Search "muriel grossmann" 244 Items

While Chrisman's "Ku Mwezi" ep mostly explored gqom and trap influenced Afrohouse mutations, his debut album heads in a different direction. On "Makila", Chrisman provides an experimental vision of the taraxina sound: a molasses-slow fusion of the Angolan kuduro and kizobma dance templates that dips in-and-out of fuzzy drones and syrupy gqom.On 'Angels of Kivu', he pushes the clicking skeletal rhythm into the background, allowing electrified likembé melodies to take pride of place. It sounds like Congolese legends Konono No.1 shocked into a psychedelic electronic future by way of Durban.'Fatiliya' pushes more solidly into taraxina territory, with familiar saw synths accenting low 'n slow kicks and air blast leads. The backbone is Angolan, but Chrisman approaches his music with a full awareness of Atlanta trap and gqom, never ignoring the gut-rattling pressure of sub bass. That's never more evident than on the title track, where he constructs a haunted atmosphere of bells and drones to sit beneath staccato percussive hits and and winding drill slaps."Makila" is challenging music that takes divergent African forms and melts them together with next level skill and sleight of hand. It's another bold step for East African electronic music that underscores the wild creativity and talent emerging from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cinephonic was founded in 2018 by composer / pianist / vibraphonist Pierre Chrétien, as an outlet for the new cinematic tunes he had been quietly writing when he wasn't busy leading larger groups such as The Souljazz Orchestra, Atlantis Jazz Ensemble and Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays.

In the fall of 2020, he releases "Les Paradis artificiels", his first full-length album under the Cinephonic moniker, on which he collaborates with heavyweight hip-hop drummer Robert Biesewig (Wu-Tang Clan, Havoc, Alchemist) and versatile percussionist Marielle Rivard (The Souljazz Orchestra, Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays), while performing all other parts himself on mellotron, piano and vibraphone.

Drawing inspiration from classic French film and library music, Chrétien expands on the sound with elements of orchestral jazz, cinematic soul, and instrumental hip-hop, creating a rich, evocative, and complex soundscape that juxtaposes intricate compositions with dark funk backbeats - a kind of epic soundtrack for a film that never existed.

Cinephonic's sophomore release "Visions" is a baroque funk tour-de-force - an intriguing concept album made up of ancient medieval and baroque themes, refracted through a modern prism of soul, jazz and psychedelia, all performed by a massive fourteen-piece chamber orchestra.

Cinephonic was founded in 2018 by composer / multi-instrumentalist Pierre Chrétien, as an outlet for the new cinematic tunes he had been quietly writing when he wasn't busy leading groups such as The Souljazz Orchestra, Atlantis Jazz Ensemble and Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays.

Drawing inspiration from classic film and library music, Cinephonic expands on the sound with elements of cinematic soul, psychedelic rock, and spiritual jazz, creating a rich, evocative, and complex soundscape that juxtaposes intricate compositions with dark funk backbeats - a kind of epic soundtrack for a film that never existed.

In the night, the cadenced orientation of the strobe lights sketches geometric trajectories in the dark room. The icy condensation from the cocktail glass drips onto her fingers, caresses her nail polish, grazes the side slit of her evening dress, and evaporates before it touches the floor, the dance floor.

Her body, that of a femme fatale, stands between the clenched bodies of the dance floor. A beam of light pierces the darkness. It illuminates a Mediterranean chest – stronger than the bridle imposed by the buttons of his shirt – adorned with golden necklaces: symbols of faith turned into instruments of seduction. Sin is the antechamber to holiness.

She turns around, that’s him: Marcelo. She had long heard about him. Their gazes, perfect diagonals, get locked in the crowd. A cheeky smile reveals a golden tooth, the lights a shrouded sex bursting forth. His wink is a magnet. Often, words are a mere formality. Let’s make out.

Que rico. Que lindo. Te quiero.

