The spotless and sleek mod pop of “Belong” from UK act TENDER does ride with the current of trend of acts like Jungle, Honne, and even Glass Animals (three great bands) but no doubt sounds unique and new too. The “Wicked Game”-esque progression, the cinematic rhythm structures, it all feels very poignant (and excecuted/constructed in a way where it absolutely is).
TENDER (Soundcloud)
New promising LA producer/singer-songwriter talent Wavz captivates our attentions with his dreamy high-brow lyrics on new stunning-beauty track “Mondrian” a sublimely catchy thoughtfully-written guitar-drenched mellow-charmer which we love for its profoundly-subtle beautifully-abstract artistic references and stand-out singsongy clever-hooked emotion-loaded quiet-shout vocals. Awesome tune! Reviewed by Erin Shay.
WAVZ (Soundcloud)
NVDES are back today with a new track in the form of the World-tinged sounds of “Fela”. A cool blend of Latin American/African-styled rhythm structures and indie melodic sensibilities “Fela” is an immediate modern pop jolt that we love.
NVDES (Soundcloud)
“Help Me On My Way” is the second preview track from Gloucestershire UK brother-sister duo Rob and Katy Peterson a/k/a Ardyn’s forthcoming debut EP. “Help Me On My Way”, which follows maiden single “Universe”, is a mighty indie pop statement of intent built on a big/anthemic set of melodies that unmistakable XL acoustic guitar/bass chug and an overall sonorousness that is as magnetic as its familiar. Ardyn’s “Universe” EP is out November 13 on National Anthem.
Ardyn (Soundcloud)
Ooh, quite like this one a lot. “Soree” is brand new from L.A. singer Marz Leon. “Soree” catches a quiet after hours feel (replete with 3 A.M. synths and lines of sax wafting in and out of the mix) capturing a potency and focus that we really like and that is immediately magnetic.
Marz Leon (Soundcloud)
We fell for the lavish instrumentals and well-executed Latin-flavor horn flourishes of “Sometime” a disco-tempered house collaboration from Portland producer/DJ Dallas Cotton and Brooklyn musician/producer duo Brasstracks. We’re still totally into Brasstrack’s signature bold and upbeat instrumental barrage of brassy sound on their amazing horn-characterized remix of “Dance on Me” the refreshingly flippant-forward vocals-centered song from B3-fave VA-based versatile trend-bent emcee/vocalist Goldlink (who we just discussed for his awesome vocals on the superbly wrought rhythmic-melodic hip-hop-inspired r&b-lustered smash hit Benny Sings single “You and Me”). Reviewed by Erin Shay.
GoldLink (Soundcloud)
Texas singer-songwriter Johnny Stimson (who we featured back in 2014 for his excellent and inventive synth-tinged new-funk jam “Obsession”) turns out a new technicolor-synth-framed vocal stunner “Easy” which we think makes an excellent soulfully-vibrant radio-ready reemergence for the genre-skipping rising-star talent. Great song! Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Johnny Stimson (Facebook)
Los Angeles-based BISHOP makes a strong debut on eclectic pop track “Wild Horses”. Set on an axis of a big trap-influenced chorus juxtaposed to a midtempo acoustic instrumental, the disparate styles on “Wild Horses” synch together in a very powerful/head-turning way. Strong track.
BISHOP (Soundcloud)
Quite possibly my favorite track of this week is the stunning “Found Someone” from Tasty Treat featuring Tribes. The bit from the start to about 1:30 that’s this crazy melange of jazzy pianos, very subtly trap-tinged beats and Tribes’ heart-shredding vocal is so so good. On repeat 24/7.
Tasty Treat (Soundcloud)
“Take”, the new collaboration between KHAI and vocalist CYN has the component parts (big anthemic chorus, magnetic vocal boy-girl vocals, instrumentally new/progressive/different arranging) to be a major breakthrough for both artists. Listen below.
KHAI (Soundcloud)
