Fresh Track: Holy Esque “Rose”
Holy Esque is a new alt-rock group hailing from Glasgow, Scotland. The quartet formed last year and after the successful reception to a few demos via Soundcloud, quickly began playing small gigs across the UK. They have opened for the likes of WU LYF, and are swiftly developing a sizable regional following. This week, the band released the first track from their debut, self-titled EP due to drop digitally on April 23. “Rose” is a terrific example of the strong textures and dense sound that the band is attempting to carve out and make their own. Drawing upon 90s alternative influences, Holy Esque is made accessible by the earnest delivery of its lead singer Pat Hynes. Hynes’ voice quivers as he sings, but not in a way that distracts or sounds like a mistake. Rather, Hynes appears wrought with emotion as if so enveloped by his song that his voice might break at any moment.
Holy Esque EP Track Listing
1. Ladybird Love
2. Rose
3. Loneliest Loneliness
4. Prophet of Privilege
Holy Esque is a band worth keeping your ears on. After the initial spin of their forthcoming EP, I can tell you that it will be worth the shitty exchange rate back to the states. Listen to “Rose” below.
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“Rose”
Photo courtesy of Natalie Whitehill
Written by Rob Peoni
Fresh Track: Sarah Jaffe “Glorified High”
Denton, Texas native Sarah Jaffe released the first single off her new album The Body Wins a few weeks ago, and it certainly is a bit of a change up from her earlier work. More known for her folky acoustic guitar and simplified arrangements that show off her voice, “Glorified High” lets you know something new is in the air right from the start with a synth led beat drops. And what do you know, we have a pop song! Whether or not this represents a complete makeover or simply Sarah dabbling in a new style remains to be seen, but if the rest is like this track we are in for a treat. The new albums drops on April 24th so keep you ears peeled for new singles as we get closer to the release.
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Written by Greg Dahman
Fresh Track + Video: Death Grips “The Fever (Aye Aye)”
I listened to a lot of hip-hop growing up. I even had a stint in high school as a battle DJ. I was into the scene and I loved the culture that came with it. No I did not rock a Kangol hat, but I did think I was the man because I owned two 1200’s and a Vestax mixer. Somewhere between scratching my last sample as I left for college and now I fell out of hip-hop music. It still amazes me today because for a short time it was the music I adored.
I grew up idolizing Wu-Tang Clan, Outkast, 2-Pac, Biggie, KRS-One, NWA, and Nas because they brought certain aggressiveness to their music. It was this lack of this ferocious tone in recent hip-hop that caused me to lose interest. The bar has been set during my early years and there was not anyone coming close to touching it.
Today I proudly post this as I gain a special feeling of hip-hop rejuvenation. Sacramento experimental hip-hop group, Death Grips provides me with “The Fever (Aye Aye)”. This is their first single off their debut album The Money Store (Pre-Order) that is set to drop on April 24th. The dark, forceful delivery they present is invigorating. Vocalist, Stefan Burnett commands attention and has me interested.
A notorious nostalgia brought back to life with one play. It is fun to reflect on the past. It is even better to see old influences find their way to the present. Maybe, it is time to to dust off those old break records.
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“The Fever (Aye Aye)”
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 