RSD First, Limitation: 1300

Electronic music composer David Morley returns to De:tuned with the live recorded 'Fashion' EP. In the early 90s Belgian fashion designer Dirk Bikkembergs reached out to David Morley to ask if he could create a special piece of music for the Paris Fashion Week. The 'Fashion - Show' DAT tape recording radiates the energy of David's thrilling live performance and captures an exciting synergy of art and music during an era that shaped an entire generation.

Kevin Foakes (Openmind, DJ Food, Ninja Tune) created all the graphic work. Mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis. A separate digital release will also be available at the usual digital shops. Stay tuned!

Limited run in Grey marbled vinyl

Electronic music composer David Morley returns to De:tuned with the live recorded 'Fashion' EP. In the early 90s Belgian fashion designer Dirk Bikkembergs reached out to David Morley to ask if he could create a special piece of music for the Paris Fashion Week. The 'Fashion - Show' DAT tape recording radiates the energy of David's thrilling live performance and captures an exciting synergy of art and music during an era that shaped an entire generation.

Kevin Foakes (Openmind, DJ Food, Ninja Tune) created all the graphic work. Mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis. A separate digital release will also be available at the usual digital shops. Stay tuned!

A Mesmerising Performance!Christof Kurzmann: Lloopp, Vocalssofia Jernberg: Vocalsmartin Brandlmayr: Drumsjoe Williamson: Double Bassdisquiet Is A Special Quartet That Came Together On The Stage Of The Konfrontationen Festival In 2018. Initially Formed And Lead By Austrian Electronic Musician Christof Kurzmann, The Project Is Reflecting The Difficult Political Situation Of The Refugee Movements To Europe - And How Politicians Deal With It In A Selfish And Unhumanitarian Way. Christof Kurzmann, Sofia Jernberg, Martin Brandlmayr (Radian) And Joe Williamson Reinterpret And Process In Quiet Waves Of Emotions And Thoughtful Lyrics - Concentrated Music Between Serenity And Sheer Beauty, Esp When Kurzmann And Jernberg Sing A Duet With Joe Mcphees Lyrics"A Concert Is Also An Artistic Polyphony Of Voices And Temperaments, And There Is Something Special Going On Here. It Is In The Way These Musicians Balance Abstraction With Direction. It Is In The Way Martin Brandlmayr Carefully Uses Those Thin Sticks And That Extended Drum Kit, And Joe Williamson Thatbow, The Strings And Body Of The Bass, To Create T His Ever Transforming, Detailed Rhythmical And Texturalflow. It Is In The Way Sofia Jernberg Uses Her Voice In The Subtlest Of Ways, Her Breath, Soft Moans And Occasionally Voluminous Siren Call Joining The Four-Way Discussion. Or In The Way Christof Kurzmann Guides This Quartet With His Lloopp Software, A Restless Web Of Textures, Mirror And Echo Effects, Sonar Pulses, Discreet And Alienating Hums. Even In Its Quietest Moments, There Is A Tangible Tension At Work, A Disquiet Perhaps, But One Affected By An Untamable Beauty And Iridescent Poetry." Guy Peters, 2020

Clear and yellow vinyl.

Beat Records is relaunching on CD the classic OST by Ennio Morricone for the Gothic horror film Amanti d'oltretomba (Nightmare castle), directed in 1965 by Mario Caiano, starring Barbara Steele, Rick Battaglia, Paul Müller, Helga Liné, Marino Masè, Giuseppe Addobbati, and Lawrence Clift.For Muriel, Morricone wrote a theme introduced on piano (played by the protagonist in some scenes in the film) and developed for the orchestra, "Amanti D'oltretomba"), then reprised in the finale. A gothic atmosphere is created by the solemnity of a liturgical organ, and the spirits from beyond the grave are represented by music for dissonant strings with trumpet interventions and fragments of the main theme for piano. A theme for Muriel's restless ghost is represented by female voices from the Cantori Moderni, and a magma of experimental sounds creates an infernal atmosphere for the story's damned souls. This CD assembly, with a total duration of 39:24, was derived from the original mono and stereo session tapes and originally approved by Maestro Morricone himself.

