San Fermin – San Fermin (Downtown)
Dirty Projectors chamber pop with Matt Berminger’s voice.
Take whatever you like about Dirty Projectors, then everything that you like about chamber pop (if anything), then everything you like about Matt Berminger of The National’s voice (also, if anything), and you have San Fermin’s newest self-titled album. The male lead and female leads definitely adds an air of Dirty Projectors style, with the two females singing in a really similar tone to the group. Songs are melodic, sweeping, and catchy, with a more polished orchestral sound culminating in expansive, strong endings. Nearly every track boasts fantastic horns and strings sections, adding depth and complexity to the album. For a first release, this album definitely sets an awesome tone for the future of San Fermin. Expect great things, people.
-Clare Teeling
RIYL: chamber pop, Dirty Projectors, Classical goes Pop
Recommended: 1, 3
Claude VonStroke ÛÒ Urban Animal (Dirty Bird)
A Fascinating, Electronic Playground
Now on his own label, Dirtybird Records, Claude VonStroke has created Urban City, an album that holds quality house music filled with funk, soul, and other musical genres. The sixth track, “Oakland Rope” is interesting with a darker beat, a sick spoken word and funky vocals. He showcases his talent of mesmerizing voice manipulation tracks such as “Dood” and “Lay It Down Re-Smoked.” “The Clapping Track” will cause many to go crazy on the dance floor with infectious beats and a persistent clap line. Claude VonStroke does not disappoint with Urban City bringing enjoyable tracks holding such a refreshing combination of genres.
-Jack Fitzpatrick
Recommended: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Terry Malts – Nobody Realizes This Is Nowhere (Slumberland)
An excellent sophomore effort from these San Francisco fuzz rockers.
Nobody Realizes This Is Nowhere is a fun, energetic sounding record that explores lyrical themes of alienation from society, especially in “I Was Not There” and “Well Adjusted.” It’s pretty deep, but then there’s the opening of “They’re Feeding” with the singer shouting, “Motherfucker! Food eater!” So this record has a serious message while also being light-hearted. Also, the guitars on this album are extremely fuzzy and creamy. So much so that I felt like I could take a fork and knife, cut off a piece, and take a bite out of the sound. Listen to “Human Race” and tell me that bass fuzz sound isn’t delicious. The vocals are a contrast from the heavily distorted guitars in that it’s a smooth tenor, no shouting. This is an awesome second release from Terry Malts and you should give it a listen.
-Drew Sher
RIYL: Wax Idols, Hunx, King Tuff
Recommended: 2, 4, 7, 9, 11
Toro Y Moi – “Campo” (Carpark)
Guitar music…with a groove!
This single, clipped from a 2013 fall tour promo 7”, acts as a sort of bridge between the various sounds of Toro Y Moi (aka Chazwick Bundick). “Campo” fuses the indie rock sensibilities heard on the June 2009 compilation with the electronic, synth-heavy style explored on this year’s Anything in Return, among other releases. The track begins with a smooth, sparse guitar bolstered by a grooving bass and a drum loop snatched from Donny Hathaway’s “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”. Additional African-influenced percussion helps create an easy moving, but head-nodding, beat. Bundick’s sweet falsetto is punctuated by his trademark “uhh’s” (his own voice, multi-tracked). A solitary synth drifts in momentarily, only to pass away a moment later. “Campo” is a catchy little morsel that suggests an exciting direction for future Toro releases.
-Rafael Smith
RIYL: Washed Out, Misun