Grimes - Miss_Anthropocene
It has been nearly four years since Grimes released the critically acclaimed album Art Angels. Her latest single “We Appreciate Power” was a hit that fused industrial metal influences with the listenability of pop. The track was provocative given it’s inspired by North Korean military propaganda and A.I. overlords. Though, it is in Grimes’ nature to provoke, which may be why she chose the goddess of climate change as the centerpiece for her next album: Miss_Anthropocene. What sets Grimes apart — aside from her electronic DIY style — is that she takes complete creative control of her vision. Her music is often accompanied by stunning graphics, drawings and stories to encapsulate whatever mystifying concept she chooses. While Grimes has yet to set a release date, it’s likely a few months away given she’s been doing promotional interviews and promising new singles soon. Taking on the voice of a climate change deity is a bold topic that could be some of her most innovative work or an unfocused, weird mess. Either way, I am excited to hear it.
-Molly Carmichael
Chance the Rapper - Untitled Album
Chance the Rapper has been around for years. From his first mixtape, 10 Day, in 2012 to his featured verse on Cardi B’s “Best Life,” he’s delivered both quality and quantity as a frequent guest artist and as a solo act. Now, in July 2019, he is set to release his debut album. Chance distanced this upcoming project from his past work, tweeting, “[Coloring Book] happened, it made history but I did it already. The album won’t be acid rap either.” Chance’s palette is wide, from the psychedelia of Acid Rap to the gospel choirs of Coloring Book, and to hear he’ll be doing something new is an exciting preview for whatever this as-of-now-untitled album will be. Another interesting aspect will be how he releases it; this is his first commercial project, so he could take any direction on how to market and sell an album compared to free online mixtapes.
-Carl Zabat
Molly Carmichael is a music columnist for the Daily Cardinal. To read more of her work, click here.
Carl Zabat is a music columnist for the Daily Cardinal. To read more of his work, click here.
