SUPER DUTY TOUGH WORK’S PARADIGM SHIFT EXTENDED, OUT TODAY VIA NEXT DOOR RECORDS, FEATURES INSTRUMENTAL TRACKS OF THEIR LATEST LP, ALBUM B-SIDE “WATERSHEDDING”, AND TWO TRACKS FROM THEIR DEBUT EP, STUDIES IN GREY
WATCH / SHARE ‘MAKING OF PARADIGM SHIFT’ DOCUMENTARY
LISTEN / SHARE “QUIET STRENGTH” (INSTRUMENTAL) HERE
BUY / STREAM PARADIGM SHIFT EXTENDED HERE
PHOTO CREDIT : Adam Kelly // DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES
Today, Winnipeg’s Super Duty Tough Work is releasing the extended version of their 2023 mission statement-esque debut full-length Paradigm Shift. Available everywhere, Paradigm Shift Extended expands on that thought by releasing the full instrumental version of the record, accompanied by one b-side, “Watershedding”, and two previously released tracks from their debut record, Studies in Grey.
The group is also pulling back the curtain and sharing the behind-the-scenes documentary, ‘Making Of Paradigm Shift’. “It’s interesting to watch this documentary now, as it was shot almost 3 years ago,” notes Brendan Grey. “It definitely captures the feeling and vibe of those particular moments. It’s pretty pure in some regards. It’s funny to reflect on that time now, given how much time has passed and how some things have changed, within the world and within the group. Glad we were able to capture all that at that time because, as I said on ‘Watershedding’, ‘things will never be the same’.”
WATCH / SHARE ‘MAKING OF PARADIGM SHIFT’ DOCUMENTARY
MORE ABOUT PARADIGM SHIFT EXTENDED
Switching focus from the lyrics to the music, the instrumental record offers listeners a chance to really absorb the rhythmic and harmonic ideas laid down by the band, because this is a band after all. The static-heavy syncopation of drummers Brendan Grey and Kevin Waters, with low-end support of bassist Ashley Au, only to be further embellished by bursts of sax and guitar from Olivier Macharia and Gaby Ocejo, is at the forefront of this release, as listeners are led to embrace the often overlooked foundations for the searing commentary that typically dominates Super Duty reviews.
In addition to the instrumental tracks, a lost cut from the Paradigm Shift sessions is featured. “Watershedding” is a smooth yet haunting, forward-moving yet relaxed offering, filled in typical Super Duty Tough Work fashion with sparse yet tasteful staticky piano and lyrics so layered, you’ll be looking for the footnotes to catch every reference. Navigating a new era, “Watershedding” finds frontman Brendan Grey drawing on the past as he tries to make sense of the present, lamenting on everything from mind reading algorithms and corporations supporting genocide, to the effect all of the above has on one’s psyche. Yet despite the despair, Grey maintains his wit (“My style is like the Black Adder meets the Black Panthers”), his focus (“Each move made with a purpose, stay watching like closed circuits…”) and his commitment to his listeners and the art (“So when I rhyme it’s sincerely yours”), all while continuing to show that he is the master of paying homage to his influences and citing his sources.
References to Clyde Stubblefield and James Brown are particularly poignant, as the drums on this cut (played by Grey) are caught somewhere between quintessential Stubblefield (think Funky Drummer) and a more contemporary J Dilla stutter. The crunchy keys and muffled bass are accentuated by the supremely tasteful guitar playing of JUNO Award winning jazz guitarist Joceyln Gould, and the airy vocal harmonies of Afro-Iraqi musician Ahmed Moneka, who’s voice is distant yet felt, positioned and mixed to sound more like a sample from an old record, than a live recording. Static, piano loops, thumbing kick drums, trashy hi-hats, no real chorus, hopelessness, optimism and of course, a Nas reference?! Sounds like Super Duty Tough Work.
LISTEN / SHARE “WATERSHEDDING ” HERE
LISTEN / SHARE “MOOD SWINGS (INSTRUMENTAL)” HERE
PARADIGM SHIFT EXTENDED ARTWORK // DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES
BUY / STREAM PARADIGM SHIFT EXTENDED HERE
SUPER DUTY TOUGH WORK ON TOUR
June 22 Africa Oye Liverpool UK
July 10 The Horn St Alban's UK
July 13 Mostly Jazz Birmingham UK
July 17 Lefty's Well Whitehorse YK
July 18-22 Dawson City Music Fest YK
Aug 2-4 Arts Wells Festival Wells BC
