BRIAN ENO: I’m Set Free
When it comes to production, you couldn’t reach further opposites of the spectrum than Velvet Underground and Brian Eno. I’m Set Free is one of the Velvet Underground’s most beautiful compositions, a yearning earnestness and relief tinged with resignation. That resignation is the magic ingredient, and it’s not really here on Eno’s version. There’s not much added here – the tonal lushness isn’t really needed – but it is a nice reminder of the power of the VU original.
KLLO: Bolide
Kllo craft dance music that isn’t overtly danceable on Bolide, the kind that sneaks up and hits you in the hip bones. Everything is in its right place, surging walls of synth, tractor beam loops, before the dance floor payoff.
FRIENDSHIPS: Goey Slinga
You can’t just slap the name Goey Slinga on any old track, and thankfully this cut is sick enough to live up to such a title. This goes farkin harrrrrrrrrrd.
SINGLE OF THE WEEK
PIKELET: The Neighbour’s Grass
Evelyn Morris’ Pikelet has provided a mercurial catalogue of output over the years, all of it excellent. The Neighbour’s Grass marks a dramatic stylistic turn from 2013 LP Calluses, delving into minimalist electronica that has indeterminable shades of hip hop and pop to form an arresting outing. It would be daring even if removed from the context of Pikelet’s most recent output, even more daring when considered in that sense. This is world class.
