Nell’ Ora Blu, Grasa, Brat and more

In this episode of We’re Listening, Engadget editors check out some of the latest music releases we’ve been playing on repeat. Yes, Brat choked us too.

Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats – Nell Ora Blue

When I first heard that Acid Uncle and the Deadbeats were releasing an album inspired by the giallo films of the 1960s and 70s, I felt that my personal interests were being targeted. This is the type of crossover that looks like it is now There was a it will happen at some point, but I never realized I needed it until now. (One person Reddit, although last year was really on to something with the idea). see Nell Ora Blue it dropped last month and it’s been scratching a very special itch on my mind.

It’s not exactly the usual fare you’d expect from Uncle Acid, taking over the soundtrack structure with plenty of ambient instrumentals and short dialogue tracks played by genre regulars Edwige Fenech, Franco Nero and Luc Merenda. influence of poliziotteschi crime / action films). The scores in these films often feel like psychedelic horror experiences in their own right – heavy moments that really drag you in, but offset by something so subtle it’s almost imperceptible – and it’s no surprise that Uncle Acid totally pulls it off. . It’s the perfect album to pop in the background while you’re trying to do some artwork or writing, ideally when a thunderstorm breaks out. It’s pretty long, coming in at about an hour and 17 minutes, but I almost always re-read it. sits at least once.

Nell Ora Blue Uncle Acid definitely won’t be an automatic hit with fans. This is more for the person watching purple or Crystal feathered bird or something like that and searched for the soundtrack right after. Still, I expect there to be quite a bit of overlap between these bands, given that the band generally has a whole creepy horror vibe going on anyway. Honestly, I want more. We don’t need to stop at giallo – give me Uncle Acid’s thoughts on Jean Rollin and the next fic (please).

— Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend Editor

Nathy Peluso – to Gras

Admittedly, I’m late to the Nathy Peluso band. I first met him after falling down the rabbit hole BZRP Music Sessions (collaborative tracks by Argentinian producer Bizarrap and various Latin music heavyweights) and listened to his music (#36). His second album, to Grasjust dropped and represents his latest full-length to be released since his Grammy nomination Calabria It came out in 2020. to Gras It’s probably my album of the summer, thanks to its interesting experiments and fusion of styles such as hip-hop, Latin trap, bolero, salsa and straight-up pop – and definitely a top pick for the whole year. There are no skips on this album, at least half a dozen bangers, and I personally love the transitions from snarling, fast-paced tracks to a few ballads and slower songs.

Peluso has already proven to be an excellent singer Calabriabut I think her vocal performances on this album, especially on ballads like “Envy” and “El Día Que Perdí Mi Juvendtud,” stand out as high points. And then, as it were, there are bangers: “Aprender and Amar” gets in your face with fierce rapping and blaring horns; “Legendary” may be the most obvious potential single of the entire album thanks to its signature pop tempo and sound; and “La Presa” is basically IV salsa into your veins. There are plenty of others that I won’t name here, but anyone who appreciates even a little bit of Latin pop (whether you speak Spanish or not – I don’t know) shouldn’t sleep. to Gras.

Young Miko – att.

Puerto Rican artist Young Miko’s first full-length album, att., is the definition of “vibe”. After collaborating with Karol G, Bad Bunny and other Latin superstars, Miko cemented his place in the Latin pop scene with this project. While I don’t think it’s a career-defining album, it’s a great showcase of his laid-back, Spanglish-style rapping that blends genres like reggaeton and Latin trap, and his ability to create a distinct mood with such a fusion. a healthy dose of big hits. Finally, front-to-back listening is simply easy. To personal moments”rainbow,” “tamagotchi” and Feid cooperates”offline.”

Charli XCX – brother

Bro 100 percent worth the hype. There are eloquent music critics and writers gave many to praise Going into this album already, suffice it to say I agree with most of them (and you should read their reviews). Highlights include ‘Club Classics’, ‘Sympathy Is A Knife’, ‘So Me’ and ‘B2b’, but my favorite is ‘365’. A riff from opener “360,” this track ups the ante in every way, and the transition from penultimate “I’m Always Thinking About It” is satisfying and euphoric.

— Valentina Palladino, Associate Editor, Buying Advice

Todd Terje – It’s album time

It’s been 10 years since Norwegian producer and DJ Todd Terje finally declared it was time for an album. He made a name for himself as a DJ and remixer in the 2000s, but It’s album time marked his first (and sadly only) full-length collection in which he was the sole driving force. It’s a wonderfully quirky collection that alternates between dramatic, soundtrack-style symphonic pieces and true dance-disco bangers. (After a recent listen, I’m convinced Terje can help Dua Lipa put out the best album of her career.)

For my money, the 10-minute medley of “Straandbar” and “Delorean Dynamite” encapsulates the best things about the album. It’s a gorgeous build halfway through ‘Delorean Dynamite’ that makes me want to run through a brick wall, with complex drums, fat synths, bouncing bass lines and a ridiculously simple yet incredibly infectious guitar lick. You’ll know it when you hear it.

And of course there’s Inspector Norse, the song that caught fire in 2012 and paved the way for the rest. It’s album time. If Terje never releases another album (he’s only 43, so there’s plenty of time!), “Inspector Norse” serves as seven perfect minutes of his career. Maybe he’ll pass us by and take us back to his planet, but it’s hard to be upset about his lack of productivity. It’s album time it’s so perfect.

— Nathan Ingraham, Deputy News Editor