Italian producer Favulous tries on a vibe-y, molasses-bathed stylistic update for Lapalux’s “Without You” with standout results. A++++
Favulous 
(Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.3
Italian producer Favulous tries on a vibe-y, molasses-bathed stylistic update for Lapalux’s “Without You” with standout results. A++++
Favulous (Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.3
Swedish buzz twosome Say Lou Lou, who broke out on blogs last year with the great “Julian”, release today with “Peppermint” a spacious and cinematic synth-pop paean that is the b-side to current single “Everything We Touch”.
Say Lou Lou 
(
New York bliss pop band The Landing who broke-out at the end of last year with the Hype Machine-topping “Anxieties” debut today the immediately infectious “Pale Blue”. Styled around a warm summery synth-driven instrumental, “Pale Blue” picks up straight away where “Anxieties” left off in terms of both caliber and accuracy of pop construction. Sample below the B3 Premiere of “Pale Blue” and look for the “We Are” EP out digitally on May 13th. P.S. If you’re in New York, The Landing play Littlefield in Brooklyn on the 22nd.
The Landing 
(Soundcloud) (Facebook)
Rating 8.8
The newest signee to Duly Noted Records (IYES, The Night IV) is Brighton UK’s J. Tropic and their sooth & b dance-y “Love Up”.
J. Tropic 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
One of Usher’s best assets and a contributor to his longevity is his ability to credibly adapt to changing styles in urban and pop music. “Good Kisser” is Mr. Raymond’s latest stylistic iteration and while its elements of construction are both interesting and relevant (the fat jazzy/Pharrell-esque/almost Curtis Mayfield-like rhythmic elements are quite cool) and ultimately quite listenable the execution (and really lack of a memorable primary hook) will likely limit its ceiling as a hit.
Usher 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4938
The current love affair between Canadian Ryan Hemsworth and Aussie Wave Racer is creating waves on the internet. Flipping each other’s tracks (Ryan remixing “Streamers” and Wave Racer making vibey “Ryan Must Be Destroyed”) is not only a smartest move for both young DJ/producers, but also a huge win for the listener. Listen to both below. Reviewed by Brian Litwin.
Wave Racer 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.3
London UK-based KHUSHI, author of in the last twelve months of two of indie pop’s most dynamic and unique singles “Magpie” and “Phantoms”, previews a new track from his forthcoming “Phantoms” EP in the form of the romantic spiraling sounds of “In The Sun”.
KHUSHI (Facebook)
Rating 8.3
Aussie songwriter/indie pop impresario PJ Wolf a/k/a Thief, who’s playful (and a little bit of an anthem) “Closer” was one of our favorite tunes of last fall, turns in an inventive rhythmically re-rinsed cover of a more than likely musical kindred spirit Justin Timberlake and one of the greatest songs of the 00’s (and probably of all time) “Cry Me a River”. Turn up the B3 Premiere of Thief’s take on “Cry Me a River” below.
Thief (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
London-based Laura Groves’ demo for “Friday” is highlighted by a spectacularly emotive and expert series of melodic lines. The piano-driven track’s cohesive turns of tune of mood are particularly special. Do not miss.
Laura Groves (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
Aussie outfit Heavy Steps released the melodic nu-R&B of single “Flamingo” back in March but it’s new to us now c/o of IS. Heavy Steps’ s/t debut EP is out now.
Heavy Steps (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
The great Sivu’s latest track is a carefully crafted blend of delicate bedroom beats and the UK singer’s lovely melodic stairstepping washed with one of the best falsettos in the game right now. Of the lyrical content of the song Sivu had this to says, “it’s about being grateful for where you are now, if you could’ve seen yourself today at the age of 16.”. Listen.
Sivu (Facebook)
Rating 8.3
UK chart staple Naughty Boy teams with new Roc Nation-signee Romans on the no doubt British #1 “Home”. Sort of akin to the ballad wizardry past collaborator Sam Smith is peddling these days, “Home” sits squarely in that soulful, longing, big hooks zone that performs so well on UK charts.
Naughty Boy (Twitter)
Rating 8.3
