Dead Oceans Vinyl & CDs

Review: Aaron Frazer's Into The Blue is a kaleidoscopic journey through the depths of emotion, blending soul, psychedelia, and hip-hop into a sonic odyssey. Frazer's falsetto soars over cinematic strings and breakbeats, painting a portrait of heartbreak and healing as he ventures from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Tracks like the haunting title track and the explosive 'Payback' showcase Frazer's mastery of blending raw emotion with intricate production. With Grammy-winner Alex Goose as co-producer, Frazer delves into new sonic territories, incorporating iPhone recordings and samples from unexpected sources like 90s r&b group Hi-Five. The result is a bold and daring album that pushes boundaries while staying true to Frazer's unmistakable style. Into The Blue is not just a record; it's a testament to resilience and the power of music to uplift even in the darkest times.

Review: Aaron Frazer's Into The Blue is a daring fusion of soul, psychedelia, disco and hip-hop, reflecting the multi-instrumentalist's range and sonic exploration. Conceived amidst heartbreak and a cross-country move, the album delves into themes of grief, loneliness, and healing, while also celebrating love and new beginnings. Frazer's unmistakable falsetto and classic songwriting shine through, accompanied by live instruments and innovative production techniques. The title track, 'Into The Blue', sets a haunting tone with cinematic strings and breakbeats, while 'Payback' delivers an explosive dancefloor experience. Throughout the album, towering arrangements reminiscent of David Axelrod blend with rawness, incorporating iPhone recordings and one-take vocals. Co-produced by Grammy-winner Alex Goose, Into the Blue also features Frazer's experimentation with samples from unexpected sources. Despite its origins in heartbreak, Into the Blue offers listeners a sense of optimism, reminding them that amidst grief, there can still be moments of joy. Frazer's album showcases his growth as an artist, reaching new heights while exploring the depths of human emotion.

Review: Durand Jones, Aaron Frazer and Blake Rhein return with Flowers, their fourth album, revisiting the same raw, budding energy that first plotted them together in a Bloomington basement. Embracing a back-to-basics approach, and echoing the collaborative spirit of their 2016 debut, this self-produced LP took shape at Rhein's Chicago home studio, with many tunes edified from one-take demos, capturing a no-frills but beautifully petaled synergy between the trio. Flowers' 11 phases lean into a refined, yet playful blend of soul-disco, exuding a smooth, homegrown, sexologic vibe, like an aphrodisiac planter hung from the dashboard as we embark on a late night drive. "All of these songs touch on such mature topics, things that we never got to sing about before," says Jones. A right blossoming indeed.