In a time where electronic music gets harder and faster each day, Berlin-based duo Brigade’s debut album Hard Times, Soft Music reclaims easy listening as a badge of honor. The record is a meticulously calibrated work of room temperature, a home cooked meal between friends or a warm sonic blanket that tugs you in after a rainy day. Pushing their club roots to the side, Brigade’s debut album sits between ambient, house, and hip-hop. “We took the pandemic as a cue to take a break from dance floor productions and play around with different genres and production styles.” The first single “International CommunicationTM” showcases that breadth and introduces an album pretty much anyone in the post-Shrek cultural landscape could agree on. Basically, if you appreciate a good hug, chances are you’ll enjoy this album. Also, there’s a pretty cute dog on the cover.