[15 to End 2015] Ninja Dom’s Best of the Year

As a sweeping generalization, 2015 will go down as a year dominated by collectives. Future Classic, Hegemon, Moving Castle, Soulection, HW&W, Wedidit, Monstercat, and French Express pooled their talents together to commandeer the music scene this year. The technical aspects commonly associated with “Future” crept into the DNA of producers, becoming a topical theme across genres from the most obscure to the most mainstream.

In particular, and as one of the most recent additions to the TMN staff, it has been quite a journey both as a contributor and music fan since early April. Without the collaboration of the entire staff – the guidance of editors and advice of my fellow writers – year one as a ninja would not have been possible. Along the way I’ve covered tours, shot music festivals, and met some of my favorite artists, who have graciously exposed me to their own intricate webs of sound. That being said, below is my best effort to reduce thousands of great tracks released this calendar year down to a manageable number. Enjoy the tracks below, in order of release date, and see you all next year!

’Oceaán – Veritas (Young & Sicks Mixed Feelings)’
Although it has nearly been removed from all channels of the internet, this remix of Veritas is a fluid tune, incorporating contrasting techniques in a way that set it apart this year.

’OBESØN – Mon Amour’
This is both my favorite song ever and the answer to the hypothetical question “if you could only listen to one song for the rest of time…”

’San Holo – We Rise’
Deserving of a spot on all lists, this has been the de facto party-starter and pregame anthem since it’s release in February.

’Alison Wonderland – Run’
The title track from AW’s debut album taps into the talents of fellow producers Djemba Djemba and AWE in creating this hooky, electronic masterpiece.

’Mura Masa – When U Need Me’
For an artist focused on quality over quantity, this is Mura Masa’s greatest creation to date.

’DIVERSA – Burning House’
Burning House is the most powerful release of Diversa’s, serving as a benchmark for the current wave of Drum & Bass producers to measure up against.

’Jamie xx – The Rest is Noise’
Jamie XX has been graced with near unanimous approval of his album In Colour; The Rest is Noise incorporates his most polished elements in a lengthy rainbow-colored instrumental.

’Tory Lanez – Acting Like (Prod. by Shlohmo)’
Another up and coming artist out of the blooming Toronto hip-hop scene, Tory Lanez, enlists the help of Shlohmo in putting together this dark, rhythmic jam.

’Golden Vessel – Borrowed Time (ft. Tiana Khasi)’
Melbourne locals Golden Vessel and Tiana Khasi teamed up to create one of the most enchanting and soulful pieces of the year, bar none.

’Thundercat – ‘Them Changes”
As the most groovy track of the summer season, this was also an introduction and revival of the nostalgia-pumping funk genre, which used to dominate the charts.

’Tame Impala – The Moment’
Parker shows off his adaptability on this one; in cutting the downtrodden lyrical content against a synth-driven bridge full of cheery guitar riffs and rhythmic hand claps, the single is inextricably linked with the bridge in fellow Australian band Pond’s recent release, “Medicine Hat”.

’Moi Je – Fais Rien (PETIT BISCUIT Remix)’
Although the title literally means ‘do nothing’, it is nearly impossible to hear this remix by Petit Biscuit and not be tempted to move by the upbeat tempo.

’Khai – Do You Go Up’
This bubbly, minimalist tune is carried on the strength of its hook and the catchy vocals of its creator.

’SevnthWonder – Maria I’m Drunk (Ft. Deverano) (Travis Scott Cover)’
As the most notable track by the best up and comer out of 2015, this remix displays a vision and creativity beyond SevnthWonder’s years.

’Finding Hope – Wonder’
With roots in the ambient genre, down-tempo is the most calming style of music. The deep, pleasant reverie continues through Wonder and does not end until the close of the song.

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[Electronic] Tame Impala – Let It Happen (Soulwax Remix)

Tame Impala
Let It Happen (Soulwax Remix)

Belgian electro-rockers Soulwax established themselves as legends in electronic music over ten years ago just as the genre hit its stride in the mainstream. As of late, though, there have been scarce sitings of the pioneers–the most recent appearance being their fantastic remix of Jungle‘s “Julia.” It comes as little surprise that Tame Impala‘s phenomenal latest album Currents catalyzed new material from the trio who released a rendition of the hit single “Let it Happen” a couple days ago.

