DUVAL TIMOTHY, CARLOS NIÑO — Rain Music LP

Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – rain music LP arrives on Carrying Colour as catalogue CC013, a 12-inch yellow vinyl that sits comfortably within the label’s recent output. The record follows Duval Timothy’s “Help LP” (CC003SPLP, 2026) and “2 Sim” (CC002SP, 2024), extending the label’s focus on forward-thinking beat-craft and jazz-inflected hip-hop. Carrying Colour has been cultivating a niche of experimental hip-hop releases, and this LP continues that trajectory after the earlier Duval Timothy offerings. The presence of both artists suggests a collaborative expansion of the label’s palette, marrying Timothy’s prepared piano sensibility with Niño’s textural production. Side A opens with “assata’s rain (5 49)”, a title that conjures a storm-laden narrative, setting a moody backdrop for the record. It is followed by “loopy (2 51)”, a brief, looping gesture that feels like a ripple after the initial downpour. The third cut, “ideations on rain (ft. Nate Mercereau) (6 09)”, deepens the water motif, its extended run-time allowing ideas to drift and develop. Closing side A, “bellsssswell (4 30)” evokes the resonance of distant bells through rain-slick streets, providing a reflective pause before the flip. Side B begins with “bumpy (3 17)”, a title that suggests a textured, uneven surface, offering a subtle shift in rhythm that keeps the momentum alive. “beautiful, tender, colors (ft. Navy Blue) (3 59)” follows, its lyrical naming hinting at a softer, melodic interlude within the beat-driven flow. The penultimate track, “reallyfeelingthis (6 22)”, extends the set’s emotional arc, inviting a deeper immersion. The record closes with “birds, shells, rivets, keys (6 12)”, a collage of natural and mechanical imagery that rounds out the rain-themed journey with an expansive, almost cinematic feel. Within Duval Timothy’s catalogue, this LP builds on the experimental approach heard on “Help LP” and “2 Sim”, while the partnership with Carlos Niño introduces new textural dimensions. The release sits comfortably among Carrying Colour’s recent beat-focused outings, reinforcing the label’s reputation for nuanced, genre-blurring projects. For DJs, the record offers a range of moods: the atmospheric opening of “assata’s rain” works as an intro or late-night mood setter, while the tighter “loopy” and “bumpy” provide rhythmic hooks for mixing. The collaborative tracks with Nate Mercereau and Navy Blue add vocal-like textures that can be layered over deeper grooves, making the LP a versatile tool for both chillout sets and more kinetic moments. The 12-inch yellow vinyl presents the music in a tactile format that complements its organic themes. The colour choice mirrors the rain-inspired concept, offering a visual cue that aligns with the auditory experience. Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – rain music LP, Carrying Colour, CC013, 12-inch vinyl, 8 tracks. Tracklist: A1. Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – assata’s rain (5 49) A2. Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – loopy (2 51) A3. Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – ideations on rain (ft. Nate Mercereau) (6 09) A4. Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – bellsssswell (4 30) B1. Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – bumpy (3 17) B2. Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – beautiful, tender, colors (ft. Navy Blue) (3 59) B3. Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – reallyfeelingthis (6 22) B4. Duval Timothy & Carlos Niño – birds, shells, rivets, keys (6 12)