ROCK

TANGK
By IDLES

TANGK is the fifth album from the postpunk icons from Bristol, England – IDLES. On production, they’re once again working with hip-hop producer, Kenny Beats, the band’s guitarist, Mark Bowen, and to further explore unfamiliar sonic realms, they’ve enlisted long-time Radiohead producer, Nigel Godrich.
On the aptly named opener, IDEA 01, the song comes to life with the steady rhythm of just the bass drum. Closely followed by frenetic piano playing that’s soon accompanied with ominous synths until finally graced with frontman Joe Talbot’s vocals – equal parts sinister and compassionate – an intriguing mood and stage is set.
In more familiar fashion, Gift Horse unleashes with an overdriven bass and drums bounce that’s sure to get your foot tapping. The songs build into one of their best choruses that’s massively imposing. Joe howls here like a general commanding a stampede of horses.
Serving as a perfect descent, the staccato instrumentation on POP POP POP, is a soothing follow up. Immediately, Joe’s voice is at its menacing best on the brilliantly nefarious sounding Roy.
But coming out of left field, the unexpected fragility and delicate arrangement on The Gospel is captivating. The new album is a satisfyingly ecstatic and hard-hitting journey.

RAP

BLUE LIPS
By ScHoolboy Q

Making a highly anticipated return after quite a long hiatus, five years to be exact, is California-based rapper ScHoolboy Q with his sixth studio album, Blue Lips, released under the famous Top Dawg Entertainment record label.
Not tied down to a particular theme or any overarching concept, Q’s latest project is a free-flowing mixed bag of vibe heavy, weird, daring and thrillingly experimental hip-hop music.
Sounding focussed and villainous on Pop, Q’s mood and lyrics get progressively meaner as he keeps up with the track’s multiple beat switches. But things get immediately laid-back and up-beat on THank god 4 me, where he switches his flow up seamlessly and dances across the smooth production, this one’s an easy favourite.
With a nod to the late great Mac Miller on Blueslides, a jazzy piano accompanies Q as he steps into reflective mood speaking on depression, desperation and more.
ScHoolboy flaunts some of his most honest and technically sharp wordplay on tracks such as Yeern 101, Movies and Cooties. While oHio featuring Freddie Gibbs and Foux featuring Ab-Soul are other notable moments.
Bringing his A-game in terms of lyricism and accompanied with top-tier production, this project finds ScHoolboy Q in fine form.