Signing to the legendary Fueled By Ramen record label and building up a sizable presence on TikTok, everything is aligning for genre-bending and experimental pop-punk outfit Waterparks. Not only, of course, are the general public’s tastes not only welcoming back the style at their core, but they’re also becoming increasingly open to hyperpop-style blasts of … Continue reading Waterparks – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Experimental
100 gecs – 10,000 gecs
Since setting the internet ablaze with their delightfully baffling breakout album 1000 gecs in 2019, the St. Louis duo that many have dubbed hyperpop’s greatest gateway drug have released a remix album with some of the genre’s biggest names, gone on extensive tours previewing this album’s material, and signed to a major label – but raising their … Continue reading 100 gecs – 10,000 gecs
Gorillaz – Cracker Island
Now on their fourth album since coming back after a 7-year gap with Humanz, the digital band masterminded by expert collaborator Damon Albarn is still running the Gorillaz renaissance smoothly. While the quality might have peaked with the outstanding and truly underappreciated Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez in 2020 (where’s season two?), their latest … Continue reading Gorillaz – Cracker Island
Kelela – Raven
It turns out that February 10, 2023 was a pretty great day for celebrated musicians releasing their first body of work since 2017. Joining Paramore but residing at the near complete opposite end of the sonic spectrum, alt-R&B singer Kelela returns for the first time since her hypnotic yet catchy set of tracks on Take … Continue reading Kelela – Raven
Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy
Despite putting out their first material fifteen years ago, a five-year break since their last project, and an experimentalist attitude that sees them jumping back and forth between genres and sounds, the profile of Scottish trio Young Fathers has only continued to rise. Releasing on celebrated English label Ninja Tune, their fourth project Heavy Heavy … Continue reading Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy
Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here.
Well, one thing’s for sure – Let’s Start Here. is a pretty appropriate title for this latest project from Lil Yachty. The once-groundbreaking rapper who had scores of imitators when he broke through with his warbly brand of melodic trap has been struggling artistically for years, never quite reaching the heights of projects like the … Continue reading Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here.
BROCKHAMPTON – The Family / TM
After quite a few drama-filled years where it looked like the end was coming soon, it finally looks like alternative rap collective BROCKHAMPTON is done for good this time. Announcing a final album at what was dubbed their last show at Coachella 2022, something a little bit different happened – proving once again that you … Continue reading BROCKHAMPTON – The Family / TM
Beyonce – RENAISSANCE
While she hasn’t exactly taken time off, RENAISSANCE is the first proper Beyonce album we’ve received in nearly six and a half years in the wake of the ground-breaking and culture-shifting Lemonade back in 2016. Scoring The Lion King, dropping one of history’s finest headlining slots at Coachella, teaming up with her famous husband for … Continue reading Beyonce – RENAISSANCE
070 Shake – You Can’t Kill Me
If people thought that New Jersey experimentalist and Kanye West protégé 070 Shake’s debut project, 2020’s Modus Vivendi, was heady, disorienting and hard to follow, wait until they hear her follow-up. Returning with You Can’t Kill Me, the GOOD Music signee’s latest project dives even further into her signature sound and feels a lot more … Continue reading 070 Shake – You Can’t Kill Me
SEVENTEEN – Face the Sun
As the list of K-pop groups selling enough on this side of the planet to be featured on this website expands ever further, 13-member strong SEVENTEEN’s fourth studio album comes in the wake of their Western TV debut last year and the announcement of their most comprehensive tour through North America yet, set to kick … Continue reading SEVENTEEN – Face the Sun
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 