Memphis-based Blvck Hippie is a “sad boy indie rock band” that makes “VHS-inspired music for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.” Basketball Camp is their sophomore full-length studio album, and it’s probably the most intriguing new release this week. “I wanted to write a record that I needed to hear in high school,” says Josh Shaw, the mastermind behind the surprising music. Thematically, this is about finding togetherness and overcoming anxieties and insecurities. Musically, it is a mix of dreamy indie pop melodies, emocore with heartfelt freak-outs, and quite complex jazzy structures. Heavy stuff, at times quite weird, but it’s fascinating how the vocals and instruments search for the balance between introvert and extrovert, switching between control and outbursts, with various beautiful singing styles and spoken word, but also raw screams at the most tense moments. Mesmerizing.
Basketball Camp, produced by Josh Shaw, is out now digitally and on vinyl LP trough The Record Machine. *Featuring Josh Shaw (vocals, guitar, keys), Casey Rittinger (drums), Tyrell Williams (bass, vocals, background vocals), Joe Kyle (guitar, vocals, background vocals), Geoff Smith (synth), Jawaun Crawford (trumpet), Victor Sawyer (trombone), Krista Wroten (violin, mandolin), Celest Farmer (background vocals), Anna Warm (voice) and the Memphis Homies Chior.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || The Record Machine