Single Takes (DJ Shadow, Institute, Rosalía, Swans, Weeping Icon)

Single Take is a Reviler feature where multiple people give a passing glance at some new music and causally rank it somewhere between 1 (Justin Beiber) and 10 (really amazing). Fun, right? Check out the latest installment below and feel free to tell us who stupid and out of touch we are based on our opinions. Arguing on the internet: the greatest of American traditions. 

Josh 7/10

Solid, buoyant beat from the legend DJ Shadow and De La Soul show they were an inspired choice to join Shadow on his new LP. But if we’re being honest, it seems clear that both sides brought their B- game….which just happens to be better than most, even if this won’t find itself atop either of their best of list when their career wraps up.

Adam 8/10
Shadow shows he’s a perfect match for the De La Soul flow.

Jon 6/10

This is a pretty fun track and obviously involves some all-time heavy hitters. For me it sparks but never really catches fire though – it starts strong but gets a tad repetitious after a while. Can’t help but compare to the DJ Shadow/Run The Jewels collaboration which I think was better. 

Josh 8/10

I’ve been on a few flights recently, and I can promise none were as funky as this one. C’mon, Delta…step up your game! This is a sugary, ear-worm of a song that is bangs pretty hard. I’ve enjoyed Rosalía’s work over the last few years, and this is a another stellar addition to the catalog.

Jon 8/10

Dang, this bangs pretty hard. Spanish language rapping is kind of a longtime interest of mine so this is right in my sweet spot. Could make the same argument as above that its a bit repetitious but for some reason I am minding it less here. 

Adam 6/10

Not super compelling but I can’t help but find myself nodding hard to this

Jon 8/10

Loving this – perfectly executed that somehow seems both tightly executed and completely ramshackle. 

Josh 7/10

Some rock-solid snarling 70s punk, with a hazy, demented video to match the vibe. The song is solid, but would love to see them live.

Adam 7/10

2 minute wirey punk tunes are always welcome

Adam 9/10

Dark gothy noise rock, just the way I like it

Jon 7/10 

Great, gritty post-rock/noise rock that tackles culture in a way that hits close to home (though lyrically maybe a tad on the nose). I’ll never look at my phone again. 

Josh 9/10

A dark, oppressive song with a dark, oppressive video. It’s glum, but powerful. Not sure a whole album of this level of darkness would be my jam, but really enjoyed this song, message and video. Any PSA advocating for less phone use is good for everyone, myself very much included.

Jon 8/10

The band before this sounds more like the Swans I know and love but this is a great dramatic turn for Gira and company. Love the slow-build, the angelic chorus, all the pomp and self-seriousness I have come to expect but in a softer guise. 

Adam 7/10

I sort of fell behind on my post-reunion Swans albums (how many triple albums does one need?) but Gira has a new band and while this follows a pretty similar path, the journey is always compelling

Josh 6/10

What happens when a legendary band gets back together? What happens when they switch up their sound? What happens when the sound that made you like and respect a band gets thrown out the window. Tune in and find out. For me, this is an interesting take on sinister ambient folk, but was such a left-turn that I struggled to wrap my head around it. Still solid, though.