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Premiere: AYER – Black Diamond

AYER

Brooklyn’s AYER, the much-lauded project of vocalist Danny Schmittler, today releases the large and immense pop opus “Black Diamond”. While breakout tracks “Young” and “Circle Down” maneuvered within their R&B & electronic music-tinged pop frame with more subtle dynamics and ease of pace; “Black Diamond” aims at and 100% center-splits the target of big, well-constructed, infinitely catchy ambitious pop. From the track’s verses-so-strong they could be choruses to its even more giant refrains, “Black Diamond” is a clear starmaking moment for AYER. Sample the B3 premiere of “Black Diamond” below and look for the track available on iTunes now.

AYER newyork (Soundcloud) (Twitter) (Instagram)

Rating: 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
04-24-14

As Elephants Are – Went Wrong

aselephantsare

“Went Wrong”, the new single from UK band As Elephants Are, is the Buckinghamshire four-piece’s best track to date. Constructed of the components of breakout melancholic UK rock; huge guitar atmospheres fomenting drama, instantly in your head soaring melodies, and just the right amount of incident in the lyric, “Went Wrong” is the caliber of track that given the correct push and exposure could just level and decimate Radio 1 and beyond. As Elephants Are’s “Hand Print”s EP is due May 5th.

As Elephants Are england (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

brown93

reviewed by
04-23-14

Lorde – Tennis Court (Flume Remix)

lorde

As with any Flume-related project, the Aussie beatman’s new remix for Lorde‘s “Tennis Court” is fantastic. What’s more interesting maybe is the idea that is this remix exists or the notion that Lorde’s label (and Lorde who is easily a Top 10 biggest music star in the world right now) would turn to Flume first to add a boost to a lukewarmly performing single. The question then follows; has Flume arrived beyond blogland? Can Flume on the next record crossover/breakout on pop radio? This new remix is, if for visibility’s sake only, a step toward that reality.

Flume australia (Facebook) (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
04-23-14

Premiere: Cousin Matt – Second Heart

Cousin Matt

Cousin Matt is the moniker of a new duo of actual cousins, one called Zach and, yes, one called Matt. From a shared and historic musical lineage (the twosome’s grandfather played trumpet with Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa), Cousin Matt combine a diffuse yet complementary palette as is evidenced on new song “Second Heart” threading together pop, indie, hip hop & R&B into a contemporary melange of standout melody and tunefulness. The intense quality of “Second Heart” is indicative of a very serious talent you need to pay attention. Listen to the B3 premiere of “Second Heart” below and look out soon for a debut EP.

Cousin Matt (Facebook)

Rating 8.5

brown8

reviewed by
04-23-14

TEEMID & Julia – Love At First Sight (Kylie Minogue)

kylie

French producer TEEMID who’s successfully mixed warm/breathy female-led indie-dance covers of popular songs; including favorites like Gnarls’ “Crazy”, Flight Facilities’ “Crave You”, and this new version of one of the 2000’s best pop songs, “Love At First Sight” from Kyle Minogue. Joining TEEMID on the expertly crafted “Love At First Sight” is the comforting vocal of the frontwoman of Scottish act Julia & the Doogans.

TEEMID france (Soundcloud) (Facebook)

Rating 8.6

brown8

reviewed by
04-23-14

Premiere: Chris Batson – A Thousand Pieces

ChrisBatson_Press2_FORWEB

Rising L.A.-based (via Orlando FL) singer Chris Batson‘s writing/producing ably blends the best bits of R&B, dance music and pop. Marrying the spatially expansive sound of contemporary EDM with skilled soul-informed pop songwriting, Batson is adept at creating both the mechanics of memorable alt-R&B as well as a most compelling, highly personal lyrical arc. We’re pleased to present below the premiere of the excellent “A Thousand Pieces” from Chris Batson. p.s. If you’re in L.A., catch Chris at The Bootleg on Friday May 19th.

Chris Batson california (Official) (Twitter)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by
04-22-14