- Green Chimneys Records have released the first tape in a new series of limited cassettes, titled the Lo-fi Tape Series. With it the label will provide Brisbane beatmakers and underground electronic musicians an outlet for twenty minutes worth of downtempo beats. Each release will feature two artists (one per side). For the first tape Rohan The Intern (Rohan Seekers) and Sam Stosuur (Sam Macquire) who share an origin story in the Astro Travellers collective, have gone splits, leaning into downtempo hip-hop. Interestingly, both sides feature the same vocalists, specifically American rapper Tr38cho (of Dead Trash Mob), Laneous (of Vulture St. Tape Gang / solo works) and Roman MC (from Bullhorn).
Rohan’s side, Bent Fenders, is full of nuanced, jazzy beats. Roman MC is great on the affirmative track Guilty Pleasure (Stosuurs’ bass guitar features on this track too). According to Rohan, “Roman [MC] is easily one of my favourite MCs in BNE or otherwise, and I’m very much looking forward to making more music together.”I hope that’s the case! Bent fender II is a favourite, built around a rough sounding piano sample.
Sam Stosuur’s side is in a similar vein, focusing on hip-hop and slower songs. Having just released two EPs, (Dunlop Molley and Seeds) this is a return to the jazzy hip-hop of some of his other groups (such as Astro Travellers, or Tiana Khasi's band) and away from the house/disco stuff (of Middle Name Dance Tracks and Sampology). Laneous is great as ever on Spicey Boiz (gotta love any rap that metions zooper doopers). Herbie parts one through three provide some synthed up instrumental passages. I adore the final track Satellites, which goes into slow jam territory.
Its been interesting to see these two member of ensemble Brisbane hip hop group Astro Travellers develop over the years (especially recently, with the focus on house and dance music). Even better still is hearing new, jazz inflected beats from some of Brisbane’s best!
- Hillfolk.