Magi Merlin, Tika, Private Investigators, Kitz Willman
Magi Merlin - Drug Music
Every once in a while I hear something that blows my mind, and Magi Merlin’s Drug Music does just that. Experimental soul with beats that sound like Madlib on ketamine, Magi Merlin’s voice rises and dives, and is as smooth as it is powerful. Okay, just one more listen!
Tika - Anywhere But Here
Uplifting soul from Tika greets you on the album Anywhere But Here. The music makes me feel like I’m at a fashion show in Milan and reminds me of Hot Chip. Saxophone solo? I’ll take one of those for sure. The vocals are 100% guaranteed to raise spirits. Thanks, Tika!
Private Investigators - Initialized/Actualized
There’s something about analogue synthesis that just hits you in the gut. I really miss experiencing that feeling in a live setting and I’m sure most of you do, too. Rhythmic pulses ominously signal that trouble is approaching. Don’t worry, though, Private Investigators will take care of it.
Kitz Willman - Royal Visit to Uranium City
On Royal Visit to Uranium City, Winnipeg rapper Kitz Willman riffs on babushkas and dusty books while wailing on a saxophone. This album is disorienting and hallucinatory and it feels a little like I’m losing my mind, and to make a listener feel that way is a major accomplishment!
- Matthew Belton