Vinyl with scuffs and hairlines. Cover with seam split

Limited colour variant "battlefield aftermath with blood & dirt swirl"Following their 2020 debut, Ruin, FORETOKEN's latest album sees the group expand upon their foundations of meticulously lofty soundscapes, mythological narratives, and elaborate musicianship. Utilizing traditional narratives of myths, legends, and folklore from a wide range of Western and Middle Eastern origins, Triumphs examines the ignored collateral damage of the cost of victory through these established mythos.Taking musical inspiration from melodic and tech death metal, as well as power, folk and black metal, Foretoken's core sound on Triumphs is bolstered by subtle and captivating use of traditionally Scandinavian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern instruments for atmospheric depth. Reunited once again with Hannes Grossmann (Hate Eternal, Alkaloid, Obscura, Necrophagist, Blotted Science, and Triptykon) on drums and boasting a guest guitar appearance by The Black Dahlia Murder's Brandon Ellis, FORETOKEN's technical prowess shines through without overpowering any of the nine songs' rhythmic charge.Triumphs was penned throughout 2021 by both Steve Redmond (guitar and orchestration) and Dan Cooley (vocals), with the pair settling on eight original compositions and a cover of Naglfar's I Am Vengeance. Grossmann then commenced drum tracking at his own studio, Mordor Sounds, with guitars recorded by Redmond himself and vocals captured at Trepan Studios by Tony Petrocelly, before mixing and mastering duties were placed in theaccomplished hands of Jacob Hansen (Arch Enemy, Fleshgod Apocalypse, The BlackDahlia Murder, and more) at Hansen Studios. Visually tied together by portrait artist Tomas Honz's detailed cover painting, depicting aprotagonist's journey in the aftermath of battle, Triumphs aesthetic component is a symbolic embodiment of the duo's enduring fascination with historial consequence via a folkloric lens. Taking fables and fantasy to extreme sonic heights, FORETOKEN's Triumphs is as lofty in ambition as it is a...

An undeservedly obscure Fruko album from 1973, full to the brim with unrelentingly hard and heavy salsa bangers that never let up (hence the title, "The Violent One"). The record is a pleasing mix of originals and covers and contains the anthems 'Tronco seco', sung by Wilson Saoko, and 'Nadando', a hit for Joe Arroyo. But there's a whole lot more, including hot holiday tunes and the stomping descarga 'Salsa Na' Ma'. This album is "all killer and no filler", designed to set the dance floor ablaze! Details:The 1973 album "El Violento" was the fifth full-length salsa LP led by Julio Ernesto Estrada Rincón, aka Fruko, and the second credited to Fruko Y Sus Tesos. Though it did not contain hits like 'A la memoria del muerto' or 'El Preso', it's a collector's item today in places like the US, Europe and Japan, perhaps precisely because it is obscure yet full to the brim with unrelentingly hard and heavy salsa bangers that never let up from start to finish (hence the title, which translates as "The Violent One"). A mix of originals and interesting covers, the LP is "all killer and no filler", purposely designed to set the dance floor ablaze. It features Fruko's two main vocalists that took over from the first pair of Humberto "Huango" Muriel and "Píper Pimienta" Díaz, namely the beloved duo of Alvaro "Joe" Arroyo and Wilson "Saoko" Manyoma. Los Tesos were a talented "wild bunch" who listened to their fearless leader, with Fruko holding down the bottom end on electric bass, Hernán Gutiérrez in the piano chair, the Villegas brothers on hand percussion (Jesús tickling the bongos and Fernando slapping the congas), augmented by Rafael Benítez on timbales and an ace horn section of Freddy Ferrer and Gonzálo Gómez (trombones) and Jorge Gaviria and Salvador Pasos (trumpets). While "El Violento" may not be as well known as some Fruko records, it certainly deserves a new look and should be assessed on its own merits as a very powerful, confident entry in the historical evolution of Colombi...

