Selection by Jérôme, co-founder of maPlatine.com
Fontaines D.C. – A Hero’s Death (Rough Trade 2020)
I have already expressed my good opinion about this band, and its first album in my Summer 2019 selection. The arrival of this second album has raised a lot of expectations, and rightfully so, after their excellent first try. And must admit that I am not disappointed! It delivers a more complex copy and, I think, a step up. We find less the sense of urgency that was prevalent on DOGREL, but more complexity with a succession of tracks that go from a great softness (“Oh Such Spring”) to a more “straightforward” register (the fabulous “Living America” and “I was Not Born” are the perfect examples). This record from Fontaines D.C. is discovered after several listenings and never stops to reveal all its richness. A great band!
Run the Jewels – RTJ4 (BMG 2020)
The famous Hip Hop duo, which was formed in 2013, and which has, since then, not failed in its reputation with the excellent quality of its productions delivered throughout its first 3 albums. And all this while gaining more and more notoriety, and arrive at this last album, the fourth, with a multitude of guests (Pharell Williams, Zach de la Rocha, Josh Homme…). The result is an opus that allies with great talent a certain Old School and Underground spirit with a true modernity. A “tour de force”! The powerful “JU$T” is the perfect example. Special mention for the excellent “ooh la la” that is a real bomb with a powerful clip. It is not necessarily one of the most accessible albums but for those who appreciate this kind of music, it would be a shame to miss it!