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jazz

Fashion Flash-Forward: The Future in Fashion

by Greg Serebuoh

Ulrico - The Visitors - G7 3

Manhattan Psycho

I am admittedly a sci-fi nerd. The other day I was reading about jazz musician, performance artist, and Afrofuturist philosopher Sun Ra and his iconic work Space Is the Place.

Sun Ra Head Dress 2     Sun Ra Head Dress 1

It got me thinking about the fact that futurism has continued to find its way into fashion and aesthetic concepts, from Jean Paul Gaultier’s costume design for The Fifth Element to singer Janelle Monae’s Metropolis cycle.

Janelle Monae - Electric Lady     Fifth Element - Gaultier

Fifth Element - Ruby Rhod     Janelle Monae - Archandroid

Something about the distant future inspires us to imagine new possibilities and make bolder aesthetic choices. When I was researching for my performance piece about an extra-dimensional traveler, Arken: Searching for Wonder, I sought out images of futuristic fashion for inspiration. Here are a few images and designers that excite my mind.

This editorial from Numéro Homme called “Manhattan Psycho” effortlessly merges classic style with a sci-fi sensibility.

Manhattan Psycho 7Manhattan Psycho 6Manhattan Psycho 3

Coco and Breezy’s entire line of edgy accessories has futuristic overtones, but its “20/20” campaign is all about what accessorizing will mean in the future: “‘Planet C &&B’ is a world that consists only of fresh air and extreme sunlight where normal eyes cannot stand to view without being covered.”

Coco and Breezy 2Coco-and-Breezy-20-20-The-949

Kay Kwok presented some out-of-this-world design concepts at his FW14 fashion week show in London. I don’t know if I’d wear this stuff on a regular trip to the grocery store, but I wouldn’t mind owning one of those visors, and I’m sure I’d cause a splash if I received dinner guests in that ET two-piece.

Kay Kwok AW14 1Kay Kwok AW14 2

Lee Roach’s line has a much more subtle sci-fi flavor as he makes use of shiny materials and contemplates how our evolution will result in more streamlined fashion, by eliminating collars and lapels, for example.

lee roach fw 14 3lee roach fw 14 4lee roach fw 14 6

Nasir Mazhar‘s FW14 collection updates men’s sportswear by exploring geometric shapes, distorted lines, quirky accessories, and shiny space suit sheen.

Nasir Mazhar AW14 1Nasir Mazhar AW14 2

In the “Warriors” editorial, Holly Fox-Lee imagines how modern-day hip hop style might evolve, fusing  it with an ancestral tribal aesthetic and taking it to extremes in terms of shape, scale, and materials.

Holly Fox Lee 2     holly fox lee

Holly Fox Lee 3     Holly Fox Lee 1

This editorial called “The Visitors” in G7 magazine features my buddy Ulrico Eguizábal, who I met while I was modeling in Argentina. Not only does it use the concept of alien “visitors” to play with size and shape, but it also imagines a future style that challenges our current gender norms in fashion (thank goodness), using elements typically associated with femininity, like shoulder pads and long flowing fabrics, to highlight the male form in a fascinating new way.

Ulrico - The Visitors - G7 3Ulrico - The Visitors - G7 2

Some of my favorite futuristic designs (and the ones I’d be most likely to wear in day-to-day life) come from Skingraft, which makes nuanced use of a lot of the earlier-mentioned elements, geometric shapes, extraterrestrial mystique, and interesting combinations of materials.

skingraft 1skingraft 4Skingraft 2

skingraft 3skingraft-collection-automne-hiver-2012-2013_80597_w460Skin Graft AW 12 Draped Shirt

Finally, INAISCE is one of my personal favorite designers right now, in part because it incorporates futurism into its larger design concept to create clothing that is arresting, undeniably unique, and totally wearable. Not only do I absolutely love the campaign for Fall/Winter 2013, but I’m also ecstatic to see another tall African model, South Sudan native Ger Duany, take center stage with his beautiful, otherworldly features. Africans unite!

