Umpire Brolesque

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“One Of These Days” (feat. Michael Nhat)

Jesus this one was a bear to get right but it was totally worth it.  For those not in the know, Michael Nhat is one of the current era’s great alternative rappers.  Insanely imaginative, prolific and biting.  Of course, this put the pressure on me to not blow it with the song he was featuring on (also, we collaborated on the beat).  I think 8 versions of this have existed or something like that and there’s a bunch of stuff that’s technically pretty difficult.  The guitar under his fast verse took ~100 takes to get myself happy with.  The vocal on the accelerando took close to 100 takes and the instrumental took a couple iterations until I eventually figured out a transition (subbass synth via soundprism) that I liked.  The choruses I’m pretty sure I suffered ego loss inside of at least once.

Anyhow, if you like this one, Michael just dropped a new album that’s really good.  Last I checked, he also has DVDs of “Dishes,” an experimental film he recently finished.  Hit him on his official facebook page for those.

Oh, and you can stream our album or download it for free.

Also, he just dropped a new video.

“Spine” (Official Video) by Umpire Brolesque

Just finished this the other day, vids for “Privilicious” and “Matthew Broderick Versus The Army” are forthcoming.

“Blackballed” by Umpire Brolesque

My delivery isn’t usually this mellow and Lee isn’t usually this vulnerable.  Enjoy the change of pace, fuckers.

Stream/Download.

“Respect My Hennessey” (feat Toby and The JDA) by Umpire Brolesque

Oh shit, son!  Posse cut time.  Toby’s verse on this still gives me chills.  The JDA makes me real happy as well.  

Stream the record here.  Download here.

Also, I did a whole record with Toby last winter.

Video for “Spine” is done!

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“Model Airplane” by Umpire Brolesque

Here it is, the continent spanning, hyper-abstract yet heart-on-sleeve piano ballad where I shout out everything from Aztec Sky Snakes to Utz Crab Chips to Pokemon to the “Happy Foot/Sad Foot” sign and wind up pulling a dagger out of my own heart that’s been there for 7+ years.

Download

Stream

Official Video

Live Video

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“Bedhead” by Umpire Brolesque

Easily one of my favorite songs I’ve ever done.  The plan was to weld the chaotic rush of a skramz record to the verbal ping-pong of Busdriver with enough warped pop and loose clots of post-punk in the beast’s veins to keep it from completely leaving the rails.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have to fight for this one, but I totally love it even after hundreds of listens.  

You want a concession to conventional rap?  I’ll concede by breaking character long enough to make a boast:  This is where shit is going next.  Start inventing the adjectives to do it justice now.

Here’s the video we made for it.

Here’s the live version.

Download the album here or stream it here.

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Umpire Brolesque- “Ridley”

Why did I build a 3-song Metroid+”Shakey Dog” +Hurt Locker via noise rock arc into the record?  The better question is why wasn’t anyone else creative enough to do it with theirs.  This is why most rap bores me.

Clickthrough to stream or here to download.

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“Spine” by Umpire Brolesque

This was the first song that Lee and I wrote together (If I’m recalling correctly).  Fairly simple in terms of arrangement (the bass is a midi drumtrack with the instrumental switched to a sub-bass sound).  Look for more offset ringmod drums later because I like those.  Video for it will hopefully be out next Tuesday.

Clickthrough to stream or click here to download.