5 Notts Albums to Listen to This August

Juga-Naut
Found Objects: Stolen Art EP PT.II
EP

Juga-Naut follows up his contribution to the VVV Bozo Boyz LP with an exceptional solo tape. The Nottingham rapper dazzles on the opening gambit, Acrylic and Oil, a strong contender for the crown jewel of the release. His quickfire imagery is paired with boastful art and his signature culinary references, which float with sluggish precision over loud, compressed drums and dusty Rhodes chords. The EP is punctuated with three volumes of History Verses; a trio of interludes each containing a medley of classic tracks, giving the listener insight into Juga-Naut's influences and artists seminal to the origins of the culture. As the tracks cut between samples, Jugz showcases a variety of flows, effortlessly adapting to each of his curated excerpts. Suede Funk was selected by BBC 6Music DJ Huey Morgan, who played it on his show earlier this year. According to Notts legend Scorzayzee, Jugz sounds best over funk beats and it's easy to understand why; the Notts MC sits in the sound’s pockets comfortably and delivers quality penmanship over fat, synthy basslines and delicately cut samples. When placed next to his collaborative 6 Bricks effort with Micall Parknsun, this EP comes across a lot more personal and nostalgic. Overall, however, it’s a fierce reminder of what Juga-Naut is made of ahead of The Purple Door; a collaborative effort with UK stalwart SonnyJim that’s coming soon. Ashwin Balu

LA Nights
LA Nights
Album

This band’s self-titled album sounds like it’s popped over to the present day straight from the year 3000 with its futuristic sound. The sound features both male and female lead vocals, multiple keyboards, saxophone, flute, guitar, bass guitar and sequenced drums, making way for a broad musical programme that’s bound to excite your lugholes. Tracks like Time and Don’t Stop are without a doubt standout anthems, both well worthy of cranking up the volume on a balmy summer’s day. The album is made up of just eight tracks, each containing synthwave and electronic sounds that, coupled with a sprinkling of retro vibes, offers up some sparkly tracks that you just don’t get nowadays. Stick it on in the car, full blast, and drive. Chloe Underwood

Blackmail Box
Staring Contest
Album

Blackmail Box formed in 2013 with a self-proclaimed manifesto to blend grimy rock ’n’ roll, post-punk and pop noir. The music certainly has a dark, spiky, occasionally Joy Division-like edge to it, but it’s the vocals that really stand out here: singer Henry James Farrell has a distinctive voice that sounds like a fusion of Mark E Smith, Fred Schneider from the B52s and Einar Örn Benediktsson from the Sugarcubes. Maybe a dash of Nick Cave in there too. Sounds incongruous, right? Well, it is… but they certainly don’t sound like anybody else. Maybe the closest comparison would be Devo, with the angular guitars and affected vocal style. It’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but on songs where it all comes together, like Alibi, Blackmail Box sound great. Tim Sorrell

Deadbeat at Dawn
Eternal Sunshine
EP

Imagine a cinematic trance; like being transported through a galaxy of stars, then occasionally picking up a bit of speed when a scary creature appears. The third track Time: Revelation Ratio sounds like when you hit the boss alien, with ominous organ music and distortion like you’ve lost touch with your space rangers. The EP finishes on a calmer note, winding down from the heavier tones of the previous tracks. It’s all very cohesive, with the songs meshing together while at the same time telling their own individual chapter of the story. It’s proper good motivational music, so if you’re looking for summat new to crank your legs to in the gym or have a pile of paperwork up to your neck, give this EP a try. To infinity and beyond. Eve Smallman

Louis
Hold
EP

The ethereal, delicate melodies coming from Louis’ Hold EP sound like they came straight from a five-year old’s dream, exploring the world around them in a Where the Wild Things Are-type adventure. Though beautifully naïve and untouched by the pressure of conforming to popular styles, Hold is not made by a child but by a fully fledged, accomplished and obviously passionate musician, Richard Solaini. Boldly playing with both traditional instruments and electronic samples, the result is nothing short of atmospheric bliss, pumped with emotion; it’s no wonder you can find his past productions used on numerous inspiring videos, adverts and documentaries on the internet. Drumming up feelings of hope, acceptance and serenity is what this artist seems to do best, and Hold is no different. Eileen Pegg