Kyle Mest

Essentials: “Cranes in the Sky (Kaytranada DJ Edit)” – Solange

2016 Polaris Prize-winner Kaytranada has risked editing another seemingly untouchable track, Solange’s “Cranes in the Sky”. [continued]
Album Review: Blood Bitch – Jenny Hval

In Jenny Hval’s most recent album, Blood Bitch, she experiments with menstrala art through the medium of music. In a society which still shames menstruation, it’s uplifting to see another gifted avant-garde artist join a movement of destigmatization through visibility and celebration. Much of this exploration intersects with another theme of the album, vampires. With [continued]
Mix Review: “3AM O4W” – Ryan Hemsworth

Ryan Hemsworth has released a new mix, which is in many ways a memoir of this past summer. In classic Ryan Hemsworth fashion, there’s a lot to unpack, since he unsurprisingly dodges any singular genre label. Chances are you will repeatedly hear melodies that sound really familiar, but you can’t quite put a name to [continued]
Playlist Review: ‘My Preference’ – ZXPH

When ZXPH’s new playlist appeared on my SoundCloud stream today, I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting, but I know I was pleasantly surprised. It is a quintessential short and sweet experience. The large variety of genre influences, which range from motown in ‘Gone’ to cut-up in ‘Star Zone’, are sure to keep your [continued]
Essentials: “Frustrated” – R.LUM.R

R.LUM.R’s “Frustrated” takes his sound to a new level. His vocals have always been strong, but here his falsetto seems stronger than ever. His voice really is the clear star of the song, but that doesn’t mean the future beat production is lacking. The future synths act as great backup, but the woodblock and electric [continued]
EP Review: Petit Biscuit EP – Petit Biscuit

Just in time for the approach of summer, French producer Petit Biscuit has released his premier EP. If you like Odesza and Gold Panda or are looking for new songs to add to your beach playlist, his fusion of alternative acoustic and chillwave is likely to satisfy. His tropic sound is ideal for warm nights [continued]
Album Review: 99.9% – Kaytranada

After listening to 99.9%, Kaytranada’s premiere LP with XL Recordings, I have to assume the title choice is more of a cheeky brag than a self-effacing comment. I can only imagine what he’d create if he gave that last .1%. The album as a whole shows off his talent and style in addition to his [continued]
Essentials: “Say Things” – Graves & Coolights

I find myself more fascinated than annoyed by Graves’ and Coolights’ mutation of Brownstone’s 1995 R&B hit “If You Love Me”. It’s similar to the enjoyment I experience watching Tim Burton turn Christmas into something dark without losing its playfulness. Graves and Coolights take a sample that expects smooth and soulful melodies and instead throw it in environment of [continued]
Essentials: “Falling (Krs. Remix)” – Kes

In this remix of the Trinidad and Tobago band Kes’ “Fallin”, Krs. trades off some of the original’s festive energy and positivity for a bit more variety, and in the end creates a great dance track. The pitched vocals, vibrato-filled bass, quick snare rolls and (somewhat generic) house piano chords all accessorise Kes’ soca melodies and beats [continued]
Essentials: “more cheese please” – Lil Hank

I have no idea who Lil Hank is and I think that’s supposed to be the point. For fans of Next Wave Records, you might recognise him as label head Braedon Alexander‘s pooch. However, we don’t know who’s responsible for Lil Hank’s newest production, “more cheese please”. The Soundcloud account has @kanyewest as the mgmt/contact [continued]