Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma

As we mentioned recently, the "wonky" hip hop scene is really coming into its own, with amazingly accomplished releases this past month by Kuedo and Illumsphere. The artist seen by many as the master of this style, Flying Lotus, has a new album coming out in May 2010, and Radio One DJ Gilles Peterson was kind enough to play a couple tracks off the LP on his show recently.

Of course, it's easy to be prone to hyperbole when it comes to Flying Lotus, given his past accomplishments, his Coltrane lineage, etc, but if these cuts are any indication, his new album "Cosmogramma" could outpace even the ridiculously high standard set by his last release. The first track is a much more uptempo, in your face type deal than your typical FlyLo groove, and has a bit more electronic influence as well. Almost as if Flying Lotus has been checking out UK artists like Rustie and Hudson Mohawke, who were themselves influenced by his production work, and returning the favor. Check out the tracks below and decide for yourself.

In addition to the upcoming LP, Warp Records recently announced Flying Lotus will be playing a number of live dates this year. According to the label, "FlyLo returns to the live arena in March with a brand new show, sure to be brimming with all the ingenuity and energy that has been winning over crowds worldwide. Highlights include Brainfeeder at Fabric, London (named after his LA-based label) with a Lotus-curated line-up of the freshest bass music including Hyperdub head Kode9, J Rocc, Daedelus, Nosaj Thing, Martyn, Dorian Concept, The Gaslamp Killer and more. Plus a newly announced Warp showcase at SXSW alongside labelmates Hudson Mohawke, Born Ruffians, Nice Nice and Pivot."

As if that weren't enough, he'll be touring the States opening for no less than Thom Yorke's new band, Atoms For Peace. The two bands will be playing gigs at the New York Roseland Ballroom, Boston Citi Wang Theatre, Chicago Aragon Ballroom and Oakland Fox Theatre in early to mid April.