Photo: facebook.com/theweeknd
This week we find ourselves divided in the unveiling of the new Daft Punk album, with our team fragmented on whether it was worth the hype. Best, we think, to move on to some of the other fantastic music that's been doing the rounds this week that we unanimously love.
The Weeknd has given us a taste of what his second album might sound like, and we're excited; Wu-Tang Clan release an unheard, but not newly recorded track; Queens Of The Stone Age continue to tease new music ahead of the release of ...Like Clockwork; Mount Kimbie team up with King Krule; and Giorgio Moroder shows us what he'd do if he was soundtracking a mobile device racing game, which he is.
No matter what weather we might get this weekend, Gigwise has got your weekend listening sorted.
The Weeknd - 'Kiss Land'
In a fashion that's becoming typical for The Weeknd, 'Kiss Land' arrived online without further comment from the R&B star. At nearly eight minutes long, perhaps he thought there was enough in the song for him not to have to add anything. The new track, thought to be a precusor to his second album, is somewhat more experimental than what's come before, but is still built on the foundation of The Weeknd's stunning vocal ability. Produced by Silkky Johnson, who's previously worked with A$AP Rocky, the track is a darkly glinting slice of R&B that shifts halfway through, picking up a new pace while maintaining the same slightly sinister atmosphere. Interesting listening, but also an exciting new track from one of R&B's most promising new stars that will leave you eager to hear the next album.
Wu Tang Clan - 'Execution In Autumn'
The news that Wu-Tang would reunite to celebrate to 20th Anniversary of 36 Chambers, and would be releasng a new LP to mark to milestone, was more than exciting for fans of the seminal rap group. Then came a tweet suggesting the managers of the individual members of the Clan had ruined it, and crushing disappointment. The release of new track 'Execution In Autumn' shouldn't get fans too hopeful though, as apparently it's a previously unreleased Wu-tang cut, rather than the start of new material. But that doesn't detract from the track's quality. With Frank Dukes on production duties, the track is certainly reminiscent of Wu-Tang at their prime, with Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, RZA and U-God teaming up to swap diamond sharpe lyrics.
Lana Del Rey - 'Queen Of Disaster'
Since Born To Die, or even before, Lana Del Rey has been known for her sultry, darkly-tinged Americana anti-pop. But recently leaked track 'Queen Of Disaster' sees the singer-songwriter testing her skills in a more upbeat setting. The track skips with a retro 70s feel as Del Rey's vocals rise and fall, even with a chiming melody thrown in to lift the mood a little more. It's thought the track is an unreleased recording made for her first record, rather than the first taste of what her second album's likely to sound like, but it's still nice to see Lana slightly outside of her musical comfort zone, even if the lyrical content is similarly downcast.
Queens Of The Stone Age - 'I Sat By The Ocean'
Queens Of The Stone Age have slowly been unveiling new material ahead of their new album ...Like Clockwork. This week they premiered several, the best among them being 'I Sat By The Ocean', which they performed on Jools Holland. The new album has fans excited, not just because of its super-charged list of collaborators but also because Homme & Co. seem to be going about their business with a renewed vigor that might see them produce something worthy of the legacy they consolidated with Songs For The Deaf. Accompanied by drum legend John Theodore the band chug through the track's hefty chords and whining notes in the way only QOTSA can. Perhaps they don't reach the snarling, insolent epitome of Songs For The Deaf, but it's a start.
Yuksek + Oh Land - 'Last Of Our Kinds'
Yuksek has been a busy man, having recently finished prodcution work on the debut album from Juveniles, but that hasn't stopped him finding time to put together this collaboration with Oh Land, which you can grab as a free download. One of the brightest lights in the increasingly interntional electro scene that's burst out of France in the last few years, 'Last Of Our Kinds' demonstrates why everyone's so excited about Yuksek at the moment. The track's a high energy, pounding blast of dancey electro, but there's a subtlty to the production - nifty synth runs or thudding drum fills - that set it apart from other tracks from similar but less accomplished producers than Yuksek. It's fun and flamboyant, easy enough to make it onto radio playlists while cool enough to not seem too mainstream.
The 1975 - 'fallingforyou'
In the run up to new EP IV, The 1975 unveil yet another new track, this time taking a slightly different tack to most of what we've heard so far. Where tracks like 'Chocolate' and 'The City' were built on heavy, powerful drum beats, 'fallingforyou' is a far gentler affair, with a slowly smacking snare and a plodding bassline eventually introduced. The focus of this track is definitely the softly wistful vocals, whereas in the past the rhythmic drive has taken the front seat. It's nice to see a band who seem to be on a fast track to stardom proving they have a few more string strings to their bow.
Mount Kimbie ft. King Krule - 'You Took Your Time'
Archie Marshall is becoming one of the most recognisable voices on the UK music scene, and Mount Kimbie almost can't move for all the praise being laddened upon them. So when Kimbie brought in Marshall's King Krule alter ego it was fair to expect something of a quality result. Marshall is perhaps his most visceral here in his martyred vocal style and lyrical ideas, ideas which should belong to someone much older. The gently whirring backing track and sizzling hi-hat are a great match for the bleakly observant vocals, and Marshall sounds almost more himself here than ever before, building in contempt as the song progresses, gradually lost in jarring, spiralling reverb. Marshall is a busy man, with several monikers on the go, but you can't help but hope this is a collaboration that gets explored further.
MØ - 'Waste Of Time'
Snarling swagger and a knack for beats make MØ one of the most exciting artists about at the moment. What seems like it's going to be a piece of straight up musical aggression is in fact defined by a vocal line that many R&B producers would love to have a go on. Rough cut and polished in the right places, this is future pop of a darker blend. Coupled with a cut and paste video that you can imagine mirroring her songwriting technique, the track drips in coolness, leaving you eagerly panting for more.
Giorgio Moroder - 'Racer'
With Giorgio Moroder a name that's back in the collective consciousness after collaborating with Daft Punk (resulting in one of the better tracks on the new album), Moroder has now soundtracked a mobile racing game, and the results are quite good. 'Racer' is bigger than 'Giorgio By Moroder', right from the word go a heavy weight synth kicks in. It's fast paced and full of energy and probably just the right thing for a racing game. For those who weren't familiar with the 73-year-old prodcuer until recently, it also makes you realise just how much of Moroder went into the Daft Punk track.
