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Albums Out Today: Autechre, Matt Berninger, Kevin Morby, Open Mike Eagle, beabadoobee

Konstantinos Pappis
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Albums Out Today: Autechre, Matt Berninger, Kevin Morby, Open Mike Eagle, beabadoobee

In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on October 16th, 2020:

Autechre, SIGN

Autechre have returned with his first studio album in seven years. Out now via Warp, the prolific electronic duo’s latest is called SIGN and follows 2013’s Exai as well as their recent AE_LIVE 2016-2018 series. Containing 11 tracks, the LP clocks in at just over an hour and includes a typically cryptic tracklist with titles such as ‘si00’, ‘sch.mefd 2’, and ‘Metaz form8’. According to an interview with Sasha Frere-Jones, Autechre’s Sean Booth and Rob Brown worked on tracks for over a year, finishing just before lockdown in February of 2020. “I hadn’t felt that solid about putting together an album in a while,” Booth said.

Matt Berninger, Serpentine Prison

The National frontman Matt Berninger has come through with his debut solo album, Serpentine Prison. It’s out now via Book Records, a new imprint he created with the record’s producer, Booker T. Jones, alongside Concord Records. It features guest appearances from Andrew Bird, The National’s Scott Devendorf, The Walkmen’s Matt Barrick, Menomena’s Brent Knopf, and many others. “For a long time, I had been writing songs for movies and musicals and other projects where I needed to get inside someone else’s head and convey another person’s feelings,” the singer-songwriter explained. “I liked doing that, but I was ready to dig back into my own garbage and this was the first thing that came out.”

Kevin Morby, Sundowner

Kevin Morby has released a new album called Sundowner, out now via Dead Oceans. The singer-songwriter started working on Sundowner all the way back in 2017, when he moved back to his hometown of Kansas City, KS, and still finishing up his last album, 2019’s Oh My God. Using mostly a four-track Tascam 424 recorder, he recorded the album at Texas’ Sonic Ranch with producer Brad Cook. “I wrote the entire album wearing headphones, hunched over the 424, letting my voice and guitar pass through the machine, getting lost in the warmth of the tape as if another version of myself was living on the inside, singing back at me,” Morby explained in a statement. “I was mesmerized by the magic of the four track not only as a recording device, but also an instrument, and considered it my songwriting partner throughout the whole process.”

Open Mike Eagle, Anime, Trauma And Divorce

Open Mike Eagle is back with a new album. The follow-up to 2017’s Brick Body Kids Still Day Dream is called Anime, Trauma And Divorce and it’s out now via AutoReverse Records. “Before the world went to shit I was already in the middle of a few personal crisis’,” the rapper said in a statement. “Shit had gone haywire personally and professionally and my therapist had to remind me that I have an outlet to process some of my shit in rap music. So I made a bunch of painful rap songs and Jacknife Lee was kind enough to help me make good music out of them. Maybe it can help other people too. It probably won’t but maybe.”

beabadoobee, Fake It Flowers

20-year-old singer-songwriter Bea Kristi, aka beabadoobee, has come through with her debut studio album, Fake It Flowers, out now via via Dirty Hit. Following last year’s Space Cadet EP, the album includes the previously released singles ‘Together’, ‘How Was Your Day?’, ‘Care’, ‘Sorry’, and ‘Worth It’. “It’s pretty much my whole life in one album, ,” Bea told i-D. “People are gonna know a lot, and it’s fun because I finally feel like this is really genuine – the music and the way it sounds is something I’ve always wanted to make. There are some songs that’re completely different to the others – there’s kind of a thrashy one, then there’s one that’s just me and an acoustic guitar.”

Other albums out today: 

Mav Karlo, Strangers Like Us; Helena Deland, Someone New; Annie, Dark Hearts; Sturgill Simpson, Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1 — The Butcher Shoppe Sessions; Black Thought, Streams Of Thought Vol. 3: Cain And Abel; Osees, Metamorphosed; Dorian Electra, My Agenda.

