heidefhend

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The Soft Moon - Feel [2014] (The Soft Moon self released)

As far as I know there hasn't been any talk yet about a new record but The Soft Moon dropped this single as digital release last week and will be self releasing it on vinyl and tape next month. What we find on here is title track 'Feel' followed up by b-side 'Hunger'. Luis Vasquez is very prominent on the artwork as well as the title track which both seem to aim for a more mainstream and melodic approach. Very catchy bass riffing teamed up with sweet lush vocals and an overall pleasant sounding song. I myself was far more interested in 'Hunger' which shows the darker moody side that The Soft Moon has to offer, slowly dragging out into a jam that seems to be a warning of some kind I found it tons more enjoyable. 

For now I'm kind of on the fence about this one. While both tracks are well written and recorded this 'new' approach might lead to one of the most in-cohesive records this band could produce. I don't see the two styles melting together, they surely didn't on this single.

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lovechild - In Heaven, Everything Is Fine [2014] (Mayfly Records)

Most of what remains from the great but shortlived Cerce got together and formed lovechild. While in some tracks the background in that previous band is really apparent to me most of them give of a completely different vibe. I would say that the sound has turned into something a bit heavier, little bit slower and definitely groovier. Not really my cup of tea and far more generic then Cerce ever was. 

It's probably not fair to judge these guys on how much they sound like what they did before but that was something I really loved and this is something I'm just listening for the heck of it. Good production, well written, good vocals etc. but it's just middle of the road all the way through. The only two tracks that pop out for me are 'Oh, love.' and 'Your Neighbors' probably because they have that same demented rambling feel that a lot of Cerce material had, I just miss those vocals. 

Worth a listen if you want to see what these guys are doing right now or if you're just into nice modern hardcore with a good groove but don't expect it to be anything like Cerce.

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BONES - DeadBoy [2014] (BONES self released)

Another one of those 19-year-old rap phenomenons that quickly rose to attention last year thanks to a constant stream of mixtapes and some eerie looking videos. Hype within the blogosphere always seems to be shifting between genres, going from indie to garage and now rap is the place to be when it comes to young new talents. Last year we've seen numerous youngsters being blasted into fame of of a mostly internet-based enthusiasm. While I sometimes have my doubts with the sincerity of the whole thing, anyone will say stuff is amazing as long as they can be the first one to 'discover' it, that doesn't mean it isn't worth paying attention.

Th@ Kid, one of the names that BONES goes by online, stylistically fits in with the 'cloud-rap' crowd, chilled out spacious beats that seem to have been stolen from one of Clams Casino's old harddrives. Amateurish at points, just like some of his flows, but with a certain honesty that just works. Lyrics are loaded with references to pop-culture, Yung Lean-ish emotional breakdowns and white boy toughness. 

As it seems from all the facebook shoutouts, BONES gets a lot of his beats from his fanbase. This makes for a somewhat in-cohesive listen through beats that abruptly finish or fade out way too early. There is so much wrong with this record that it seems almost impossible to enjoy. On the other hand it's by far his best produced material up until now and I keep revisiting it. Hype justified, BONES is one of those diamonds in the rough that just grows on you. 

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