On their sophomore album, The Garner Poems (out October 26th on Electric Cowbell), the group traffics their signature gritty strain of DIY Afrofuturist soul music, balancing hip-hop production techniques with lo-fi experimentation to create a sonic suite that eulogizes victims of police brutality, including Tamir Rice and Eric Garner, as well as bringing forth a conversation that aligns with the political and emotional state of this world. The Garner Poems are modern day spirituals of reverence and despair that serve as both a force of light and a schematic for hope, survival, and independence.
The Garner Poems is ten tracks strong, which RA elaborates, “For many compositions for “Garner” I wanted to explore the dirge both as an extension of our genetic memory but also to implore the ancestors to visit in celebration and affirmation of our time making this country now called America. “These Stars Collide” “The Box” and the title song “Garner Poem” has some element of the funeral dirge that goes back to field chants and the talking drum.”
RA concludes, “Rarely are you given the platform to make conceptual art and place it in a commercial marketplace, so we are humbled and committed to making art that speaks to our political concerns and allows for the human joy that is funky ass drums and great grooves in service and in revolt. Riot music for the last days.” The Garner Poems is a perfect example of art created through resilience, spirit, and community that continues to strengthen in modern times in the face of police brutality, hate rhetoric, and divisive politics.
THE BAND
RA Washington – keys/production/vocals
James Longs – vocals
Kyle Kidd – vocals
LaToya Kent – vocals
Dante Foley – drums
Peter Saudek – drums
Theresa May – trumpet
William Washington – trombone
Collaborators:
Andersiin – synth noise
Ahmadeus Kafari – keys/vibes
TRACKLISTING
1. Anti Anthem
2. Emancipation
3. Destiny Skies
4. Harlem River Drive
5. Bullet
6. Garner Poem
7. 2020
8. Sense Of An Ending
9. The Box
10. Three Stars Collide