Each month, tons of new music from many taste-spanning genres is released into a fast-consuming, unforgiving market; it can be tough to get a handle on what’s new before it’s on to the next. In an attempt to highlight the standout releases, at the end of each month, AUX staff re-cap the month in Punk, Metal, Indie/Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic, and Pop with the top five releases in each. Consider it your cheat sheet for year-end lists.

Top 5 Electronic Releases:
August

 

Moodymann – Why Do U Feel EP

Moodymann, outspoken in preserving the black music elements that pioneered early house and techno, is still all about moving things forward. The legendary Detroit native’s latest single “Why Do U feel” pushes the boundaries of deep house, as a skipping rhythm is smoothed over with vintage vocals; while the B-side features a remix of “Born 2 Die”, from the controversial – and white – indie songstress Lana Del Rey. Moodymann isn’t afraid to take a chance, as long as he thinks it’s got soul. (KDJ) [Listen]

Teengirl Fantasy – Tracer

In a “maximalist” world where producers are free to pick from various styles like it’s some genre buffet, the risk they take in combining it all is a lack of defined texture, i.e. it tastes like mush. Teengirl Fantasy seem to be pilling their plate compartmentally with R&B single “EFX” featuring newcomer Kelela on vocals. But their sophomore album also features live-composed tropical panpiped tracks and experimental dream-pop – eg “Pyjama” with guest vocals from Animal Collective’s Panda Bear – which might require a few listens in order to cut through to the actual flavour. (R&S/True Panther) [Listen]

Oneman – Fabriclive 64

With all that’s going on in North America, lest we forget where bass music, as well has many house derivatives, were invented. UK’s Oneman, described as a “DJ’s DJ” for his ability to mix multiple genres, points to what’s new in bass – and what UK Funky and garage have become – on this 64th mix in the series named for the infamous London club Fabric. Highlights include tracks by SBTRKT and Joy Orbison, new stuff from Pearson Sound, Lando Kal, and a few garage classics. (Playground) [Listen]

Ryan Hemsworth – Last Words EP

Halifax bedroom producer Ryan Hemsworth’s first release on young LA collective Wedidit’s label is a mature one for a 22-year-old. Hemsworth shows a knack for sampling hip hop but also using indie rock (like Notwist) and atmospheric sounds to boost the emotion quotient. It sometimes ends up sounding meloncholic – especially the pitch-shifting remix of “Colour & Movement” from Wedidit bretheren Shlohmo. (Wedidit) [Listen]

Four Tet – Pink

Four Tet, a decade into his career defined by using his experimental/jazz ethos on melodic techno-house, cannot go wrong. This collection of vinyl-only singles and two previously unreleased tracks explores everything from hip hop to post-rock in the context of the 4/4 beat. Standout “Lion” reminds of the glassy works of German contemporary Pantha Du Prince, while “Peace for Earth” works through 11 minutes of beatless bliss. Adding energy are dancefloor-ready tracks like “Pyramid.” (Text) [Listen]

Mix of the Month, Surprises, and upcoming albums

Mix of the Month: What influences Four Tet to produce such strange yet beautiful music? Hear his recent mix for Solid Steel Radio which runs the gambit from the early techno jazz of Herbie Hancock to North Indian rudra vina playing of Zia Mohiuddin Dagar circa 1970s. [Listen]

Surprise of the month: Matthew Herbert, a.k.a. Wishmountain, releases “Tesco”, an album he compiled from samples at a megacheap UK grocery chain. “I ended up making this record in four days, a spontaneous crunch around the modern supermarket, a place of fantasy, trickery, wonder and horror.” [Listen]

Out in September: The Gaslamp Killer, maker of manic hip hop beats, will release his debut full-length Breakthrough on Ninjatune (September 18).