San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Teaching ABCs of dance and inclusion
Luna Dance Institute is building a movement to foster creativity in schools
New music from Kid Cudi, the
Gabriels and more.
The Chronicle’s guide to notable new music.
NEW ALBUMS
Kid Cudi, “Entergalactic” (Republic) Kid Cudi became one of the biggest rappers in the world with emotional songwriting that found mass appeal in growing Gen Z fan bases. His eighth album, “Entergalactic,” is part of a greater multimedia project that came to fruition on Friday, Sept. 30. Leading with the single “Do What I Want,” the album has enough oomph to stand up to Cudi’s wildly popular “Man on the Moon” releases. But it’s actually the soundtrack companion to the rapper’s animated Netflix series of the same name, which tracks the escapades of a bike-riding, citydwelling dreamer (voiced by Cudi) who falls in love with a bohemian gal (voiced by “The Daily Show’s” Jessica Williams). Actors Timothée Chalamet, Vanessa Hudgens and rapper Ty Dolla Sign also voice supporting characters. Cudi tweeted that it’s “the greatest piece of art I’ve ever made.”
Gabriels, “Angels & Queens — Part 1” (Elektra Records)
We first highlighted Los Angeles-based R&B and moderngospel trio Gabriels last December, noting singer Jacob Lusk’s breathtaking vocals on one of our Songs of the Moment, “Bloodline.” A lot has happened since, with Gabriels finding noted fans in Elton John, David Byrne and Harry Styles; signing to a major label; and now releasing their debut album, “Angels & Queens — Part 1,” produced by Kendrick Lamar confidant Sounwave.
Backed by composer-violinist Ari Balouzian and keyboardist Ryan Hope (who both also coproduced the album), Lusk is a Compton-born gospel singer who has been a backup vocalist for the likes of Diana Ross, Gladys Knight and Nate Dogg. The title track typifies the riveting next step for Gabriels: rhythmic and dynamic, with mid-tempo disco flair, all with Lusk’s dynamite choral range rising above a decadent arrangement. This is merely the first of two companion albums, with “Angels & Queens — Part 2” set to drop in early 2023.
SONG OF THE MOMENT
Jamie xx, “Kill Dem” Producer Jamie xx was high up on the bill for the introductory Portola Music Festival in San Francisco. Apart from his work as a core member of London trio The xx, the mindful crate digger has a penchant for telling stories through his electronic music. His latest single, “Kill Dem,” is an homage to the dancehall and dub sound systems he grew up listening to at London’s famed Notting Hill Carnival, a yearly celebration of Caribbean culture amid the diaspora. From furious island vocalists to xx’s signature steelpan samples, “Kill Dem” is an expertly crafted tune from one of today’s finest selectors.
LOCALLY MINDED
Alphabet Rockers, “The Movement” The Grammynominated Oakland-based group Alphabet Rockers released their sixth album on Sept. 9, continuing to redefine the possibilities of what constitutes children’s music. Led by Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Soulati Shepherd, the group has increasingly handed the reins over to the children in the group (Kali de Jesus, Maya Fleming and Tommy Shepherd III, DJ Roza Do, Samara Atkins, et al.) who serve as songwriters and vocalists throughout “The Movement.” Songs like “Restorative Justice” and “Games” speak to the contemporary issues that kids are growing up experiencing, while “Juneteenth” is as alluring as a rap song taken from the “Hamilton” musical. In “Games,” de Jesus sings in the chorus: “Please take a second and explain why this whole system playing people like a game?” Alphabet Rockers make it clear that children’s music can have powerful, inspiring messages, within tightly produced hip-hop cuts.
Brogan Bentley, “Procession of the Equinox” (Leaving Records) San Francisco electronic producer Brogan Bentley’s music has always been focused on building distinct atmospheric palettes. With “Procession of the Equinox,” a nearly 22-minute-long continuous track, he leans fully into ambient music. Gone are the drum breaks that he crafted so dexterously. In their place is something equally stimulating that gives rise to spiritual awakenings. This is music to meditate to, create alongside and seek transformative mind states. Here’s hoping it’s part of a fully formed next chapter for Bentley.