Soundscape is a weekly look at local and international releases making an impression on our musical radar. The list offers a cross-section of EPs and albums arriving at the station.

We have been busily scouring the Soundscape! Check out some of our favourite finds for this week 29 June 2020

Ziggy Ramo - Black Thoughts (Ramo Records)**Album of the Week

With his debut EP ‘Black Thoughts’, the 24-year-old rapper Ziggy Ramo demands to be heard through his important and unapologetic political and social messaging and flawless production and style. With sounds owed more to the golden-age of hip-hop than more heavily produced contemporary rappers, ‘Black Thoughts’ slices deep into the heart of race relations in modern Australia.

Khruangbin - Modechai (Dead Oceans/Inertia)

The Houston funk trio continue their run of form following 2018’s LP Con Todo El Mundo and last year’s collaborative release with fellow Texan Leon Bridges. On Modechai, the band harvest sounds from around the world into their infectious sonic universe of dub and groove.

Nadine Shah - Kitchen Sink (Infectious Records)

On her fourth album, Nadine Shah mines stories and characters of grimy, and often ugly, urban British life. With lyrical boldness, and minimal, stark, muscular instrumentation, Shah explores through her impeccable storytelling chops the minefield of being a 30-something woman of colour in contemporary London.

Arca - KiCk i (Xl Recordings/Remote Control)

On KiCk i, the acclaimed electronic innovator broadens her sonic palette, effortlessly combining dissonant rhythmic chaos and gorgeous synthetic melodies. Featuring guest vocals from Björk, Rosalia and south London rapper Shygirl, KiCk i serves as a vessel for Arca’s capacity to subvert and distort electronic music expectations as well as an inquiry into her own non-binary journey.

Ausecuma Beats x River Yarra - 'Remixed' EP (Music In Exile)

The Melbourne label Music in Exile, known for creating space for culturally and linguistically diverse artists working in Australia, continue their remixed series with West African ensemble Ausecuma Beats classic ‘Keleh’ remixed by the enigmatic and elusive Melbourne Minimalist River Yarra.

Various Artists - Bloom and Simmer (Remote Control)

The Australian label Remote Control have enlisted artists from their extensive roster to contribute unheard tracks for their inaugural compilation Bloom and Simmer. Represented here are brand new cuts from the likes of Black Cab, Methyl Ethel, Jess Ribeiro, Sui Zhen and many more.

Introduction - 'Introduction' EP (Tenth Court)

Brisbane label Tenth Court releases the debut album from the Adelaide girl-gang trio Introduction. Featuring members of Workhorse, Allume, and Waterbear, Introduction deliver 6 tracks of reverb-drenched bedroom pop with a post-punk kick to the heart.

Oily Boys - Cro Memory Grin (Cool Death Records)

The Sydney punk outfit deliver their long awaited debut with Cro Memory Grin, half a decade after their last and only release, 2014s ‘Majesty’ EP. The band channel the pleasures and pitfalls of life in the modern city of Sydney through total and unapologetic embrace of noise, energy and aggression, moving between the chasms of hardcore, punk and psych to create the effect of ritualistic trance.

Mouche - Live From The Bubble (Research Records)

Mouche is the solo excursion from the Melbourne artist Tim Karmouche (Crepes/The Murlocs/Swazi Gold/Dreamin’ Wild). Live from the Bubble is an instrumental exploration of the confluence of rhythm and melody, riding through imaginary soundtracks and drifting liminal atmospheres.

Becca Mancari - The Greatest Part (Captured Tracks/Remote Control)

The Nashville singer-songwriter follows up her critically acclaimed debut with The Greatest Part expanding on her sound to incorporate a grittier, more experimental palette driven by raw lyrics, explosive percussion and fuzzed out guitars. Thematically, The Greatest Part explores the space between grief and joy, pain and forgiveness, sorrow and liberation.