A I R space by Andrea Koporova

Modestas Mankus
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A I R space by Andrea Koporova

Andrea Koporova, a photographer who focuses on surreal photography based out of Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, has released a phenomenal series named A I R space. The series contains vibrant, dreamy visuals that feel otherwordly and take you to a new room within moments.

Find more work by Andrea Koporova here.

Are You Dressing Comfortably?

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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Are You Dressing Comfortably?

Let’s face it, high fashion has never been comfortable. From the earliest days of whale bone corsets to the endless rolls of tape used to hoist up modern day socialites body parts, ‘pain is beauty’ has been a constant motto. Fortunately, in the 21st century it’s becoming much more important to feel comfy in your clothes, with loungewear sales reaching an all time high thanks to recent lockdown measures. Dressing comfortably is thankfully becoming the new normal, but there are still far too many people opting for outfits that do nothing but bring soreness and pain. If you’re one of those people, then you’ve come to the right place, as below are some of the best tips and tricks that you can utilise to transform your wardrobe in no time at all. If you want to find out more about how you can start to dress comfortably, then read on to uncover some of the most amazing steps that you can follow now that allow you to relax and breathe whilst still looking fashionable and fabulous. 

Start With The Basics 

The first place to start when it comes to building a comfortable outfit is your underwear, as this is the foundation of your clothing and even the freest flowing dress won’t relieve the pain of a string-like thong. Resources such as undywear.com detail the wide range of underwear available on the market today, catering to all manner of individuals with totally different needs. Natural white cotton underwear is always said to be the best option to maintain good gynecological health, whilst synthetic materials such as polyester should be avoided. There are many new brands popping up offering innovative new ideas, such as exclusively vegan and organic briefs, breathable underwear and even period safe pants that can help to reduce the risk of leaks! One of the worst things that you can do is invest in underwear that’s too small for you, so be sure to order the correct size opting to have a little wiggle room and make sure that you check the bra reviews rather than ending up with unsightly and painful lines and indents. It’s unlikely you’re going to find a truly comfortable yet functional push up bra unless you have a pretty large budget, so you may wish to get rid of this idea now. Opting instead for a wire free lace alternative will provide you with much more comfort, whilst still inspiring you to feel sexy at the same time. Having your bra size professionally measured by a qualified employee at your local lingerie store will be of real benefit, so don’t be afraid to pay them a visit to utilise their services for the sake of your wellbeing!

Choosing Comfortable Clothing 

Choosing comfortable clothing needn’t be a difficult task, as there are so many different brands, stores and platforms offering such a range of items. For ultimate comfort loungewear is key, and this can be the ideal fit for a relaxing day at home, but this isn’t always something you’d like to wear outdoors. Luckily, you can now invest in luxury loungewear that many of the biggest social media influencers endorse, and it’s commonplace to see these comfy outfits when you’re at the grocery store! If loungewear isn’t really your thing, simply make smarter decisions when shopping for new clothing – if you have an option between a nylon minidress and loose fit cotton dress, of course it’s going to be more comfortable to go for the latter. Mom jeans offer a pain free fit compared with super skinny high waisted options, whilst soft cashmere jumpers will be more enjoyable than scratchy wool. Always dress for the weather, as you can take layers off once you’re out but you can never put them on! Scarves, gloves and earmuffs are super cute accessories that are ideal for the winter months, so don’t be afraid to add a few to help stay toasty when the snow starts to fall. 

Dressing comfortably is so essential for your wellbeing, as there’s really nothing worse than a constant nagging pain, pressure or ache because of the clothing that you wear! Gone are the days of skinny jean induced muffin tops, bra strap indents and Uber tight dresses that hug every lump and bump, as loungewear is in and comfort is key. Switch up your wardrobe to include more natural cotton options, getting rid of any synthetic items such as nylon and polyester. Always wear comfy underwear that’s the right size for you, as choosing briefs that are too small can negatively affect your gynaecological health. 

