We Speak Music
Chuck Chan + Squeegee Oblong drop album sampler for Upset Antagonists LP
Staten Island wordsmith Squeegie Oblong teams with prolific beatsmith/emcee Chuck Chan (Hometeam) for forthcoming LP, Upset Antagonists. To drop on October 9th the project is fourteen tracks deep of witty spit and sample alchemy. A snippet sampler of the album (assembled by DJ Shoe) is available for your ears to give you a taste of what’s to come.
Speaking on the project Squeegie revealed “Chuck sent over a beat-pack and the original intention was to use one or two, but his production vibe couldn’t be ignored. I was coming off my Tanface LP (2023) which was deep and also going through some personal things, so I just wanted to have fun. Not ready to express those deeper emotions, I used that energy to create something fun over chuck’s beats to get through a dark time in my life.”
Even the album title Upset Antagonists (a play on Madvillain) and track titles that nod to 80’s cartoon villains “Dr. Claws Journal” and “Beebop’s Seed” give an impression of what to expect. Album guests include Lex Nyre, P. Genz, Zagnif Nori, Primo Jab, Doza The Drum Dealer, Supreme Cerebral, The Bad Seed, Jamil Honesty and Indigo Phoenyx.
The album will also be released on vinyl courtesy of Apple Dizzle Records and cd format via DITC Dot Com.
More Info: https://www.instagram.com/squeegie_oblong/
In an era dominated by pristine digital production, Sam Uctas’, Redacted Lines, stands as a raw, analog-powered masterpiece. The multi-instrumentalist and guitar virtuoso digs deep into their roots, crafting an album that straddles the line between traditional rock and experimental art. From its post-punk grit to its funk-inspired dub moments, Redacted Lines feels like a lovingly curated mixtape from another dimension.
The album kicks off with its title track, a lean, 70s-infused anthem with sharp guitars and biting lyrics. Uctas’ disdain for misinformation and societal deceit bleeds through every note, creating a stark yet infectious opening. “Falling Out,” inspired by a Werner Herzog film, takes a more ethereal turn, juxtaposing the feeling of endless falling with a sparse arrangement of guitars, Moog synths, and atmospheric drum programming. Meanwhile, “In Your Eyes” pulls at the heartstrings with a Lou Reed-inspired meditation on loss, making it one of the most emotionally resonant tracks on the album.
Where, Redacted Lines, truly shines is in its experimental moments. Tracks like “Everyday Is an Eternity” defy conventional structure, presenting spoken-word poetry backed by hypnotic guitar and drums. “SKU DUB” is a blissful detour into 70s psychedelic funk, layered with dub-inspired echoes and snippets of film dialogue. These tracks expand the album’s scope, demonstrating Uctas’ fearless creativity and reverence for sound as an art form.
Much of the album’s unique character comes from its analog production. Recording on vintage TASCAM tape machines adds a textured warmth to every track, a stark contrast to the sterile precision of digital tools. The imperfections—tape hiss, natural saturation, subtle distortion—feel like an integral part of the album’s DNA. It’s a choice that not only enhances the music’s emotional weight but also speaks to Uctas’ meticulous yet instinctive approach to their craft.
Redacted Lines, is more than just an album; it’s an invitation into Sam Uctas’ world. Their dedication to storytelling, both musically and lyrically, makes this record a must-listen. By blending the familiar with the avant-garde, Uctas has created a body of work that feels timeless yet thrillingly new.
-
We Speak Music7 days agoTony DeYoung: Defying Doubt, Redefining Success
-
We Speak Jazz3 days agoA Conversation with musician, BRANDON MEEKS | MUSIC THERAPY & MOTIVATION with Gino Black
-
We Speak Entertainment6 days agoCONAN O’BRIEN TO HOST 97TH OSCARS®
-
We Speak Actors4 days agoThe Indomitable Dr. Meleeka Clary: A Beacon of Resilience and Hope