Mahlon

Snarky Puppy

Snarky Puppy is an instrumental  jazz fusion band based in Brooklyn and is one of the funkiest groups I’ve heard in a long time. The core group is made up of about 18 musicians and several different instruments. They are known for performing and recording their albums live. In addition to writing and performing music, they perform as a production team and  session band for various individual artists and host workshops and clinics at colleges, high schools and middle schools around the world. Their latest album “we like it here” was recorded with a live audience  in Norway over the course of 4 nights. If you like music that will make you move be sure to check them out!

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Alex

Blacklisted – When People Grow, People Go

Few bands can satisfy my craving for fast-and-heavy music like Philadelphia’s Blacklisted. 2008’s Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God is one my top ten hardcore albums of all time and, while I appreciate the direction they tried with 2009’s No One Deserves To Be Here More Than Me, I’m glad the band’s first release in over five years has seen them return to their heavier roots. From the album’s first muted chord to its feedback-laden finale, When People Grow, People Go is aggressive, cohesive and heartfelt. It’s also the first album that’s made me want to move my feet in a long time. If you’re in the mood for some loud noises, give it a listen.

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John

Future – Monster (Mixtape)

Future was on top of the rap world this time last year. Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan quickly knocked him out of his seat in the Top Autotune Rapper chair – His second studio album, Honest, didn’t meet the massive hype that ushered it in when it came out this summer.  My problem with Honest is that the lavish, slow, emotional side is stellar (title track, “I Won,”) while the party-rap side is too weak.  Now Future’s back with Monster, and it seems like the pressure of a studio release is off and as a result the material’s more unhinged. Future really benefits from the mixtape format (see Pluto), and here he offers up 15 quality tracks and one unfortunate skit.  He’s rapping more adventurously and the party bangers are back. You have no excuse not to cop this and blast it at your next party.