Some record labels might be harder, some might be more in your face, but none can match the level of funk that Lowtemp has to offer. Fans can identify with labels because of some kind of familiarity, or an idea of a sound they want to hear when they click play. When it comes to this group of guys though, you can expect more live instruments than you know what to do with, and a level of old-school groove that would make James Brown proud.
Led by one of the pioneers of the genre, this record label has carved out a unique sound for themselves in a predominantly copycat industry. Hand picked by Gramatik, the Lowtemp lineup reads: Exmag, Freddy Todd, Gibbz, Russ Liquid, Illumntr, Branx, Luxas, and The Noisy Freaks in addition to the head honcho himself. Nobody on this label is scared to take a risk. They’re encouraged to do it.
The year 2014 was a huge one for these guys, and free releases upon free releases were dropped into our eardrums. It was our honor to do the the heavy lifting for you by listening to every track put out this year. Here are our 10 favorites.
10: “Watermelon Bubblegum” – Branx
Kicking off our list will be the hardest of the bunch. Born in Baltimore but calling Brooklyn home, Branx fuses part dubstep and part funk in this one and it couldn’t sound any more seamless. A little bit of glitch-hop finds its way in as well, making this easily one of the most unique tracks on an already genre-pushing record label.
9: “Pellegrino Sweat” – Branx ft. Exmag
Two tracks in and you’ve been hit with Branx twice. Accompanying him this time is one of WRR’s favorite groups out there, Exmag. You may hear this a lot, but these two artists truly blend their sounds beautifully. The glitchy, aggressive style of Branx is complimented by the guitars and groove of Exmag. “Pellegrino Sweat” is a Lowtemp party, and you’re all invited to join in on this futuristic piece of funk.
8: “Tonight” – The Noisy Freaks
Making themselves a force to be reckoned with across the pond in France, The Noisy Freaks are a name to start familiarizing yourself with. Layers and layers of rich sounds make “Tonight” a track that stands out from the clutter of todays norm. This duo’s polished style is easy to pick up, with even a little bit of Daft Punk-esque vibes at the 1:10 mark.
7: “Empty Without You” – Russ Liquid
Russ Liquid is our favorite artist on the label. I said it. Being the coolest trumpet player on planet Earth, Russ is only beginning to get the recognition he’s been deserving for years. Recently performing at Shambhala, Coachella, and Lightning In A Bottle, Mr. Liquid has brought his succulent sound with him everywhere he strolls. This track isn’t one to get up and thrash around to, but it’s tailor made for the weird late night side stage at your favorite camping festival.
6: “Just Jammin’ NYC” – Gramatik ft. Exmag
In a clear homage to his beloved New York City, the mastermind of it all finally finds a place for himself at number six. “Just Jammin’ ” is the jam that made many fall in love with Gramatik, and we were worried this might not live up to the lofty standards. The piano at 2:20 with constant guitar strumming from Eric Mendelson puts to rest any concern of this track not living up to its predecessor, and at the three minute mark Denis somehow manages to take it even deeper with violins. If that wasn’t enough for you, prepare for the sleigh bells at 3:45.
5: “Let Me (awesome)” – Freddy Todd
Freddy Todd is a name all Lowtemp fans are sure to be familiar with. Ever since being on tour with Gramatik and The Floozies, the skys the limit for Freddy. From his TWENTIETH LP which dropped this past September, “Let Me (awesome)” has similar vibes to that of Branx listed at #10 and #9, except this jam slows it down with some wonderfully weird wobbles at 1:20 which no doubt make the crowd go full bass face.
4: “AZURE” – Russ Liquid
“Azure” is a huge change-up in sound for Russ when compared to “Empty Without You”. This is the kind of slowed down trip-hop that makes you want to mean mug your way to the front of the bathroom line. You don’t hear his trademark horns on display here, but the multifaceted producer lets his talents shine through on this one.
3: “Hot Nigga” – Bobby Shmurda (Exmag Bootleg)
We don’t need to talk about how bad the original is, but we will anyway. The lyricism makes you feel like you just lost 40 IQ points and we were convinced that this could possibly have been the worst song anyone could hear in their life. The fact that Exmag made this song enjoyable is reason enough to crown them funklords about a week ago. Exmag proves to us that they’re capable of making anything great, and for that we’re forever grateful.
2: “Torture” – Gramatik
You’ve now reached the point in our yearly recap where Gramatik shows you why he’s one of the best in electronic music. From The Age Of Reason LP released earlier in January (my vote for best album of the year), you’re hit with an intro guitar riff that’s already become a Gramatik classic. Old-school vibes are given a present day facelift to form a theme that became the backbone for Denis’ LP.
1: “Expect Us” – Gramatik
Holding down the number one spot this year on Lowtemp is “Expect Us”, and we’ve never had a second thought about it. Given Gramatik’s outspoken nature and will to fight the good fight, this title could certainly be an ode to the internet group Anonymous. Regardless, the opening guitar riff (presumably by Mendelson) is so on point and effortless it’s almost as if the song could’ve worked exclusively around that and still been great. Continuing to push boundaries and incorporating influences of electro-swing, “Expect Us” is a song which I’m convinced people of all generations can nod their head to and appreciate.
Connect with Lowtemp:
http://lowtempmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lowtemp
https://soundcloud.com/lowtemp-music
https://twitter.com/LowtempMusic
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