One of the biggest releases to come out of the Twin Cities this week is the debut full-length from Desdamona and Carnage’s duo project Ill Chemistry — but for the moment, it’s only available to fans living in France, thanks to a release from jazz-heavy label Nato.
Though they’ve been performing together and appearing on one another’s solo records for over a decade, Ill Chemistry is the first time Desdamona and Carnage have shared billing on an album. There are familiar tracks here; anyone who has seen the duo perform has likely heard songs like “Phenom-a-Mama” and “Hustle the Struggle,” but they are presented with a crisp clarity and added nuances. Carnage’s beatboxing, especially, takes on a wider range of dynamics and styles on record, cooling down to a simmer on the delicate “Love at First Write” and giving Desdamona the space to shine.
So the Paris-Minneapolis exchange continues to prosper with Ill Chemistry, who are embarking on a trip to France next week to perform at the Sons d’hiver Festival, and will return in April for a full tour of the country. Those of us back at home, meanwhile, will have to wait a bit longer for a proper release, as Desdamona says she is still figuring out those details. “I would like to do something special, not just a regular release party/show,” she says.