Kevin Warwick,Reader associate editor
Kraftwerk in 3-D I was one of the privileged few who got to witness—through 3-D glasses—the forefathers of minimalist avant-garde electro awe a sold-out crowd at the Riv. The band keyed through Kraftwerk cuts at their trademark glowing podiums, which was great enough even without the supernatural visuals. Sometimes menacing (“The Robots“), sometimes colorful (“Autobahn“), the projections provided mind-bending accompaniment, as well as a fun excuse for the crowd to collectively gasp as a satellite propelled itself from the screen.
Jeff Kelley, founder of Chicago Singles Club, guitarist in Vaya
Oshwa, Chamomile Crush I first heard Oshwa when one of the band’s songwriters, Alicia Walter, got in touch with CSC last year about a possible feature. Before I’d even finished listening to the title track of this LP, they were one of my favorite Chicago bands. They’re weird and cerebral but still accessible, and their arrangements are intricate, multidimensional, and dynamic. I don’t know anyone who’s doing experimental pop today as well as they are.
The partnership of Arca, FKA Twigs, and Jesse Kanda Brooklyn-based producer Arca and London-based singersongwriter and producer FKA Twigs have a brilliant partnership—his lush, twisted musical scenery and her vocal musings create a sonic landscape unlike anything I’ve heard. Arca’s drum programming is nuanced and sensual, skittering across and under, while his synth pads moan softly like alien creatures. The production is so expertly layered that you can’t tell if an ooh is part of the vocals. Arca and FKA Twigs collaborate with Jesse Kanda, who creates surreal, hypnotizing images to accompany the music.