INAISCE 2INAISCE 3INAISCE 4

INAISCE 1INAISCE 7INAISCE 5

 

Filed Under: FASHION, LIFESTYLE, STYLE Tagged With: Africa, Afrofuturism, alien, Argentina, Arken: Searching for Wonder, artistic, Bruce Willis, catwalk, Coco and Breezy, creative, Editorial, ET, experimental, extraterrestrial, fashion, Fashion Week, futurism, FW14, G7, Ger Duany, hip hop, Holly Fox-Lee, INAISCE, inspiration, janelle monae, jazz, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jona, Kay Kwok, Lee Roach, London, Milla Jovovich, Nasir Mazhar, Numero Homme, NYFW, performance, runway, sci-fi, Skingraft, South Sudan, Space Is the Place, style, Sun Ra, The Fifth Element, The Ones 2 Watch, The Visitors, Tribal, Ulrico Eguizabal

Album Review: Shigeto – No Better Time Than Now

by Rio Toro

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Shigeto: No Better Time Than Now

Similar Artists: Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Four Tet, Bibio

Genre: Electronica, IDM, Improvisational-Jazz, Wonky

Label: Ghostly International

 

Let’s all take a minute to absorb the beautiful and absorbent cover art to Shigeto’s latest full length (posted above), No Better Time Than Now. It’s the kind of bright, Asian-tinged water color painting we see frequently among album artwork — especially those of abstract-leaning electronic artists — but still, its vibrant textures and colors seem to leap out from the print and engage the viewer despite a lack of true “originality”. Here lies a notable parable within the music of Shigeto, as while his music easily recalls the kind of spacey, jazz-influenced electronic music recently popularized by Flying Lotus and his Brainfeeder label, it does so with its own individual flare for style, and at its best it even seems to exist somewhat above its contemporaries. I’m not necessarily saying that Shigeto has “perfected” the style brought upon by FlyLo, but only that he has created the next version of it, and thus it exists on a newly developed scale. And yes, I know, with a title like No Better Time Than Now, it would be easy for one to become unwarrantedly sucked into the so-called modernity of it all — and in doing so overrate the album — but title aside, this stands as an accurate representation of where we are in 2013 as far as achieving a state of perpetual chill out bliss.

Shigeto’s previous releases — most notably his criminally underrated Lineage EP — showed off Saginaw’s excellent musicianship — specifically his intricate percussive patterns — but here, he comes into his own as a true producer; one who is capable of forming a neatly contained universe of sounds, where each theme complements the last to form a piece that is larger than the sum of its parts. With that said, drumming might still be the defining aspect of these tracks, as he consistently and adeptly circles through his arsenal of percussive equipment: congos, chimes, tamborines, thumb pianos, timpani and maracas to name a few. Just listen to how busy a track like “Detroit Pt. 1” or “Ringleader” is, and how every few measures there is a clear, noticeable progression, yet the track never feels bloated or overwrought. Only on “Perfect Crime” does Saginaw perhaps become too fully indulged in percussion elements to the point where the remainder of the track becomes drowned out.

Certainly though, with an album with such an obvious jazz influence, their are plenty of space-age keyboards and woozy synths in the mix, and there are tracks which implement more traditional jazz instrumentation; one being the lounge laden “Miss You”, which is practically begging to be put on your relaxing grooves playlist. The chord progressions on tracks like the opener, “First Saturn Return” and the title track are especially notable, as they are impressive from a purely musical standpoint, while also feeling deliciously thick, saturated, and well….”new”. It’s also quite clear that many segments were built off of improvisations, which adds to the feeling of this being an authentic and honest account of who Shigeto is as a musician. Excepting the finale, there are no vocals to be heard on the album, and as far as I can tell, the only samples are those of environmental noises such as falling rain and birds chirping; both of which give the music a very naturalistic vibe. Despite the astral, spaceship conjuring themes on tracks like “Detroit Pt. 1”, when all is said and done this isn’t a bad album to go hiking with.

Unfortunately, on the second half of the album — which is slower paced, more ambient in nature, and less progressive — it turns out that there are some weaker tracks that don’t have as much going for them musically. While “Miss You” originally stands out for its soft, clean-cut guitar, during its second half the mind starts to wander, and it is here — on the 6th of 11th track — where pacing becomes problematic. The following track “Ritual Howl” is notable for its eerie atmosphere, and would have possibly worked nicely as an interlude, but with its 4:28 running time it lacks the intense musicianship featured on the rest of the album. “Soul Searching” is one of the more abstract pieces, and despite the off-kilter, clickety-clock percussion that runs through the 5 minute track, it feels ungrounded and directionless. Its easy to ignore these faults, especially at first, because the musicianship is there, and the sounds — which radiate with a comforting, effervescent warmth — are also there, so you’re not necessarily going to be looking for things to complain about. Also, since the quality jumps back to “A” on the final two tracks, it’s easy to forget that the album was only perfect 7/11ths of the time.

