SERvin’ Up! – w/c January 29, 2018

Ty Segall – Freedom’s Goblin (Feature Album)
Nightmares On Wax – Share The Future
Calexico – The Thread That Keeps Us
Montero – Performer
Marlon Williams – Make Way For Love
First Aid Kit – Ruins
Salad Boys – This Is Glue
The James Hunter Six – Whatever It Takes
Sly & Robbie, Dubmatix – Sly & Robbie Meet Dubmatix
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Well it looks like the new music floodgates are well and truly open! We’ve been bombarded with amazing new music here at 2ser and it’s a pleasure to share it with you.

Starting with album number six from The James Hunter Six. If you’re not familiar with James Hunter, he’s signed to Daptone Records – famous for bringing the classic soul sound into the modern era. Their signings also always seem to have an interesting story behind them. The late Sharon Jones was an ex prison guard. The late Charles Bradley spent years as a James Brown impersonator before Daptone helped unlock his potential. James Hunter has worked on the railway, busked in the streets of London, and at one point provided backup vocals and guitar for Van Morrison. Whatever It Takes is a healthy serving of Rhythm and Soul. With pounding drums, squealing sax and of course the raw and powerful wail of James Hunter – this is throwback Soul at its finest.

The name Montero may sound familiar to you, but not necessarily due to his music. Australian artist/musician Ben Montero makes comic book art starring a green frog whose adventures seems to sum up adult life perfectly.

With over 85 000 Facebook followers of the Ben Montero Sketchbook and his art featuring on shirts and posters for the likes of Mac Demarco, Courtney Barnett, Ariel Pink, Kurt Vile and Pond, you’d think he would have no time to focus on anything else but his art. But his latest album Performer is finely crafted, taking us on an adventure of a wide variety of soundscapes. It explores psychedelic pop, laid back crooner vibes and even vintage 70s arena rock. It’s enthralling, diverse and the production is on point. To see his art meet his music, check out the video for the single ‘Running Race’.

Lastly, is Salad Boys the best or worst band name ever? You decide! One thing that is certain is that the second album from the Christchurch three piece is a cool as a cucumber. It’s jangle rock packed with fuzz, mesmerising guitar hooks and melancholic vocals. On This Is Glue, Salad Boys pay tribute to the NZ greats who have come before them (The Chills, The Clean), while carving out their own fresh sound.

Also this week, some HUGE new tracks from the likes of Belle & Sebastian, U.S. Girls, Yo La Tengo and Spike Vincent. All that and more on 2ser 107.3!

– Tim