University Pulse

Dessa “A Badly Broken Code”

by producer Jesse Splan

Dessa’s A Badly Broken Code (Doomtree Records) appeals to more than just hip-hop enthusiasts. 

      The Doomtree label is composed of artists with a vast assortment of musical knowledge and proficiency.  P.O.S., Sims, Dessa, Mike Mictlan, and Cecil Otter are all emcees.  There is also a collection of producer/djs from the like of Paper Tiger, MK Larada, Lazerbeak, and Turbo Nemesis.  Having this compilation of talent enables the only girl in Doomtree to have an amazing album with a wide range of beats, harmony, and style.

      From the first to the last track, mellow and fast pace drumbeats, electric guitars, stimulating synthesizers, and a vast array of orchestra instruments supply this fluent artist with the capabilities to keep you intrigued.  The best element of the album is that Dessa not only raps but she also sings, and she does it interchangeably throughout each track on the album.

      “Children’s Work” leads the album and instantaneously grabs your attention while Dessa brings you up to speed on how she has learned to survive from her early lessons in life.  Lazerbeak produced “The Crow” which contains laced echo effects over the progressive beat while the track has an incredible amount of nostalgia and metaphors in the lyrics for all to relate to.  One of the most intense tracks is “Mineshaft II” and is produced by Cecil Otter and features the beautiful voice and instrumental talents of Jessy Greene, a cellist, violinist, and vocalist.  These three work together to create a clear and imaginable account of love on top of a clean and advancing rhythm with aiding and intense violin and cello towards the end.  Additionally, each track has a nice transition and fade into the next making the entire album easy to listen to in one sitting.

      Ultimately, this album features an extensive range of rhythm, vocals, and instruments that your little sister and mom can both enjoy.  Dessa and artists of Doomtree Records have pushed the bounds of hip-hop on their albums by including sample sounds, featured artists, and orchestra instruments that differ from the norms making it easy for listeners of any genre to enjoy. 

JEFF the Brotherhood “Heavy Days”

by producer Dustin Verburg

It’s been a good few years for punk rock, especially the fuzzed-out, devil-may-care brand known as garage punk. It’s more popular now than it has been since the Hives, White Stripes and Black Keys all pushed into the mainstream in the 00s. When those bands emerged, however, garage punk changed. Read More »

by: Dusty Aunan

On the opening track, “Horchata”, front man Ezra Koenig belts, “Here comes a feeling you thought you’d forgotten” like somehow he knew that we’ve missed Vampire Weekend’s joyous Afro/Indie/Pop/Rock fusion Read More »

by: -Joe Davidson producer of “The Boise Fuzz”

The Black Keys have been making waves through the rock world with their refreshing work ethic and awesome modern blues rock. Much to the surprise of many, they have recently teamed up with Hip Hop producer Damon Dash and some of the industry’s most famous rap names (Ludacris, Raekwon, RZA, and Mos Def, just to name a few) for a project that many critics thought would fall flat on its face like similar projects that came before it. However, indie rockers and rap heads rejoice – the Blakroc project does anything but fall on its face.

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Chuck Ragan- “Gold Country”

by Dustin Verburg

“Gold Country” is the new album from Chuck Ragan, former singer/guitarist in the Gainesville, FL based punk band Hot Water Music. Hot Water Music was an extremely powerful force in emo and post-hardcore, adored by both fans and critics. To their credit, HWM gave credibility to the term “emo” when “emo” emerged in the popular lexicon as a dirty word. Hot Water Music was an unusual band, so it might come as no surprise that ‘Gold Country’ is a very unusual record.

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Borrowed from Buzz Bands:

Dawes, “North Hills” (self-released) — The first album from the new quartet featuring three-quarters of Simon Dawes sneaks up on you like a moment of deja vu. Twenty-three-year-old Taylor Goldsmith crafts elegant folk-pop gems that reveal a remarkably centered songwriter who feels the currents surrounding him but won’t get swept away by any of them. Read More »

Blue Scholars – Bayani Redux

From Duck Down Records:

Blue Scholars are the leaders of politically radical hip hop coming out of the Northwest with soulful beats, poetic imagery and a reputation for breathtaking live performances. Read More »