Wow. “Skipping Stones”, the new track from Gallant and Jhene Aiko is one of the best tracks of 2016. The Adrian Younge and Stint co-produced “Skipping Stones” has us visualizing MG and TT in the modern era. It’s that accomplished. Red Bull Sound Select will release the modern soul ballad tomorrow, February 5th.
Essex UK rock band Wayde who we liked back in August for their hooky “Eleanor” return with new one “We’re Here”. The track (especially in the verses) builds on the 90’s melodic chaos dynamic explored on “Eleanor” while releasing out into a big loud power chord-driven chorus part that has us doing some radical mid-90’s-inspired head-bobs. We think you’ll like it. Stream “We’re Here” from Wayde below.
“Dreamer” is the title track from a forthcoming new EP by Welsh producer Dellux for MTA Records. “Dreamer” gets its bread on a cool blend of unexpected turns in the production and rhythmic choices (there’s a fidelity to the rhythm tracks that feels new) and a well-pitched bit of atmosphere for the late night club. We like it.
A well-deserving trio is starting to see the national light of day. The Record Company, headed up by Chris Vos, have become major players in the LA scene since their 2011 formation. Just back from a European trek, they’ve toured with such diverse luminaries as Brian Setzer, Buddy Guy, B. B. King, and Social Distortion. They sound fresh, and I think of it as hard, blusey roots-rock. They cite influences from John Lee Hooker to punk bands to the Rollling Stones. You’ve probably heard their tunes on TV over the years. “Off the Ground” is already getting radio love around the country. It’s a grimy mid-tempo track that features Chris’ smooth, deep pipes and slide guitar in front of a killer rhythm section as he prods himself to “pick myself up off the ground.” The Record Company can also rock it uptempo with the best of them and should definitely be seen live. Their Give It Back to You album is out February 12. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.
Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!
We’re into the decadent disco atmospherics, deep vibe-y tropical dance grooves and poignant interludes of metallic percussion on “C’mon Back” the new rhythm-based dance jam from UK vet artist Raw-Artes (recently covered here). Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Get familiar with new-to-B3 LA-based beats-maker, electro producer, and multi-talented musician Goodnight Cody, who describes his signature toy-beats sound (in a vid on FB) as an electronic lullaby. We love his vibrantly cinematic percussion-heavy future-infused vintage 70’s film-noir-vibe hip-hop track “West Adams” (which is a shout out to a neighborhood in South L.A.). Excellent. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
SG Lewis, author of one of 2015’s best songs “Warm”, connects in collaboration with PMR Records labelmate Dornik for coolly funky new track “All Night”. A+++
“More” the debut track from shrouded-in-anonymity newcomers 4am is beautiful. A terrific piece of melodic writing, that bit around 0:16 when the “give me more” turn in the tune first happens is one of those brief moments of magic that makes this whole music blogging thing a bit more worthwhile. We hope that’s a strong enough endorsement of “More”.
Japanese singer in London Rina Sawayama turns in an electric modern R&B makeover of MJ’s “I Wanna Be Where You Are”. Of the cover, which features a (and these are merely reference points as Rina’s voice is pretty singular in our opinion) Jessie Ware/Mariah-esque timbre in the vocals and a instrumental that reminds a bit fidelity-wise of Beyonce’s “Party”, Rina said about its genesis, “Online you can present your best edited self, and bypass lots of the messiness and awkwardness that comes with real human interactions. Your overheating phone substitutes human warmth. Weirdest of all- you’re together, but also very alone”. Stream “Where U Are” below.
Opia are the duo of producer Jacob Reske and guitarist Cole Citrenbaum. The pair met as math and physics majors at Yale and now ply their trade in R&B-driven modern pop. “Falling” excels on Mr. Citrenbaum’s blues/jazz-informed guitar playing which adds a cool texture/layer to a very current sound. Sample “Falling” below.
