Thundercat – The Golden Age of Apocalypse (Album Review)
In Los Angeles, you can fit three weeks into a New York minute.
This isn’t based on any sort of factual data. In reality, I just made that up while sitting in a borrowed Los Angeles apartment on a cool summer night. Vacationing on the Left Coast has taught me several things, most of which I already knew. More than anything, I realized that California rocks to the rhythm of its own G-Funk era drum. That is why I have always appreciated it’s art.
Naturally, I’ve been as cliché as possible in my musical endeavors while resting under the California sunshine. Engaging in the sounds of artists too often ignored in my own Midwestern enclave (Blu, Terrace Martin, Dom Kennedy, L.A.U.S.D., etc.), there is nothing that I’ve enjoyed more than simply driving down Fairfax releasing obnoxiously high levels of Nate Dogg into the already congested atmosphere. As trite as it may sound, this is the effect of a few days out West. The soul of California has its own signature flair. The vibe is often, like its people, laid-back with an eccentric touch. It’s outgoing and adventurous, with just enough cool to justify its inclusion in the summertime staple of drop top convertible rides through the neighborhood. In the words of Californian urban poet Natassia “Kreayshawn” Zolot, “I’m in the coupe cruisin’…”
Swag.
Joking aside, whether it’s trunk-rattling bass from Oakland’s newest rapper or the the mellow sensations of beachfront jazz, California has an undeniable charm. This appeal comes from a long lineage of gifted artists ranging from Roy Ayers to the Pharcyde. Few, however capture this essence quite like musician Thundercat. Known for his bass work with Erykah Badu, Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner recently released a stream of his entire solo album (via Brainfeeder) compelling me send up praises to the Bay Area’s resident deity Lil’ B, The Based God.
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