Jumping Back Slash - "Goodnight You Animal"

Mind the posts. Think twice, it might not be alright.

The advice to readers is simple, really: prevent waking up to find out that the eyes of the world are gazing upon your old social media updates.

Alas, such is the present environment. New era content providers and old format media outlets are at a lack for stories to tell. Some days are simply uneventful. But instead of riding out the wave of inactivity, headlines have been replaced by constant crisis. Worse even, in this meta-nightmare, not even the media is spared. Look no further than the downfall of NBC News Anchor Brian Williams; Jon Stewart's much more voluntary retirement soon followed. But even more surprising was the frenzy whipped up by the latter's replacement before the torch was even passed. Trevor Noah had never been more aware of the value an old tweet can hold.

And while the South African comedian was, perhaps, not the author's first choice to become the face of The Daily Show hope is still maintained that "Dog on Fire" is replaced by a Gqom beat of some sort.

A strong contender can be found below. But while comedy and satire require a deliberate target, the song that follows possesses neither. The mid-tempo to quick house/Gqom track that follows prefers to paint the backdrop on a soundstage instead. Care of Mzansi's Jumping Back Slash "Godnight You Animal,"  the colalge feel is immediate.  Booming percussion - kick/clap in the author's estimation - sets the foundation while a hi-hat break in the background provides smattering of color. A vocal occasionally syncopates. Broad strokes are colored by a thick coating of bass as a light synth provides additional harmony. Melody is maintained by the innocent, toy-like sound of a piano. The song develops nice, partly due to the Intro-A-B-A-bridge-C-B-Outro structure, where A is the head/chorus.

Very good effort that is less minimal than described above. With any hope the song remains available for more than "a little bit."


Notable Mention - Maramza "Nocturnup"

The second feature exists much to the contrary.

Despite also being a number rooted in Gqom and house, "Nocturnup" take different a drastically different approach. Maramza's song, for one, is astonishingly busy. By the author's amateurish count, nearly thirteen elements - although the possibility for a much higher number exists - are heard. Three or four different vocal samples, multiple synthesizers, and the ambient sound of wildlife to boot, no dull moment is heard. The structure (Intro-A-interlude-B-C-D-B-Outro) is dynamic while allowing large sections to develop. Most interesting , however, is the sheer quantity of different drums that are used. Although the track's main draw is the mash-up of the hi-hat/snare/kick beat from trap music, a  rattle, wood block, and hand drums are also heard.

Certifiable banger.

- J.N.

A Noggle Brain Trust, LLP. website