The Public’s weekly local music reviews and previews.

Album:    bendyface by Illusive  Recommended if you like:   Danny Brown, Vince Staples, Earl Sweatshirt

“Weed over alcohol all day” is the Chronic Illusive’s motto, I guess you could say. Part of hip hop group the Chronic Collective, rapper Illusive has just released his solo album, bendyface. The 12-track album features the lead single “Palpitation.” The video for “Palpitation” is pretty much the antithesis of a D.A.R.E. video as the braggadocious rapper airs out his favorite substances in no particular order. The album falls on the experimental end of the hip hop spectrum with low-key, almost hypnotic beats punctuated by Illusive’s unorthodox yet compelling flow on tracks like “Introvert” and “Birdcage,” which features Buffalo hip hop veterans WZA and Short Moscato. 

Single:    “Delayed” by White Shade  Recommended if you like:   DIIV, Mac DeMarco, Real Estate

The new single from Buffalo indie rock band White Shade is a fuzzy jangle-rock tune. Layered guitars from band leader Matt Sacha drive the track, which features cover art, a photo of the Fairmont Creamery in downtown Buffalo, shot and edited by Sacha as well.