New and tasty

Two musical acts that give us a lot to digest and savor as integral components of the future of their respective genres. Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge are into hip-hop, while Colony House is alternative rock.

Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge — Nxworries Yes Lawd (Stones Throw, available on Amazon). If like me, you just couldn’t get enough of Anderson’s Malibu last year, then here is the next “fix” you were waiting for. With producer Knxwledge, Anderson provides the vocals on the CD. What More Can I Say, Can’t Stop, Starlite and Sidepiece were the immediate favorites, but constant listening has brought tracks such as Get Bigger and Khadija to my attention. This could have been dismissed as an in-between albums/at play project; but the quality of a strong number of tunes makes it so much more. Hip-hop continues to evolve thanks to artists like Anderson and Childish Gambino.

Colony House — Only the Lonely (Descendant/RCA, available on Amazon.com). Citing influences such as U2 and Cold War Kids, Colony House also has a touch of the textured compositions of The Killers. The opening track I Cannot Do This Alone is an anthem-like success, and they get decidedly playful on such gems as Was It Me, I Want It All and 1234, with their retro grooves. You & I is presently my favorite, and the one that represents the band’s potential. Led by two brothers, who are 28 and 26 years of age, the band may still be finding its identity, but there’s a precocious aspect to their music. Lonely is like some torch song rocker, and surprises. A band that thankfully, doesn’t take itself too seriously. PLAYBACK Philip Cu-Unjieng