New Music with Steph Liong
First up on New Music is Shafiq Husayn from Los Angeles, on his second star-studded album The Loop. Formerly of Sun-Ra, a group that championed a unique blend of hip-hop, experimental jazz and soul fusion, this album plays to those strengths as well as the many strengths of its various guests. Amongst its’ many features are Thundercat, Erykah Badu, Flying Lotus, Bilal and Anderson Paak, showcasing some of the best from the Los Angeles scene and beyond.
Next is White Denim from Texas with their 8th album Side Effects, a rich, energetic album inspired by their live performances. Launched not long after their previous record, Performance, Side Effects pushes a powerful blend garage rock with psych-punk and Southern boogie.
Finally is Melbournians On Diamond, lead by Lisa Salvo, expanding a once-solo project to a full band. Drawing from 70s folk, prog rock and experimental pop, their self-titled debut record is exquisitely produced and shows the strengths of the collaborations.
