There’s no word just yet about what form his latest project will take but, as that short note on Twitter promises, there’s certainly more new music on the way.
Hex – Calling To The Universe
After a short hiatus, Wellington’s Hex have finally delivered their debut EP Calling To The Universe. It comes ahead of their full length album, which is said to be out this November and, as expected, it was worth the extended wait. Albatross and Witches of the Hex should be familiar by now but the lo-fi metal “triumvirate” come strong with new songs Ignoring The Problem, Prayer and Wives. Press play already.
sere – Hazy
Known for their intense and deafening live shows, Auckland psych-doom band sere have just released the first single from their forthcoming debut album, which is expected to drop in a couple months’ time. If you’ve experienced what they have to offer live, this is the one for you. If not, their residency at The Wine Cellar is coming to end with one last show in early June – what better time to see for yourself.
Benny’s Videos – I Had A King / Inside My Head
Six months after the release of his No ♥ EP, Lower Hutt’s Benny’s Videos (aka Ben Bro) is back with two new singles, I Had A King and Inside My Head. Better known for his time in Wellington outfit Glass Vaults, Bro’s solo work takes note from syrupy and nostalgic PBR&B acts like How To Dress Well et al. If that’s not a turn off for you, then give it a hoon.