Chainsmokers Promoter Fined $20,000 for Breaking COVID-19 Guidance

Konstantinos Pappis
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Chainsmokers Promoter Fined $20,000 for Breaking COVID-19 Guidance

Back in July, The Chainsmokers were criticised for holding a charity concert in Southampton, New York after footage from the show surfaced showing attendees violating COVID-19 protocols. Shortly after this footage emerged, New York governor Andrew M. Cuomo described the event as “an illegal and reckless endangerment of public health” and said that the Department of Health would be launching an investigation.

Yesterday, Gov. Cuomo confirmed that the Department of Health has charged the show’s organizers, In the Know Experiences, with violating the Public Health Law “for holding a non-essential gathering and failure to enforce mask wearing.” The company has also been fined $20,000.

The DOH’s investigation found that more than 2,150 people attended the Chainsmokers’ concert, according to a press release. Moreover, “the event was not held in accordance with other safety measures outlined in the permit application and promotional materials, and created conditions that increased the risk of spreading COVID-19 in New York.”

Gov. Cuomo commented in the press release: “The Chainsmokers concert promoter is charged today with violating an Executive Order and Section 16 of the Public Health Law. As I said immediately following reports of this event, it was an egregious violation of the critical public health measures we have had in place since the beginning of this pandemic to protect New Yorkers from COVID-19. We will continue to hold people and businesses accountable for their actions and the local governments must enforce the rules or else we will hold them accountable as well.”

Album Review: Metz, ‘Atlas Vending’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Album Review: Metz, ‘Atlas Vending’

Metz have a long tradition of ending their albums with a manic release of white-knuckled energy. Both ‘Negative Space’ from their self-titled debut and ‘Raw Materials’ from 2017’s Strange Peace serve as their respective records’ longest tracks, but neither compares to the closing track of the Toronto-based noise-rock trio’s pummelling new LP, Atlas Vending. ‘A Boat to Drown In’ stretches out the band’s reliably visceral approach to its outermost limits; at 7:37, “the longest Metz track” may not sound like an impressive feat for a band whose songs often barely pass the 3-minute mark, but “most menacing” certainly does. If the dark undercurrent normally running through the band’s music makes it sound like an ominous forecast, a sign of the storm to come, ‘A Boat to Drown In’ signals the point where Metz finally evoke the full intensity of that storm.

‘A Boat to Drown In’ also served as the album’s lead single, less indicative of a stylistic pivot than a willingness to inject even more dramatic heft into the band’s heavy industrial sound. Atlas Vending marks Metz’s most ambitious and cinematic record to date, thanks in part to Seth Manchester’s mixing, which inevitably calls to mind the producer’s work on Daughters’ crushing 2018 comeback album You Won’t Get What You Want – a dynamic mix of maxed-out abrasion and hypnotic precision. ‘Pulse’ opens the album with a nightmare-inducing snare drum that seems to exist for the sole purpose of making your innermost demons materialize out of thin air, Alex Edkins’ voice sounding like a zombie that’s just risen from the dead.

Despite being recorded with Steve Albini, whose work with acts like the Jesus Lizard and Nirvana has always been a major influence for Metz, the band’s previous studio album, 2017’s Strange Peace, was less forceful and much rawer in its production compared to Atlas Vending. The songs here anchor in the same formula that longtime fans will be familiar with, but they achieve a new kind of amplitude that proves the band is only interested in refining and pushing their sound forward. “Propulsive” is the only fitting description for the majority of the tracks on the album, but each one has a slightly different texture than the other. Ghostly backing vocals complement Edkins’ Cobain-like wails on the chorus of ‘Blind Industrial Park’, while the straightforward, almost cheerful punk of ‘No Ceiling’ is sandwiched by the relentless 5-minute stomp of ‘The Mirror’ and the equally ferocious ‘Hail Taxi’.

