Small Sins, Alex Southey, Thugg Shells, and Misc
Small Sins - Volume II
Downtempo beats, lush synths, and restrained vocals comprise Small Sins’ Volume II. Throw in some strings, guitar, and piano, and you’ve got a surprisingly maximalist album. It’s surprising because the dynamics within each song can really take you on a ride. What happens next is anyone’s guess!
Alex Southey - ...And the Country Stirred
Alex Southey’s ...And the Country Stirred makes me think of just that, the country. Alex creates the feeling of driving down a two-lane highway in rural Alberta. This album is spacious and expansive, and makes you feel small (in a good way). Just get home before it rains.
Thugg Shells - Rainy Day EP
Thugg Shells’ Rainy Day EP starts off unassumingly enough, but soon things get wild. Like, crazy. She starts to spit, but these are not ordinary bars. No, they are rapid fire and pure fire. And her delivery is so charming anddisarming it’s hard to feel anything but stunned. Wow.
Misc - Partager l'ambulance
I’ve always been a big fan of instrumental music: from post-rock to techno, I’m sometimes of the opinion that words can get in the way. On Partager l'ambulance, Montreal jazz trio Misc utilize standard instrumentation but add electronic elements and samples, too. A band after my own heart.
- Matthew Belton