Since last year’s lovely-brilliant EP “The,” we’ve been awaiting the next move from Oakland’s own Perhapsy, solo project of artist Derek Barber (Curls, Bells Atlas). The new album, “Kingdom Starlight Bliss,” weaves an energy both soothing and invigorating. A shoegazing lover’s dream, songs are textured with the intricate guitar work that earned Barber his mad respect. Resonating melodies reach an almost intergalactic quality (check out The Curse!). His sweet vocals express emotions that are at times darker than most of his previous work: sad stories sprinkled with tough emotions and epiphanies; references to dooming relationships and dark times ahead. But as Barber puts it, “Kingdom” is an album full of endings, changes, and the eventual sparkle at the end of the tunnel. Give it a listen and check out those sweet images, too (did we mention he’s also a cartoonist?)….Enjoy! – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

The National Sawdust’s ongoing series “The Revolution”,  is dedicated to showcasing local artists and collaborators and Saturday 12.15 is The Revolution, Vol. 34. This month’s acts include Salomon Faye, Melissa McMillan, and Zoo Berries. 

Melissa McMillan puts an ambient, electronic twist on R&B vocals. Her velvety voice soars over dark, looming beats and ominous percussion. Her latest release, "Shade," is a meditation on contemporary jazz and Neo-soul.

Salomon Faye is a French American rapper who uses his particular brand of avant hip-hop as a jumping off point to explore the arts and music scene in Brooklyn. Many of his lyrics are often introspective and lean towards the philosophical. In 2017, he put out his King Salomon EP, which featured J. Cole and this year he dropped the single “Whatever,” back in November. After being associated with the A$AP Mob, Faye opted to pave his own path and collaborate with underground artists around him to create THEiLLUZiON, a collective of sonic and visual artists. After spending years behind the scenes, Salomon Faye has set the stage and put in the work to finally assert himself as a trailblazer in the NYC underground hip-hop scene.

Zoo Berries find a fusion between funk, jazz, r&b through grooving bass and smooth improvisation. Throughout their latest, EP.1, the 7-piece bring together sax, drums, guitar, bass, piano, and spoken word, creating an easy-going instrumental sound that brings together the best aspects of traditional funk forms and contemporary compositions.

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You can buy tickets to The Revolution Vol. 34 Saturday 12.15 here. 

Brooklyn indie rock trio Valentin Marx is premiering here a brand new single, titled “Made Up.”. This band has certainly reemerged with an enlightened new perspective on this track, exposing more than just their collaborative talent. “Made Up” offers a bold look at the modern social landscape (and all zombifying apps that come with it), voicing the afflictions of forming relationships in the digital age—and it does it with style. Starting with an airy dream-pop feel, the song’s smooth jangly guitars in the opening are met by lead singer Andrew Kissel’s slacker-ish vocals, forming a tension that is all too fitting for this track’s lyrical context. Being just the first taste of this band’s upcoming releases, “Made Up” gives a relatable, jam-worthy preview of the new material that can be expected in the new year. Check out Valentin Marx’s newest single below and stream their earlier music on Bandcamp. – Rebecca Carroll