Twenty rarities and deep cuts from the early years of Fruko y Sus Tesos on legendary label Discos Fuentes. A collection of powerful Colombian salsa dura for the serious collector, DJ and dancer, but also enjoyable for those just discovering Fruko for the first time.2LP including an insert with photos and liner notes by DJ Bongohead (of Peace & Rhythm).The two-volume collection FRUKO POWER is not an homage, career overview, greatest hits or 'best of' collection showcasing the evolution of Fruko (Julio Ernesto Estrada Rincón), the Renaissance Man of Colombian tropical music. Instead, this compilation series shines a light on a lesser-known side of the bassist and band leader's work during the early 1970s with Fruko y Sus Tesos, reissuing in physical form many of his rare or hard to find salsa 45s as well as a few deep album cuts from the first half decade of his career, assembled in chronological order.There are interesting cover versions as well as originals, some of which never appeared on an LP. All of Fruko's classic vocalists are represented, from early collaborators Humberto "Huango" Muriel and Edulfamid "Píper Pimienta" Díaz to golden-era stars Joe Arroyo and Wilson "Saoko" Manyoma.FRUKO POWER is less for the newcomer and more for the serious salsa collector, DJ and dancer who may have a few of the maestro's albums or hits but wants to dig deeper and have all these obscure rarities in one place. However, it also serves as an excellent compendium of powerful Latin dance tracks by Fruko y Sus Tesos that have stood the test of time, so even those who do not know much of his work will be sure to feel the power of Fruko.

close to NM. With insert. OBI is missing. Japanese pressing.

Japanese pressing, no Obi.
Sleeve has seam-splits and heavy wear.

Helen Merrill attributed her childhood musical influence to her mother's singing. Truth is, she didn't wait long herself to make a mark as a teenage jazz ingénue, following-up with the notable self-titled LP you have in your hands, newly remastered, and reissued by Analogue Productions.
Helen Merrill arrives, remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio, and plated and pressed to 200-gram vinyl by the dedicated crew at Quality Record Pressings, supervised by plating expert and general manager Gary Salstrom. No less than an old-style, tip-on Stoughton Printing gatefold jacket would suffice for such a phenomenal-sounding reissue. Rare photographs inside the gatefold originally appeared as sleeve art for the 7-inch singles recorded and released in conjunction with the original 1955 album release.
Helen Merrill was born in New York City on July 21, 1930. Her professional career began at the age of 15 when, after singing at theatres and winning amateur contests, she landed a job as vocalist with Reggie Charles' Band. Merrill was later signed by Mercury Records to their EmArcy label. "Helen Merrill" is her debut studio album, backed by among others, trumpeter Clifford Brown and bassist/cellist Oscar Pettiford. The legendary Quincy Jones produced and arranged the album when he was just 21-years-old!
The success of Helen Merrill prompted Mercury to sign her for an additional four-album contract. AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow gave Helen Merrill 4 1/2 stars. »The music is essentially straight-ahead bop, yet the seven standards ... are uplifted by the presence of Merrill (in top form) and Brown.« Her success associated Merrill with the first generation of bebop jazz musicians.
Merrill's career continued with recordings and concerts throughout six decades, until the early 2000s. Her emotional, sensual vocal performances, particularly this engaging debut, stand as testament to her immense talent.
This is a high-quality reissue of a rare and valuable record. Original copies have sold for more than $1,000!

Recording: in mono

Limited Edition. Mono.
OBI not included.
Record is close to VG+.

Helen Merrill with Piero Umiliani!

Japanese pressing without OBI, with insert. Slightly warped vinyl, but still enjoyable . Cover closer to NM

Japanese pressing with Obi.

California house music maestro Jason Merle returns to Whiskey Pickle in 2024 with a revamped mixdown of his slow burning deep chugger 'Fester' paired with the previously unreleased jackin' house groover 'Can U Handle It'.

