Uncertainty is a powerful force that drives people to do absurd things, especially during times of personal upheaval. Not knowing what comes next can be paralyzing for some, but it seems to be driving Carlos Hernandez to create some of the most eclectic music of his varied career. Composed during a period where he was moving on from the city and the scene he contributed to, Hernandez used the unknowns in his life to piece together a record that balances his past work with something that feels uniquely his own. On Folly is the debut solo record from Hernandez, but he is far from a newcomer to the independent scene (his avant-soul band Ava Luna was featured on the Cover of The Deli back in 2012) and this album is far from a one-man show. Bringing in prominent collaborators such as Julian Fader and Sandy Gordon and featuring additional contributions from many more artists, Hernandez crafted a collection of songs full of delicate yet agitated avant-pop arrangements. Tracks like “Nausea” feature a ramshackle and off-kilter beat as the lyrics “I can feel it coming under my skin/A confusion I can taste” gently add to the preexisting tension that doubles as a relaxing and bizarre jam. On Folly thrives on the anxieties of uncertainty, dwelling on sounds that would feel appropriate on early Dirty Projectors’ records as well as D’Angelo’s newest album; the album is due July 27. Check out first single "Second Man," streaming below. – Tucker Pennington
