Former Battles frontman Tyondai Braxton has unveiled the second official single from his upcoming solo album HIVE1. Available below, it’s much more tentative than the previously leaked “Scout1,” which makes sense; while the latter brings the record to a restless close, “Gracka” leads things off by dipping its toes in a cascading series of handclaps, clipped vocals and softly chewed synth lines.
“‘Gracka’ is a nickname for my wife Grace and it reminds me of her,” Braxton explained in a press release. “The piece emulates her always surprising, always beautiful spirit and down to earth nature.”
Montreal fans will be able to catch the Canadian premiere of HIVE—the performance art piece that inspired Braxton’s album—on May 30th at the annual MUTEK Festival. A site-specific installation will also be introduced as part of a New York residency at The Kitchen from June 4th through the 6th. For now, have a listen to the LP’s first two singles, and look out for the rest through Nonesuch on May 12th…