On the B side coming in from London town we have Alfos very own Sean Johnston (Hardway Bros) turning in an absolutely wicked rendition of 'Fester'. Hardcore you know the score, acid house for the headstrong. Whiskey Pickle will make you wiggle!

Early support from Erol Alkan, Space Dimension Controller, Makossa, Eddie Richards, Alinka, Marco Carola, Audio Soul Project, Maceo Plex, Alkalino, James Zabiela, DJ Nova, Paco Osuna, Sam Divine, Cole Odin, Harri, Severino, Bruce Tantum, Hakan Dahlby, etc.

2LP, 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl, Numbered Limited-Edition

Round Records IS Proud TO Reintroduce THE Recordings OF David Grisman & Jerry Garcia AT Retail With THE Debut OF Bare Bones, a collection of duo performances exploring the foundation of their beloved studio recordings.

After over 30 years, Grisman has opened the Dawg Vault to curate a collection honoring the magic of their studio works. They are presented for the first time in their original unadorned state as part of a vinyl series

Round Records IS Proud TO Reintroduce THE Recordings OF David Grisman & Jerry Garcia AT Retail With THE Debut OF Bare Bones, a collection of duo performances exploring the foundation of their beloved studio recordings.

After over 30 years, Grisman has opened the Dawg Vault to curate a collection honoring the magic of their studio works. They are presented for the first time in their original unadorned state as part of a vinyl series

Brainticket was an obscure Krautrock band born out of a 60's jazz group featuring Belgian born keyboardist Joel Vandroogenbroeck, based in Switzerland. The leader went for a fortunate solo career after the former group disbanded, reaching a cult status especially in Italy with a series of sought after libraries. Released in 1978 on Cenacolo, Images Of Flute In Nature is pure magic translated in music. Conceived by Joel with a little help from vocalist Carole Muriel (an American performer already involved in Brainticket and Drum Circus), the album is literally a deep connection between kosmische music, ambient and ethno-global rhythms.

Did you know that Judy Freeman and Blackrock cut more songs than the 4 that were put out in 1971? We know of at least one.

"I Know Where You're Coming From" is a 70s funky Northern Soul masterpiece. We've rescued a lost, never heard before, track by the group for the A-Side here. Fans of their music will immediately connect with this blistering anthemic Northern Soul monster. Go ahead and grab the talcum powder, and prepare to dance up a storm to this one.

We've selected the completely unrelated, previously unreleased Marshall Hooks "She Is All I Need" for the B-Side on this one. A relatively straight ahead Otis Redding-styled Soul original that thumps and a nice compliment to the A-Side. If you aren't familiar, Marshall released one LP on Blue Horizon and a monster R&B 7" in 1965 on the Muriel label.

Did you know that Judy Freeman and Blackrock cut more songs than the 4 that were put out in 1971? We know of at least one.

"I Know Where You're Coming From" is a 70s funky Northern Soul masterpiece. We've rescued a lost, never heard before, track by the group for the A-Side here. Fans of their music will immediately connect with this blistering anthemic Northern Soul monster. Go ahead and grab the talcum powder, and prepare to dance up a storm to this one.

We've selected the completely unrelated, previously unreleased Marshall Hooks "She Is All I Need" for the B-Side on this one. A relatively straight ahead Otis Redding-styled Soul original that thumps and a nice compliment to the A-Side. If you aren't familiar, Marshall released one LP on Blue Horizon and a monster R&B 7" in 1965 on the Muriel label.

Did you know that Judy Freeman and Blackrock cut more songs than the 4 that were put out in 1971? We know of at least one.

"I Know Where You're Coming From" is a 70s funky Northern Soul masterpiece. We've rescued a lost, never heard before, track by the group for the A-Side here. Fans of their music will immediately connect with this blistering anthemic Northern Soul monster. Go ahead and grab the talcum powder, and prepare to dance up a storm to this one.

