This Little Underground

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 MidaZ’s tough signature flow, it’s a lush, moody ride.

Although 8487 now streams everywhere, it’s also notably available in a colorful array of physical formats — vinyl, CD and cassette — on Chong Wizard Records’ Bandcamp.

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

CONCERT PICKS THIS WEEK

If you go out, be safe, be cool.

The Hamiltons, Curtains, Grave Return: More than just a showcase of bands, this roster is a living museum of Orlando punk history. The members of these acts pack a sterling collective pedigree from stints in a long and deep list of star Orlando bands. This event will be a celebration of their recent cross pollinations. A double release show for a couple of 7-inch splits that the Hamiltons did with both Curtains and Grave Return, this happening is a rare concentration of local legacy talent. The show will also

BY BAO LE-HUU

E-TURN | PHOTO COURTESY THE ARTIST

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, Si-Dog, JME, Recstar, JRok and DJ Dizzy. The old school is back in session. (5 p.m. Saturday, May 28, Ace Cafe, $50-$75)

Bikini Kill: If ever there were a sociopolitical climate that needed Bikini Kill to return, this is it. It’s taken bombshell revelations from the highest corridors of American power to only begin awakening many of us to the fact that the war on women has been going on this whole time. Now, unfortunately, we’re way behind in the culture wars. But like a prescient battle cry, these singularly influential feminist punks have reunited and are finally coming here to hopefully not just rock us but stoke the fire of our discontent into critical mass just in time for the midterm elections. History will be made here with this intensely anticipated show. Opening will be blistering Miami art-rockers Glass Body. (6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29, The Plaza Live, $32.50-$40)

baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com orlandoweekly.com ● MAY 25-31, 2022 ● ORLANDO WEEKLY 27