“I turn it off, I drown it out, it’s never ending/ The tension in the air hits every day,” Edkins sings on ‘Sugar Pill’, a track he says is about “social media and how it is completely addictive and I don’t think offering anything of value to anyone,” but that works just as well in relation to anything else that’s corrosive enough to cause mass hysteria. As far as tension goes, there’s barely any turning it off on Atlas Vending, but the band knows exactly when to dial it back; it’s through that constant push-and-pull that the songs retain their chaotic vitality. The cloud never fully subsides – the fact that the album is a grim listen will surprise no one, but it also lacks the colour of some of the band’s past work, as if going in the opposite direction that Strange Peace hinted at. And yet, it doesn’t leave you feeling empty. If Atlas Vending frames life as an inescapable hellscape, ‘A Boat to Drown In’ is the narrative conclusion that sees a chance for escape. “If we don’t leave now,” the narrator realizes, “we’re not getting out alive.” It’s not clear where he was or where he’s going, but one thing’s certain: like Metz, there’s no way he’s staying in one place for too long.

James Blake Unveils New EP ‘Before’: Listen

Konstantinos Pappis
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James Blake Unveils New EP ‘Before’: Listen

After revealing the details of a new EP called Before earlier this week, James Blake has now officially released the project. In a press release, the producer described the EP as a statement of “finally having confidence to put [his] own voice on dancefloor rhythms.” Each of the project’s four tracks is also accompanied by a Ryder Ripps–directed visual, which you can watch below.

Earlier this year, James Blake shared the singles ‘Are You Even Real?’ and ‘You’re Too Precious’. He’s also performed a series of covers including Nirvana’s ‘Come As You Are’, Joni Mitchell’s ‘A Case of You’, and Frank Ocean’s ‘Godspeed’. His last album was 2019’s Assume Form.

Sturgill Simpson Announces First Bluegrass Album ‘Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1′

Konstantinos Pappis
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Sturgill Simpson Announces First Bluegrass Album ‘Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1′

Sturgill Simpson is releasing his first solo bluegrass album, called Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1 – The Butcher Shoppe Sessions, this Friday, October 16. The country singer’s follow-up to 2019’s Sound and Fury was supposed to be a surprise release before fans noticed Cuttin’ Grass’ early listing on an online streaming site. As Rolling Stone notes, the LP includes 20 songs from throughout his catalog performed with bluegrass musicians. Check out the album’s cover artwork and tracklist below.

“Welp,..was hoping to surprise everybody on Thursday but somebody somewhere (Germany) got all excited and just couldn’t hold their horses,” Simpson wrote in an Instagram post showing the album’s cover art, which is a photo of him riding a lawn mower. “And yes,..this is actually the album cover.”

The project was recorded at Nashville’s Butcher Shoppe studio and produced by David Ferguson. Though Simpson teased Cuttin’ Grass’ 2-LP release on green and yellow vinyl, no pre-order has been posted yet.

Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1: The Butcher Shoppe Sessions Tracklist:

1. All Around You
2. All the Pretty Colors
3. Breakers Roar
4. I Don’t Mind
5. I Wonder
6. Just Let Go
7. Life Ain’t Fair
8. A Little Light
9. Life of Sin
10. Long White Line
11. Living the Dream
12. Old King Coal
13. Railroad of Sin
14. Sitting Here Without You
15. Sometimes Wine
16. The Storm
17. Time After All
18. Turtles All the Way Down
19. Voices
20. Water in a Well

Mav Karlo Premieres Video for Uplifting New Song ‘Wirewalker’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Mav Karlo Premieres Video for Uplifting New Song ‘Wirewalker’

Mav Karlo, the solo project of Toronto-based singer-songwriter Menno Versteeg, is set to release his debut studio album Strangers Like Us this Friday, October 16th. As the label founder of Royal Mountain Records, home to the likes of Mac DeMarco, Alvvays, U.S. Girls, Orville Peck, and more, he’s known for instigating a brilliant mental health initiative that subsidizes the artists’ therapy; now, as an artist himself, his music approaches issues surrounding mental health with empathy and warmth, from the heartfelt acoustic cut ‘Elevator’ to the poignant ‘Detonator’.

