Sargeant x Comrade/Kestrels
Sargeant x Comrade
Magic Radio // Black Buffalo
What happens when you combine Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, Lo-Fi Soul, Experimental, and Nu-Jazz genres together? Well, if you’re not incredibly talented, it might sound pretentious. But if you are incredibly talented, you get the wholly original musical stylings of Sargeant X Comrade’s 1st full length album, Magic Radio.
And magic it is – but I’m guessing you already assumed I would say that.
Sargeant X Comrade is comprised of R&B/soul singer Yolanda Sargeant and rapper-producer Evgeniy Bykovets, two Calgary artists looking to bend sounds and samples into their own unique genre to eventually use it to take over the world (one can assume). In the first iteration of their world-dominating hit, Magic Radio is this smooth, sultry, max volume worthy masterpiece that takes you from ‘40s swing piano riffs to relaxed hip-hop beats without even being obvious about it. The vocal stylings of Yolanda Sargeant transport you to a galaxy far away, dripping through your headphones with an air of richness. This album is like when you leave butter on the counter for too long and it gets all melty and velvety – at first you think it’s too soft and maybe it looks kind of weird and unfamiliar (like, is it even butter anymore once it’s melted?), but then you realize it’s actually the perfect consistency for spreading on toast without tearing it to shreds, and you realize you’ve discovered something great.
That’s Magic Radio. It’s this glorious album that you didn’t know you were missing in your life until now. It’s weird, it’s unfamiliar, yet at the same time you can’t really put your finger on where you’ve heard it before, like déjà vu. If you want to get down, “Take My Higher (Who Let The Devil In)” will provide you with the grooves; if you want to slow it down, “Romance in Outer Space” will bring you that buttery goodness; if you’re trying to break walls down, “Work Song” will get the wheels turning. Magic Radio has it all and more, and it’s paving the path to genre breaking sounds.
Magic Radio Pairings – A Synopsis
Perfect to listen to while: clapping your hands
Best enjoyed while eating: room temperature butter. On toast or by itself. It’s a judgement free zone
Pairs well with: Merlot
Next steps: if you liked this and want to see what else Sargeant X Comrade can do, check out their cover of Gil Scott-Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” as featured on the Calgary Folk Music Festival’s 40th Anniversary album, Cover Art.
- Carly Weiler
Kestrels
Dream Or Don’t Dream // Darla Records
Little did I know when I picked this album to review that I had picked a brilliant masterpiece. Dream Or Don’t Dream by Kestrels is described as “living out a guitar freaks fantasy.” Those words describe it quite beautifully. I was first drawn to it by the cover art, it reminds of Salvador Dali. To my surprise there are some big names involved in the making of this album but we’ll get to that. It’s Silversun Pickups meets Astronoid is how I would describe it.
Kestrels has been in the Halifax scene since 2008. Being the primary vision of Chad Peck who is a high school English teacher by day and at night rocks out playing guitar and doing vocals for Kestrels. Micheal Cattano lends his finesse for the drums for this album and Norma McDonald lends her songbird harmonies that blend ever so sweetly with Peck. You get to hear the ravishing riffs and soaring solos of J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. (yeah, you read that right!). Mixing by John Agnello who’s worked with Bowie, Blondie, and Reed. Did I say the album was phenomenal yet? Lyrically Peck writes about taking charge of ones life, who he wants to be, and facing reality. Heading in a new direction. Just finishing his Masters Degree now the world is your oyster. Enjoy!
”Vanishing Point” grabs you right from the get go with the hard driven guitars and drums before breaking into Peck’s buttery smooth vocals. Add Norma’s heavenly harmonies and you get a full hypnotic sound.
“Grey And Blue” keep the great vibe going. Great breezy feel to it! Grinding riffs and grab you drum rolls pair nicely with harmonious vocal pair. It really has it all. I’d recommend taking this album out in the open air for a walk or a bike ride and really get the full feeling and exhilaration it brings.
“Everything Is New” has a real electric energy to it and overall sweet breezy vibe. I especially love it when the guitar comes screeching in. I dig it!
The album is rich in sounds and syncopations but it was blissful for the music lover to take in! Kestrels are really turning heads and gets the ears perked up! Give Kestrels new album Dream Or Don’t Dream a listen. Your ears will really appreciate it!
- Green Noreen
