Critically acclaimed new wave group LCD Soundsystem reunite for their fourth studio album and first in seven years, american dream. The band returns to their traditionally lengthy tracks and winding, electronic and funk-infused instrumentals, as frontman James Murphy delivers some self-aware lyrics about his declining creativity and increasing age in a faster-paced world. american dream is a … Continue reading LCD Soundsystem – american dream
Electro Funk
Mura Masa – Mura Masa
21-year-old Guernsey-born DJ Mura Masa's debut studio album is a multicultural and genreless mashup that takes listeners on an exhilarating ride through the twists and turns of his unique style. He states that his biggest influence is Gorillaz and you can clearly tell. The ability to pull aspects from such diverse musical worlds and unbridled … Continue reading Mura Masa – Mura Masa
Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1
Versatile DJ and frequent hitmaker Calvin Harris’ 5th studio album is a reinvention of sorts. While he has frequently incorporated some aspects of funk and hip-hop into his music in the past, he has never attempted to make this much of a fully-focused and cohesive project. Harris abandons the formulaic dance drops here, instead turning … Continue reading Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1
Gorillaz – Humanz
Virtual band Gorillaz, the brainchild of Blur frontman Damon Albarn and comic book artist Jamie Hewlett, return with their highly-anticipated album Humanz, which features an impressive list of guests and stands as their first full-length studio album since 2011. The future of the band seemed rocky up to this point and Hewlett made his displeasure known … Continue reading Gorillaz – Humanz
Thundercat – Drunk
Virtuoso jazz-funk bassist Thundercat, now exposed to a wider audience due to his outstanding work on Kendrick Lamar's magnum opus To Pimp A Butterfly, unleashes his third studio effort and first since 2013. The album is sprawling, conceptual and incoherent in the best way, musical tidbits flying past you before you even have a chance to … Continue reading Thundercat – Drunk
NAO – For All We Know
Rapidly rising R&B artist NAO, hailing from England, has released her hotly anticipated debut album, For All We Know. While this is one of the most instantly attention-grabbing sounds presented on a major release in quite some time, a large part of NAO’s appeal is actually her extremely unique voice. It is easy to see … Continue reading NAO – For All We Know
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 