Today, he’s shared the final preview from his upcoming project called ‘Wirewalker’, premiering here at Our Culture. It’s a lively, uplifting tune that finds strength in vulnerability, exuding confidence in the form of whirring synths and stomping rock n’ roll. Talking about the meaning behind track, Karlo explains: “Relationships are hard. We all know that. Sometimes, when a person you are close to is experiencing pain, it’s a battle they must fight on their own and there is nothing you can say or do to help them win it. Still, it can be excruciating to watch from a distance. It takes a certain kind of bravery to give them the space they need and have faith that they will come out the other side.”

He adds: “I like to imagine Philippe Petit on that grey and cloudy day that he set up his tightrope between the Twin Towers. This song is about the desire to achieve that kind of calm belief in oneself. That ability to push forward, unflinching and confident, knowing that to fear the storm is human, but no human can change the weather.”

The track is accompanied by a similarly colourful video animated by previous collaborator Martin MacPherson, who’s also worked with Samia, Pup, and others. “We all have negative qualities within our lives that we need to work on,” MacPherson commented. “Though some can be more extreme than others, the work it takes to overcome that negativity can be overwhelming. How tempting would it be to take all the problems in your life and just launch them into the sun?”

Ariana Grande to Release New Album This Month

Konstantinos Pappis
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Ariana Grande to Release New Album This Month

Ariana Grande has revealed she is planning to release a new album this month. The singer made the announcement on Twitter yesterday (October 15), simply writing: “i can’t wait to give u my album this month.” No tracklist or release date for the project have yet been revealed.

A week ago, the singer indicated she was working on new music. “turning in these mixes and reminding u again to register to vote if u haven’t already / to vote early,” she wrote.

Ariana Grande put out her fifth studio album, thank u, next, in February of 2019. Earlier this year, she teamed up with Lady Gaga on ‘Rain on Me’ and collaborated with Justin Bieber on ‘Stuck with U’.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Announce Album, Unveil New Songs

Konstantinos Pappis
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Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Announce Album, Unveil New Songs

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah have announced a new album called New Fragility. It arrives January 29, 2021 (via CYHSY/Secretly Distribution). The group have also previewed the album with two new singles: ‘Hesitating Nation’ and ‘Thousand Oaks’. Check them out below, and scroll down for the album’s cover artwork and tracklist.

The title of New Fragility is taken from the David Foster Wallace short story ‘Forever Overhead’, which is featured in the collection Brief Interviews With Hideous Men. Frontman  Alec Ounsworth produced the 10-track LP, with additional production from Will Johnson. The record was recorded by Britton Beisenherz in Austin, Texas, mixed by John Agnello, and mastered by Greg Calbi.

“These songs are politically motivated, which is unusual for me,” Ounsworth said of the new songs in a press release. “The only other song I’ve written about the failed democracy that is the United States is ‘Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood.’”

Of ‘Hesitating Nation’ in particular, he added: “This is a song meant to convey my sense of disappointment and alienation with the rewarded mentality of getting ahead at all costs, inevitably to the detriment of those who didn’t sign up to be part of the experiment.” Of ‘Thousand Oaks’, he continued, “In 2018, there was a shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, which killed 13 people. This song has to do with the impotence of the American government in the face of such tragedies.”

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s last studio album, The Tourist, came out in 2017.

New Fragility Cover Artwork:

New Fragility Tracklist:

1. Hesitating Nation
2. Thousand Oaks
3. Dee, Forgiven
4. New Fragility
5. Innocent Weight
6. Mirror Song
7. CYHSY, 2005
8. Where They Perform Miracles
9. Went Looking for Trouble
10. If I Were More Like Jesus

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