Bandcamp Picks of the Week 3/1/17
Bandcamp Picks of the Week is still large and in charge.
Trauma 74 – THE GOD GIVEN IMAGE
Genre: UK Hip Hop
Favorite Tracks: “Feelin Good,” “Split Personality.” “Tell Me,” “Nothin Feels Better”
I came across a lot of mediocre rap while searching through the Bandcamp hip hop section, which may have made me think of Trauma 74 as some giant lake in the middle of an oasis when it was simply a swimming pool. Nonetheless, his first LP is not short on content, with 16 tracks of smooth flows and glamorous, triumphant instrumentals. He’s not especially hardcore or gangster, but he doesn’t have to be. The glittering pianos, jazzy samples, and classic boom-bap percussion act as the perfect backing to Trauma 74’s musings on his purpose and society in general, as well as some truly infectious hooks. There’s not much depth to it, but Trauma’s passion for life and rap more than makes up for it. If you want to hear a UK artist make music that sounds like it came out of New York in the late ‘90s, you can listen to it here. [Blake Michelle]
Wirephobia – KURDISTAN
Genre: Harsh Noise
Favorite Tracks: “Krasikrêshe,” “Nêrgiz”
There’s no real way to “get into” harsh noise, you either like having your ears feel like they’re bleeding into your brain or you don’t. But, if there ever was an EP to introduce you to the genre, this would be it. Honestly, KURDISTAN would make a great soundtrack to a SILENT HILL game, or to a particularly nightmarish movie about the Iraq war. It’s dramatically satisfying music, creating the vibrant sonic image of trying to tune a radio in the midst of an Iraqi sandstorm. The use of tinny, warped violin and Kurdish vocal samples can be soothing for brief moments before being interrupted by intermittent bursts of static. The constant tension between soft and harsh tones may feel intense in the moment, but the final effect feels like an aural workout; your ears will feel fresh and fully exercised. If you’d like to dip your toes into the pools of harsh noise, you can mosey on over to Wirephobia’s Bandcamp and check him out here. [Carter Moon]
