BY B AO L E - H U U E-TURN | PHOTO COURTESY THE ARTIST
LOCAL RELEASES
Whether it’s on stage or on record, Orlando rapper-singer E-Turn is famous for being a flamethrower. That fire is what’s made her a breakout local star who now tours regularly and widely as a signed Fake Four artist. But her new single “L.O.T.R.” flips all that for an unusually raw look inside the personal reality behind it. The track is a break from E-Turn’s usual mode. For one, it’s produced by Even Tho rather than her longtime local collaborator Swamburger. In everything from sound to mood, it’s a starkly introspective and vulnerable side of E-Turn. Rather than her usual electricity and empowerment, this song leads with its weariness. “L.O.T.R.” — an acronym for “life on the road” — was written after a grueling selfbooked national tour that E-Turn did with West Coast beat wizard Lisa Vasquez. It was one that left E completely expended, and the fresh toll of that crucible imbues her voice here with leaden pathos. Across the unblinking and confessional lyrics, she paints a gritty first-person portrait of the underside of touring life that’s revealing, articulate and honest. “L.O.T.R.” is now streaming everywhere and is available as a name-your-price download on E-Turn’s Bandcamp. For his latest release, Orlando hip-hop veteran MidaZ the BEAST has gone deluxe with a whopping double album titled 8487. For the monumental work, he rejoined proven forces with producer Delle Digga, who this time dials the clock back to cast MidaZ in a vintage halo. Gliding on the sultry lines of easy cosmopolitan jazz and R&B, the record breathes an air of soft drama that’s so distinctly 1980s that it’s almost vaporwave. Juxtaposed with
Whether on stage or on record, Orlando rapper-singer E-Turn is famous for being a flamethrower. But new single ‘L.O.T.R.’ flips all that for a gritty firstperson portrait of the underside of touring life that’s revealing, articulate and honest
celebrate the one-year mark of DCxPC Live releasing live albums on vinyl. Awesome & the Asskickers will be the special afterparty guest. (8 p.m. Saturday, May 28, Will’s Pub, $7)
Rebel Bass featuring the Crystal Method, LTJ Bukem: Originally, nu-breaks heroes Stanton Warriors were slated to headline this bass congregation before having to cancel. So instead of leaving a big hole at the top of the roster, the organizers pulled a massive rabbit out the hat and landed charttopping breaks crossover act the Crystal Method to bring major-league cred alongside drum-and-bass pioneer LTJ Bukem. They top a big lineup that also includes Christian Martin, Hydroz, Left/Right, Armanni Reign, Mark Sanchez, Shade, Circle K with MC Collaborator, SST, Tool Time x Losman, MidaZ’s tough signature flow, it’s a lush, Si-Dog, JME, Recstar, JRok and DJ Dizzy. moody ride. The old school is back in session. (5 p.m. Although 8487 now streams everywhere, Saturday, May 28, Ace Cafe, $50-$75) it’s also notably available in a colorful array of physical formats — vinyl, CD and cassette Bikini Kill: If ever there were a socio— on Chong Wizard Records’ Bandcamp. political climate that needed Bikini Kill to return, this is it. It’s taken bombshell revelations from the highest corridors of American CONCERT PICKS THIS WEEK power to only begin awakening many of us to the fact that the war on women has If you go out, be safe, be cool. been going on this whole time. Now, unforThe Hamiltons, Curtains, Grave tunately, we’re way behind in the culture Return: More than just a showcase of bands, wars. But like a prescient battle cry, these this roster is a living museum of Orlando singularly influential feminist punks have punk history. The members of these acts reunited and are finally coming here to hopepack a sterling collective pedigree from stints fully not just rock us but stoke the fire of our in a long and deep list of star Orlando bands. discontent into critical mass just in time for This event will be a celebration of their the midterm elections. History will be made recent cross pollinations. A double release here with this intensely anticipated show. show for a couple of 7-inch splits that the Opening will be blistering Miami art-rockers Hamiltons did with both Curtains and Grave Glass Body. (6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29, The Return, this happening is a rare concentra- Plaza Live, $32.50-$40) tion of local legacy talent. The show will also baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com orlandoweekly.com
●
MAY 25-31, 2022 ● ORLANDO WEEKLY
27