With its fresh, modern take on electronica, there’s a whole lot to love about No Better Time Than Now. From its loads of personality, to its seemingly endless virtuosity, you’ll be hard pressed to find an electronica album that reaches the heights of this one in 2013. I was ready to give it my highest honors after my 3rd and 4th listen; before my incessant listening had to go and ruin it all, that is. It may not have much cross over potential, and it may not be much to come back to come 2014, but as for those of us living in the here and now, this may be as spectacular as it gets.

 

Track Listing:

1.) First Saturn Return*

2.) Detroit Part 1*

3.) Ringleader*

4.) Perfect Crime

5.) Olivia

6.) Miss U

7.) Ritual Howl

8.) Soul Searching

9.) Safe In Here

10.) No Better Time Than Now*

11.) Silver Lining*

 

Album Highlight – *

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, OPINION, REVIEWS Tagged With: Album Review, electronica, ghostly international, idm, jazz, music, no better time than now, shigeto

Album Review: Thundercat – Apocalypse

by Rio Toro

Thundercat__Apocalypse

Thundercat: Apocalypse

Similar Artists: Flying Lotus, Jaga Jazzist, Herbie Hancock

Genre: Nu-Jazz, R&B, Funk

Label: Brainfeeder

 

It’s no secret that Stephen “Flying Lotus” Ellison has been obsessive about all things jazz through his last few releases, so it is no wonder that he has chosen to work so closely with stylized bassist Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner to achieve his painstaking vision. Thundercat is an undeniable virtuoso with his instrument, and he is able to warp standard bass into unbelievable shapes and time signatures. At his best, it’s even tempting to relate his mastery of bass to Colin Stetson’s mastery of the saxophone.

FlyLo and Thundercat first collaborated together on Cosmogramma standout “MmmHmm”, (a track that was worthy enough to be covered by the Vijay Iyer Trio) and in 2011 Thundercat’s debut album was released on Flying Lotus’ own record label, the always dependable Brainfeeder. Thundercat later appeared on Flylo’s 2012 record “Until the Quiet Comes”, so their frequent collaborative history should tell you that these artists work well together — within the LA beat making scene they are even seen as somewhat of a duo.

As on “The Golden Age of Apocalypse”, this similarly titled follow up lists FlyLo as the executive producer, and as it incorporates elements of jazz-fusion, nu-jazz, R&B, and funk, the two albums certainly cover similar ground stylistically. However, these songs more adequately show Thundercat’s talent as a vocalist — and despite his moderate range, it is a talent that should not be ignored — even if his bass truly is the defining aspect of his releases. Songs such as “Special Stage” put his multi-part vocal harmonies in front and center stage while his bass provides backup support. While the bass is always a present and commanding factor in all 12 of these songs, there are only  two real improvisational freakout sessions (the end of “Lotus and the Jondy” for one). The rest of the time, Thundercat proves he has learned how to emit a more emotional response from the listener with full bodied songs that each contain dozens of elements. While most of the tracks are short, the six minute finale, “A Message for Austin/Praise the Lord/Enter the Void” is a three part suite that blends disparate elements together in a beautiful and unpredictable way. While some people won’t like the gloomier, more sedated tracks on the album (“Evangelion”), in the incredibly brief running time we are offered a gratifying amount of musical styles, and it should be seen as a positive part of the album.

Lyrically, this album is largely based off of the death of good friend and frequent collaborator Austin Peralta, who overdosed last year. Thundercat incorporates his grief and coping in standard but appropriate ways through the album, such as on “The Life Aquatic”. Even on the boogie down ferocity of “Oh Sheit it’s X”, lyrics like /I just wanna party, you should be here with me/ can be related towards losing a loved one.

There’s so much in today’s music that seems to be brought upon by accidental discovery and endless knob twiddling. Artist’s who are coming out with seemingly distinct records when in actuality they just don’t know how to play their instrument. While I am usually all for these (often interesting and surprising) “accidents” in music, it is very refreshing to hear someone who has absolute control over his instrument. Apocalypse plays as a homage to Stephen Bruner’s endless talents as a bassist as well as introducing him as a soulful vocalist and a credible pop songwriter. If you’re looking for something a little different from the common strains of indie electronic music and UK house, this one comes highly recommended.

 

Track Listing:

1.) Tenfold*

2.) Heartbreaks + Setbacks*

3.) The Life Aquatic

4.) Special Stage

5.) Tron Song

6.) Seven

7.) Oh Sheit it’s X*

8.) Without You

9.) Lotus and the Jongy*

10.) Evangelion*

11.) We’ll Die

12.) A Message for Austin/Praise the Lord/Enter the Void

 

Album Highlight – *

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, OPINION, REVIEWS Tagged With: Album Review, apocalypse, flying lotus, jazz, music, thundercat

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