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FLY or DIE II: bird dogs of paradise is the much-anticipated follow-up to composer, trumpeter, and (now) singer jaimie branch's debut Fly or Die, which was dubbed one of the “Best Albums of 2017” by The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, NPR Music, WIRE, Stereogum, Aquarium Drunkard, and more. Written (mostly) while on her first European tour with Fly or Die in November 2018; and recorded (mostly) in studio at Total Refreshment Centre and live at Café OTO in London UK at the end of that tour, bird dogs of paradise is the result of a never-satisfied branch pushing her distinct style of progressive composition to new heights — while also stepping forward as a vocalist for the first time. “So much beauty lies in the abstract of instrumental music,” says branch in the album’s liner notes, “but being this ain’t a particularly beautiful time, I’ve chosen a more literal path. The voice is good for that.”

On the album’s epic opening opus “prayer for amerikkka pt.1 and 2” branch calls out “a bunch of wide-eyed racists” between searing trumpet ad libs atop a massive, down-tuned blues. On the album’s closing track “love song (for assholes & clowns)” she laughs in their faces - an unhinged, unflinching, mix of anger and humor paired with a classic shuffle beat. Between both ends is an instrumental chronicle that traverses a deep sea of dystopian Americana without trepidation. Her trumpet – sometimes soft and pleading and other times brash and seething – is always at the helm. Branch and company are on a quest for sonic saturation here and they conjure up moments of real reckoning - hopefulness, hopelessness, danger, and joy. A cinematic sojourn from our earth to imagined worlds above, bird dogs of paradise dares you to feel again, or as branch says, “now sound the trumpets and get ready to roll.”

FLY or DIE II: bird dogs of paradise

birds of paradise

Second House

The Off The Record series ventures stateside to Chicago, Illinois to reach out to one of the most iconic modern labels going at the moment; International Anthem, who are now celebrating 11 years on the planet. Started in 2012 by Scottie McNiece and David Allen International Anthem Recording Company has been focused on pushing some of the most ground breaking sounds in Jazz, funk, soul and blues. With a roster that extends to names like Makaya McCraven, Jeff Parker, Damon Locks, Carlos Nino and more it has proved to have an eye for the highest quality in sound and curation. For this mix the label has nominated their own Alejandro Ayala AKA King Hippo to hon and curate the sounds provided. King Hippo was the label representative on the International Anthem Worldwide FM Chicago show - so we are definitely in good hands. Coming in at a clean hour, Ayala brings in various styles of Jazz, moulded expertly to provide a perfect home listening experience or what the label likes to be known as the "Floating Kissaten Mix". We sat down and had a chat about the mix with Alejandro, as well as about the label and about what they have coming up in the future for their 11th year.

Off The Record Mix Series 55: International Anthem (Mixed by King Hippo)

The Instrumental for "Mentality/Sight" as performed by Mala & Cado

Mentality/Sight (Instrumental)

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International Anthem is a Chicago-born recording company that produces and promotes progressive media.

Founded by curators from the Uncanned Music family, the IARC label was established to be a productive and distributive outlet for the group’s original music programming.

The mission of International Anthem is to make positive contributions to the changing state of the music industry, and to vitalize the demand for boundary-defying music by presenting unique sounds in appealing packages to untapped audiences.

birds of paradise

International Anthem

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