Patchworks Nelson Dialect
Blue Benz

The latest, greatest contender for Manchester’s music throne, Aitch cements his position as one of the most exciting young British rappers with his hotly-anticipated debut album, Close To Home. A love letter to the city which shaped him, revealing a well of hidden depths to surprise, delight, and charm his ever-growing legion of fans, Close to Home was preceded by the release of his evocative new single, ‘1989’. Built on the irresistible hook from The Stone Roses’ iconic single ‘Fools Gold’, ‘1989’ is a clever juxtaposition of two prominent musical eras, a bridge joining Manchester old and new, a twin celebration of the city’s auspicious storytelling past and thrilling future. Aitch effortlessly combines the undeniable groove of the legendary Madchester anthem with his quick-witted bars and whip-smart wordplay.Close To Home captures a young artist on the verge of global superstardom, spreading his wings and displaying his ever-growing songwriting skills. Aitch’s debut album, comprised of 16 tracks, combines a mature and reflective side with the charisma and cocksure swagger he has become known for.

The fourth solo album from NYC's Tony Simon, The Music Scene comes nearly six years after his much-loved Ninja Tune debut Music By Cavelight. In addition to his solo instrumental work, Simon's made a name for himself producing tracks for the likes of Aesop Rock, DJ Signify and Murs among many others, but he undoubtedly has an ear for threading together standalone works from manipulated samples. Apparently, on The Music Scene, Simon found himself more able to elaborate on his compositional approach thanks to his use of Ableton, which saw him shunning the more traditional sampler-driven approach to beat dissection in favour of heavy layering. Ecclecticism lies at the heart of this record, and each track seems to usher in a new multi-dimensional collage, finding an early peak with the crashing drums, grainy brass and soulful electric piano phrases of 'Which One Of You Jerks Drank My Arnold Palmer?". Keeping with the eclectic theme, for a brief moment 'Pity Party' features a spot of whistling that evokes the intro to The Scorpions' 'Wind Of Change', but then it's a track that seems to switch persona repeatedly throughout its four or so minutes. Further standout moments come during the Four Tet-like folk-hop of 'The Daily Routine with its scrunched acoustic guitars and string samples and the exploitation movie referencing 'Hell Camp', which offers timelessly bluesy, trip hop style beats and progressions.