After releasing one of 2019’s most satisfying projects, The Donner Party with Deca, producer Neon Brown kicks off his 2020 with a pair of musically and lyrically rich new tracks. They’re part of his limited edition 7-inch record, a release that represents just how diverse and gifted he is as both a producer and curator. It also finds him collaborating with some of his favorite artists.
On the A-Side we find an absolute stunner in “Maintain,” a hard-hitting but hopeful instrumental from Brown alongside Vursatyl (of Lifesavas) and deejay Red C. Both guests have ample opportunity to demonstrate their talents, with Vurs delivering a strong message to listeners as Red C provides a head nodding scratch outro.
“Maintain” also receives an incredible visual component that makes the already-gripping lyrics even more powerful. The video centers on a sleeping young girl who’s awoken by a TV that powers itself on and begins displaying images and video footage of historic black figures from the 1920s and on. It all works alongside Vurs’s rhymes which portray America as a suppressing machine built on racist ideals. The images portrayed are to resemble how America depicts black Americans in society, film, and history. As well, the video showcases historical black Americans who have made a great impact on our country, society, and will continue to influence our future.
The B-Side, “The Light Goes Out,” is equally impressive and includes an appearance from rising San Fran artist Trailer Limon. As he weaves a gripping narrative about a young man on the brink of ending his life, Brown provides a bluesy backdrop that perfectly fits the tone of Limon’s stirring imagery.
To complement the April 3rd vinyl release, Brown is also dropping an instrumental project, L’appel de Vide, which will be available through all DSPs. The title refers to the urge and intrigue to destroy oneself, a concept that represents modern America. Brown structured the project in a way that it plays out like a Greek tragedy—no spoilers here, but we promise there’s no happy ending. On the track, “Love Is Not Lost” you can feel the dichotomy between the album’s tragic premise and the song’s uplifting and romantic connotations.
The two tracks are available now through all digital retailers and streaming platforms, with vinyl pre-orders accessible exclusively through Brown’s Bandcamp page. Only 200 copies will be pressed, where each pre-order will be accompanied with an instant-grat download of L’appel de Vide as an added bonus.
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