We've selected the completely unrelated, previously unreleased Marshall Hooks "She Is All I Need" for the B-Side on this one. A relatively straight ahead Otis Redding-styled Soul original that thumps and a nice compliment to the A-Side. If you aren't familiar, Marshall released one LP on Blue Horizon and a monster R&B 7" in 1965 on the Muriel label.

Karen y Los Remedios is the voice of Ana Karen Barajas, an artist and art researcher, the music of Jonathan Muriel (Jiony), a producer from Mexico City, and the guitar of Guillermo Berbeyer (Z.A.M.P.A.). The characteristic sound of the Karen y Los Remedios is cumbia and experimental Latin and electronic rhythms. This Mexican threesome combine this representation of Latin American sounds with downtempo and trip hop influences. Silence means the total absence of sound, abstaining from speaking, where silence is as meaningful as sound. The intention of the silence of this album is to speak about the moments when we pause, to think about ourselves, to see what's really troubling us, what we really want. It's the vulnerability we find when there is no sound in our minds. It's also the title of one of the singles from the album, a song about the weight of life's expectations in people and how we experience that, through the essence of the soul and the body we inhabit, using silence as a pause to be heard. Silence as an album is a compilation of the process of feeling, falling in love, disillusionment and the essence of living. This album includes sounds that come from the street and a nostalgia for Mexico and Latin America. The sounds and harmonies come from Latin rhythms, cumbia, downtempo, trip hop, ballads and cumbiaton. Karen y Los Remedios define a melody that re-thinks rhythms usually present in energetic tones with a danceable melancholy.

colored vinyl edition

Sliding 808’s, Glistening IDM melodies and Process Driven electronics. Deep space Electro from Louis Marlo with a Stunning Lou Karsh Remix on the flip. ‘Who wants alchemy?’

A wind that announces the seasons. A musical gift from the renowned duo Marielle & Jos. "Bossa of Love" that dyes you in light colors. Marielle's lovely voice and Jos' piano gently accompanies her. ...... Bossa nova standards, with heart-fluttering bossa rhythms.

Violist, violinist and singer-songwriter Marla Hansen returns to Karaoke Kalk with "Salt", her second full-length album to date. Building upon the sonic palette the Berlin-based musician established with her debut "Dust" in 2020, "Salt" takes the delicate mixture of acoustic instruments such as viola, violin, piano and guitar combined with subtle electronics to the next level. The new album is both a remarkable departure and at the same time sheds a new yet reassuring light on Hansen's work and creativity. "Salt" features numerous collaborations with like-minded musicians and friends, e. g. producer and composer Simon Goff, The Notwist's drummer Andi Haberl and the renowned artist DM Stith.

The "Dust" has settled. After having recorded her solo debut of that name, in 2020 the world came to a grinding halt, leaving Marla Hansen left to her own devices in her adopted home of Berlin. For Hansen, who previously had lent her talent to many creative minds such as The National, Sufjan Stevens, The Hidden Cameras, Jay-Z and Ravi Coltrane, the collaborative aspect of writing and producing music had always played a crucial part in finding her own path as a solo artist.

French producer Marla Singer returns to Bipolar Disorder to release an emphatic techno EP titled "Complicated Issues" with remixes from Vienna's Codex Empire and Arts Collective's Introversion.