Initially, Soulwax draw the listener in with an arpeggiated backdrop keeping Kevin Parker’s vocals in-tact before dropping in a groovy bass line with steady, tribal-leaning percussion to match. As the song hits the 4-minute mark, the song’s interlude and distinct guitar riff perfectly accompany the rhythmic backdrop which takes over the remainder while interweaving various elements of the original. Running over 9-minutes, it’s the type of track that requires patience that’s well worth it–continually growing in appeal with every listen. There seem to be some hints on their social media pages and hopefully the inspiration Soulwax has found in these recent tracks results in some new original music. In the meantime, let this one sink in.

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[Album Review] Tame Impala Ventures Into Unknown Territory With ‘Currents’

tame-impala-currents-details-release-date-tracklist

In exchange for their sometimes fickle loyalty, music fans of every background expect an unreasonable level of appeasement from performers. Demands include personal relatablity, a constant flow of tunes, selfless humility, and to be generally well received but not “too popular”. The music community does not necessarily expect longevity.

Even the most obscure and unorthodox genres get their time in the spotlight before receding back into previously held supporting roles; the artists that operate in and dominate these roles must too come and go. At the moment, the genre known as Future is being called to the stage; a delicate balancing act between gaining traction among the majority while keeping its compelling novelty ensues. Overall, Future has encountered relatively nonexistent pushback from the established main characters, who seem content to continue recycling the decades-old blueprints to success in their respective fields.

By redefining what can even be described as instruments, artists are incorporating 8-bit video game tunes, flipping ringtones, adding bizarre ambient noises, and continuing to blur the understanding of what we define as aesthetics. Producers of the modern day get away with this level of provocation because aesthetics as an idea is amorphous. Factors like exposure, maturity, and setting can lead to a harsh sounding guitar solo today being reinterpreted as a masterpiece tomorrow.

Under this fluid theory, every music fan can point back in time to a specific album or artist that gave them a different outlook on music as a whole. Whether it be the immortal first album of Kanye West, the discovery of Grizzly Bear’s folksy Veckatimest, danceable mashups by Girl Talk, Toro y Moi’s funky Anything in Return, Kid Cudi’s hijacking of the hip-hop scene, or the first time Skrillex blasted through the speakers at a party, passing through phases of music is a part of self-discovery that is both identifiable and incomparable. For a year – or perhaps a few years – listeners will continually recalibrate their ever-changing but never dying love of sound until said aficionados revert back to their audial comfort zone. This week, Perth’s pride and joy Tame Impala, the brainchild of Kevin Parker, has brought the majority back home to that comfort zone with its third release, Currents.
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[Psych Rock] Tame Impala – Let It Happen

Tame Impala
Let It Happen

Since releasing their last album in 2012, Tame Impala have kept busy spreading their unique sound to every corner of the world through their own tours and appearances on all the major festival bills. During that time we haven’t heard much new music from the Australian psych rock outfit, but yesterday they surprised fans with the first singly from the highly anticipated follow up to Lonerism. Spanning nearly 8 minutes, “Let it Happen” is an airy psychedelic masterpiece that’s composition makes for a broad range of mental states ranging from progressive ambience to dance-floor grooves. It’s the type of song that would make for an epic live performance–you can see their upcoming dates below the fold. Press play above and take a trip with Tame Impala–look out for more info on their new album soon.   Continue reading

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[NEW] Kendrick Lamar & Tame Impala – Backwards

Kendrick Lamar
Backwards Feat. Tame Impala

Although we still have no idea what Divergent is really about, we do know that its soundtrack has spawned some pretty interesting collaborations so far. This latest effort from Kendrick Lamar and Tama Impala however, easily takes the cake. The powerful single grabs your attention right off the bat, as Kendrick bombards the mic with a fierce intensity that’ll leave you taking at least a few steps “Backwards” yourself. The only reprieve from Kendrick’s full-scale assault comes through the contrastingly soothing chorus, which features a sample of Tame Impala’s “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards,” and helps provide the song with some balance. While it may seem like this one is coming out of left field for the Compton rapper, there is some precedent for its sound. In some ways the track almost seems like a mashup of the laidback style heard on “Money Trees” from Kendrick’s good kid, m.A.A.d city and his fiery remix of Imagine Dragons‘ “Radioactive.”

Check out the single above, and head over to Pitchfork if you’re interested in streaming the full Divergent soundtrack days before its release on March 11th. Featuring additional music from the likes of Skrillex, Ellie Goulding, Chance The Rapper, A$AP RockyGesaffelstein, Snow Patrol and more, the soundtrack can be pre-ordered through iTunes now as well.

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