ISSUE #40

Happy NMF!

Through what feels like a miracle a perseverance, we’ve made it to the weekend once more. Friday arrived in Portland wearing staccato gray that matched my outlook - but just as the sun battering-rammed its way between slate clouds, so too did new music rupture my sour mood as incredible singles arrived in a flood of Biblical proportions. Scrolling through new releases felt like floating down a grocery store aisle on a carpet of cannabis - the more I looked, the more I wanted, and the selection of goods simply did not end.

Just like a midnight maraud through the snack section of a 24/7 Safeway, I’m not limiting myself to a few responsible selections today. This Friday, we’re leaving with a full basket of goodies - a full hour of brand new music from 22 different artists.

1. Desire - Bob Moses and ZHU
   A warehouse banger with lots of bass to fill lots of space. Bob Moses takes the lead on this, but you can feel the ZHU influence in the backing vocals and some of the synths.

2. Touch - Zubin and Chrome Sparks
   We’re new to Zubin, but instantly a fan of his clear falsetto. This has a more deep house feel than we’re used to from Chrome Sparks, but it absolutely works.

3. I Heard! - Elliot Moss
   This song is a wonderful departure from one of our favorites. Moss sticks to a simple piano progression and clever, cutting lyrics for most of the song before it explodes into a surprise saxophone ambush in the second half.

4. Good & Plenty - Alex Isley, Masego and Jack Dine
   This super smooth and vibey collaboration sees longtime favorite Masego working with some names that are new to us. Laid back and lounge, this is one of our favorites on this list.

5. Shine - Joey Bada$$
   Joey did it again. On his newest EP the young rapper performs lyrical gymnastics around social justice and his competition, spitting rhymes that demand a second and third listen over beats that just won’t stop.

6. EQUILIBRIUM - Darius and Wayne Snow
   Equal parts woozy and sexy, we know to expect greatness when Darius puts his name to a track - but this single has a lot of bounce and a fantastic vocal performance from Snow. Perfect music for a day on the water.

7. Honey - King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
   Enigmatic sonic chameleons as they are, KGLW have once again veered left (up? In?) and crafted a song to further push the boundaries of they’re already expansive sound. Folksy, psychedelic and sweet as the title suggests, this is a delightful summer jam similar to Fishing for Fishies.

8. Sunthrower Flower - Good Tiger
   As their Spotify bio suggests, Good Tiger play “some kind of rock” that’s hard to pin down. This is one of their more subdued tracks, but the instrumentations and delicate vocals hint at the precision and energy these guys bring to the table on every track.

9. Do You Need Me - Lewis Del Mar
   The third single off a long-awaited second LP from New York indie alternative duo Lewis Del Mar is somber and reflective, implying a more mature work is on the way this go around. We’re getting more excited with every track.

10. Black Magic Hour - Jidenna
    South Africa’s rapper-in-chief serves up more of his swaggering self confidence with style and a pared down beat to make you sweat. We’re anxiously awaiting another genre-bending release from the king of swank.

11. New Maps - Tigran Hamasyan
    Every time Tigran releases a track, Zach swoons. The Armenian-American jazz/classical/rock/folk virtuoso is returning to the polyrhyms of his first album, Mockroot, for his next release, and New Maps is a perfect example of the hypnotic fusion listeners can expect from this sonic mad scientist.

12. Weather Girl - Figueroa and Amon Tobin
    The first single from a mysterious upcoming album, this track defines characterization. It’s world music… but so much more. You’ll just have to listen to believe.

13. Catch the Wind - Saib
    Quickly becoming our favorite young chill hop producer, Saib cranks out yet another emotive, relaxing composition of crisp beats and elegant instrumentation. Perfect for a breezy day on your balcony or in the yard.

14. Martian March - Opiuo and Vorso
    For your weekly dose of dance floor nostalgia, New Zealand’s OPIUO throws down a viscous concoction of sound and fury. Excellent for your run, workout or revolt against the police.

15. Chaser - Mammal Hands
    Elegant jazz from extremely talented players, Mammal Hands cross genres like state lines on a road trip, wrapping up disparate sounds with ease as they compose their way to the top.
    
    I hope you enjoy these choice picks and give back to artists who are suffering financially. Buy some merch - a record, a shirt, even some kind words always help.
    
    As always, thank you for reading! Hang in there, and we’ll see you next week.

♥ Zach