For fans of Shirley Collins, Lankum, Arthur Russel and Hiroshi YoshimuraLove comes in many forms and so do love songs. Stream of Forms is a collection of love songs that speak of love in all its guises: newfound and unrequited, sexual, lost and scorned.Taking inspiration from the oral traditions of English and Irish folk music, the tales told on this album speak of emotions, as ancient as the human voice itself. Michael Culme-Seymour aka Marlais positions his vocals amidst traditional instruments, digital choirs and deep, harmonic electronics, inhabiting these songs for no more than a moment. A fleeting moment but one long enough to evoke a vivid, living history of everyday people.Arranged in episodic installments, Stream of Forms is a tale of universal feelings finely balanced by the singularity of its telling. Completed in 2020 and five years in the making, it was during an artist residency in the mountains of Tusheti, Georgia, that the album began to take its definitive form.Embedding himself within the narrative as the story-telling protagonist, allows Marlais to reflect on his own experiences, living, working and performing in Berlin. The immediacy and authenticity of the songs on this album are testament to a life lived outside the typical constraints of modern society. As a result, his voice - as vulnerable as it is enchanting - is soaked in the real-life emotions, of which he sings.

Vinyl is Close to VG+. With insert. Tape is missing.

Limited edition for Record Store Day 2018!

Label cover.

L'Orange & Solemn Brigham are Marlowe

"An artist afraid to overreach himself is as useless as a general who is afraid to be wrong.”

Over a half-century later, the axiom remains true for hyper-kinetic hip-hop innovators, North Carolina’s L’Orange and Solemn Brigham—the hard-boiled duo behind the fun house fever dream, Marlowe.

Released on Mello Music Group, Marlowe is a triumph of ambition, a rap bricolage blending prohibition and civil rights-era samples with Asian psychedelic rock flourishes. Solemn Brigham controls the microphone like a general who can’t help but be right. His flow is a blitzkrieg. It’s an Olympian sprint, gliding over snares and kick-drums like hurdles. He’s a showman seeking revolution—resolute in his desire to strike equilibrium between awareness and entertainment.

Solemn applies the fictional protagonist’s search for the truth towards different ends. His crimes are existential yet specific, rooted in the injustices of the past and the attempt to redress them in the present. He’s an artist perennially seeking something to fight for, channeling energy from the music of the civic rights era, stealing timeless rhythms and inflection from classic funk and soul. An old soul with original ideas, tapping into the eternal reservoir of Sam Cooke to Ice Cube, Otis Redding to Chuck D, Curtis Mayfield to KRS-One.

Over the course of 17 tracks, Solemn hurls sharp darts at counterfeits trying to crack his religion, the onslaught of time, and prevaricating rappers—all while paying homage to those who paved the road for him. He bounces off the beats like a trampoline placed in a speakeasy, doubling up on the vocals, burrowing into dense cryptic tangles of slang and then stretching them out with melodic ease.

With dazzling cinematic mise en scene, L’Orange crafts a world that sounds like an old-time medicine show dropped into 90s Brooklyn, with Solemn summoning the holy spirit of Big L. Cymbals crash, drums pound, fuzzy guitars ride out, a bronze rain of horns cascade. This is gorgeous celestial dust, high-powered fuel with every syllable meticulously ordained. Marlowe cracked the case, but how they did it can only become clear under deeper investigation.

North Carolina-based hip-hop producer L'Orange and rapper Solemn Brigham are Marlowe. Quick-fire vocals and dusty breakbeats. With dazzling cinematic mise en scene, L’Orange crafts a world that sounds like an old-time medicine show dropped into 90s Brooklyn.

Limited to 300 copies.

Vinyl LP pressing. 2020 release. Marlowe is a collaborative alt-rap project from North Carolina-based hip-hop producer L'Orange and rapper Solemn Brigham. Their unique blend of quick-fire vocals and dusty breakbeats is most well-known on tracks such as "Lost Arts" and "Tales From The East." The project came together in 2018 with the intent of marrying Brigham's lyrics concerning social commentary, police brutality, and poverty with L'Orange's thudding beats and crackling vinyl samples to achieve a new, refreshing take on hip-hop in modern times. Marlowe 2 seeks to continue that legacy.

North Carolina-based hip-hop producer L'Orange and rapper Solemn Brigham are Marlowe. Quick-fire vocals and dusty breakbeats. With dazzling cinematic mise en scene, L’Orange crafts a world that sounds like an old-time medicine show dropped into 90s Brooklyn.