ISSUE #15
Bess
by Pursuit Grooves
Toronto-based Pursuit Grooves' latest LP, Bess, perfectly captures the curiosity and discovery of flying to new worlds, new systems, and new ways of thinking.
Bess was created as a tribute to Bessie Coleman - an early-twentieth century American aviator who was the first Black and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. She stood as a trailblazer for dismantling racial and gender norms in the 1920s, and while social injustices were arguably much more extreme in those times, Pursuit Grooves demonstrates that Coleman's story is very much still relevant today where misogyny and racism continue to divide and destroy.
It's evident that Pursuit Grooves (Vanese Smith) admires this icon so fucking much. There is power in each track. There’s soul, there’s dynamics, and a demonstration of mastery of several genres and styles. The album is 55 minutes in duration, spanning 15 tracks where about 94% of it is instrumental, with the track, Stand Firm on Wings, stands as the only track where Smith's vocals come into the fold. Ranging from R&B, to house, and even to the avant-garde, Bess is a journey, and we’ll be bumping this album for days to come. Favorite tracks: Daredevil, Aviatrix, Yesterday Today Tomorrow, The French Connect.
Courtesy of Pursuit Grooves.
Be sure to check out Bess in its entirety below and consider purchasing the album ($10 USD). You can also find the album on Spotify here.
We know we’re only 3 days into the new year, but we hope your 2020 is flourishing. Stay weird!
💎Mando
Sofa Stories
by Moods & Yasper
Following in last week’s footsteps, I bring to the table a bite-sized portion of instrumental layback energy. Sofa Stories crackles with vinyl static and embraces the ear with lo-fi warmth while funky bass and off-kilter percussion gently sway this minuscule musical microcosm.
Joining the global chillhop scene from the Netherlands, producers Yasper and Moods take an atmospheric approach to the genre, wrapping lush pads and balmy reverb around the rhythmic skeleton others often leave unadorned.
This isn’t to say the EP is all soft dreams and contented sighing - Demo 13 v2 takes a short but delightful detour into some crunchier territory with a stripped down clavichord and snappy studio drums over more floral guitar arpeggios. Vibe Vibe crisply salutes R&B while keeping a stiff stride with its rhythm section. This kind of dynamicism is always a pleasant surprise amidst a genre that can all too easily slip into hipster elevator music.
Yasper, photo courtesy of chillhop.com
Moods, photo courtesy of chillhop.com
This release is a beautifully crafted slice of tropical climate and a great introduction to both producers. I’m more familiar with Moods, whose work leans a bit more energetically than this release, but I’m looking forward to letting Yasper serenade me through these gray Portland winter days.
If you enjoyed this EP, consider checking out Zach’s monster chillhop playlist below - we think you’ll enjoy.
Thanks for reading and happy NMF!
♥ Zach
