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The Palms – Republic Enemy #1

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On new track “Republic Enemy #1” The Palms blend two sounds we’re rather fond of here at B3, minor keyed UK-bred indie (verse; as in NG could likely have penned that “we are the sun” line that introduces the chorus) and R&B-influenced hook writing (chorus; think the writing architecture of late career Arctic Monkeys). The mix of the sounds which on the surface may seem “weird” is constructed and executed here with some very skilled precision amounting to a highly listenable track. Listen below.

The Palms
(Soundcloud)
Track Reviews
reviewed by
03-11-16

LAUREL – Life Worth Living

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Welcome back, LAUREL. The Southampton-raised songwriter turns in first new track in over six months, “Life Worth Living”. Excerpted from a forthcoming Theia Recordings album release, “Life Worth Living” places emphasis on LAUREL’s power alto and excellent emotive sense with melody. What a track and what a step forward for LAUREL.

LAUREL
(Soundcloud)
Track Reviews
reviewed by
03-11-16

Matt Woods – Ain’t No Use

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“Ain’t No Use”, the return track from Cornwall-bred singer Matt Woods, is an exercise in top class hook writing. The bit at 0:52 where Woods goes into his head voice with “You’re the only thing that keeps me going” is magic. About the track lyrically, Mr. Woods says, “There’s a difference between getting over someone, and choosing to move on from them. The track is about accepting that some people will always have a hold over you no matter how much you’d like them not to.”. Listen to this very strong piece of pop songwriting below, “Ain’t No Use”.

Matt Woods
(Soundcloud)
Track Reviews
reviewed by
03-11-16

The Bay Rays – Four Walls

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Yeah! Kent UK rock band The Bay Rays stream “Four Walls”, the trio’s emphatic debut single. On the track, a kinetic half-time verse gives way to a cool cathartic release in the form of a falsetto-driven minor keyed chorus/break (a hook that’s been knocking around our brains all day). Give “Four Walls” your attention below.

The Bay Rays
(Soundcloud)
Track Reviews
reviewed by
03-10-16

SOFI TUKKER – Hey Lion

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New Yorkers SOFI TUKKER landed on the indie dance/pop map last year with their international hit “Drinkee”. The twosome are back at it on the exotic groove-propelled “Hey Lion” which draws on Brazilian rhythmic influences as well as currents trends in dance music. We’re into all that and we’re into “Hey Lion” which belongs in your ears ASAP.

SOFI TUKKER
(Soundcloud)
Track Reviews
reviewed by
03-10-16

Towkio – G W M (Feat. Vic Mensa)

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Chicago team Savemoney spots up for an ace new collaboration/three-ball between Towkio and Vic Mensa and producers Mr. Carmack and Kenny Segal. The Carmack sound on “G W M” (Gang With Me) is a cool fit around the disparate flows/timbres of Towkio and Vic Mensa. Dagger.

Towkio
(Soundcloud)
Track Reviews
reviewed by
03-04-16

Joe Hertz – Stay Lost (Feat. Amber Simone)

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Ah yes, the perfect bit of soulful/R&B-laced/90’s-y (whatever we’re calling it) indie pop to close out the week is “Stay Lost”, the new track from London-based producer Joe Hertz. Juicebox will release the single next week and we fully intend to be wrapped up in all its soulful charms until at least then. What a track.

Joe Hertz
(Soundcloud)
Track Reviews
reviewed by
03-04-16

Marian Hill – Down

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The B3 Recs alums Marian Hill return today with a spare and cool piano-driven new track in the person of “Down”. A smart minimal piano figure is track’s main engine providing a slick jazz-tinged frame for Sam Gongol’s lilting alto. Welcome back MH.

Marian Hill
(Soundcloud)
Track Reviews
reviewed by
03-04-16

Arthur Moon – Wind Up

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BK sextet Arthur Moon pen a poignant paean to 2016 life, “Wind Up”. Constructed around a restrained rhythm track and bit of keyboard and guitar to add dynamics, “Wind Up” is sobering and sublime mirror modern western society. Check it. We like it.

Arthur Moon
(Soundcloud)
Track Reviews
reviewed by
03-04-16