'Thrill Seeker'
Sub Urban
Warner Records
Sub Urban (Danny Massoneuve) showcases an imaginative world on his debut EP "Thrill Seeker," released March 13. The 19-year-old New Jersey alt-pop artist draws on elements of fantasy and "adolescent imperfection from the perfectionist," he explains. Alternative Press said of Sub Urban that his "hybrid of minimalist grooves and youthful, psychic eccentricity will be the thing everybody will attempt to steal this year." Following the EP's debut, Sub Urban landed the top spot at alternative radio with his breakout smash, "Cradles." The track claimed the No. 1 position on both the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart and the Mediabase Alternative Radio Chart; a monumental fete for a new artist to achieve with a song he wrote and produced himself.
"Combining elements of left-of-center pop with a wondrously macabre vision, Sub Urban is crafting out a niche that is all his own." -- Ones To Watch
'Vernal Equinox'
Jon Hassell
Ndeya
On his 83rd birthday, ambient music pioneer Jon Hassell re-released his 1977 debut album, "Vernal Equinox," on March 22. The album has been fully remastered from the original tapes and is being made available on vinyl for the first time in 42 years and on CD for the first time in 30 years. The re-issue features sleeve notes by Hassell and Brian Eno and is the second release on Hassell's own Ndeya label.
Hailed as one of the 50 best ambient albums of all time by Pitchfork, "Vernal Equinox" was the debut of a pioneering new form of music that would become known as "fourth world": a subtle blend of field recordings, electric jazz, ambience and global music influences. Hassell's trademark FX-soaked trumpet is carefully embellished by a studio ensemble including the master Brazilian percussionist Naná Vasconcelos and David Rosenboom on synth. The result is a quiet, meditative and highly original work of outstanding beauty.
'R.F.E'
Rabid Flesh Eaters
Lycanthrope MV Records
Pre-orders are now available for the self-titled album from long-standing Texas speed metal band Rabid Flesh Eaters (R.F.E.), featuring the final performance by late Rigor Mortis and Warbeast vocalist Bruce Corbitt, due for release April 11.
R.F.E.'s eight vicious new tracks are stronger and achieve heavier, faster heights than anything they've released before, with developed dynamics, extreme tightness and a heart pounding impact. Beyond setting new standards for today's speed metal genre, this record is a visceral homage to their longtime friends, Texas metal legends Rigor Mortis -- drummer Harden Harrison, bassist Casey Orr, and their fallen brothers, guitarist Mike Scaccia (1965-2012) and vocalist Bruce Corbitt (1962-2019). On R.F.E., the thrashers put crazy new twists on three classic Rigor Mortis jams alongside their original new tunes.
'A Change in Diet (The Remixes)'
Elliot Moss
Grand Jury
Elliot Moss released his new EP "A Change In Diet (The Remixes)" on March 20. The EP includes reworkings of three songs from his recent album, "A Change In Diet," which feature Colombian singer-songwriter Elsa y Elmar (on "Bodyintoshapes"), Cuban-American R&B singer Brika (on "Rabbit Roads"), and Mexican trapper Go Golden Junk (on "Silver + Gold"). "The idea for this EP came about after hearing what some of my closer musician friends and contributors did to my music in a live setting," explains Moss. "After touring the world I wanted to connect more deeply with some of the different countries that touched me. The addition of these artists to these songs has helped to make them feel more complete."
The remix EP follows "A Change In Diet," released Jan. 17 to recognition from outlets like Pitchfork: "On his poignant second album, the multitalented singer-songwriter gives voice to the self-doubts that manifest in the wee hours of the morning."
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With no live music to list, this spot will be filled by news and reviews of new albums, both local and national. Send information about your new releases to Jocelyn Murphy at [email protected].
NAN What's Up on 03/29/2020