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Track Reviews

Dream Boys – Positive Arguments

dreamboys

L.A.-based and Theodor Adorno-referencing band Dream Boys release new 7″ for White Iris Records. “Positive Arguments” blends the romantic and nostalgic sound palette for late 80’s/early 90’s UK indie with clever lyricism (we should’ve never read Adorno’s collective works either) and modern hooks and songwriting. We dig it.

Dream Boys california (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
10-06-14

Solidisco & Fireflowerz – Unreal

solidisco

A favorite of the nu-disco genre Solidisco is joined by Italo dance champs Fireflowerz for a head-noddin’ new collaboration. “Unreal” is all punch & go from the onset with big electronic hooks and a relentless instrumental pacing the entirety of its 3:49 duration. “Unreal” is out today on Laidback Luke’s Mixmash label.

Solidisco (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
10-06-14

JUDE. – Can’t Breathe

jude

“Can’t Breathe” is the follow-up to Floridian band JUDE’s blog breakthrough “Crystals”. The rhythm-driven “Can’t Breathe” is particularly special for its immediate infectiousness (the track will instantly stick in your head) and its great economy of melody (every note is in its singularly perfect positioning).

JUDE. (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
10-03-14

Gold Fields – Hold Me

goldfieldsholdme

One of our favorite bands on the planet, Gold Fields, is back today with a total mindblower of a return single, “Hold Me”. The new track is focused, large in its arrangement and accessibility while still maintaining the forward-thinking and broad stylistic qualities that GF earned their initial success on. No limit for Gold Fields.

Gold Fields australia (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

reviewed by
10-03-14

RKCB – Elision

rkcb

“Elision” is modern soul perfection from L.A.-based newcomer RKCB. More Maxwell (who himself is a RKCB fan) than “alt R&B”, “Elision” conveys a straightforward no-pretense quality that is, among current indie R&B-related music, rather refreshing. Sample the excellent “Elision” below.

RKCB california (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
10-03-14

Laura Doggett – Moonshine (Jakwob Remix)

lauradoggett

British producer Jakwob brilliantly remixes “Moonshine” from England’s sultry songstress Laura Doggett (who recently debuted her bluesy track “Phoenix”). Jakwob folds Doggett’s maudlin, straightforward vocals and masterful melody in with clangy instrumentals and exquisitely intensifies the mood with a very attractive driving beat. The arrangement is something really quite special. Well done. Reviewed by Erin Shay.

Jakwob england (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

brown8

reviewed by
10-03-14

A$AP Rocky – Multiply (Feat. Juicy J)

asaprocky

The very minimal/menacing “Multiply” is the new single from A$AP Rocky. On “Multiply” A$AP rides a complex but still familiar flow on top a commanding instrumental. We’re into this swerve palette-wise against current mainstream rap (Mustard on the beat hoe) from A$AP Rocky and are very much into “Multiply”.

A$AP Rocky (Official)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
10-03-14

Vanic x K. Flay – Can’t Sleep

kflay

B3 fave Vanic engineers a strong return to the Hypem Chart with new K. Flay collaboration called “Can’t Sleep”. In what adds up to be the perfect boozy/hazy 1 AM dance track, Vanic conjures up a similar winning formula to the much loved “Circles” with machineheart. K.Flay throws the North Shore Chicago attitude up and down the track which in total amounts to a very nice pairing sound-wise between emcee and producer. Reviewed by Brian Litwin

Vanic canada: (Soundcloud)

Rating: 8.7

brown8

reviewed by
10-03-14

GRADES – Crocodile Tears

grades

LDN-based GRADES achieves in the “UK female-vocal 2-step” genre to its highest levels on new one “Crocodile Tears”. A+

GRADES (Facebook)

Rating: 8.8

brown8

reviewed by
10-02-14

Charlie Cunningham – Outside Things

charliecunningham

Spanish guitar-influenced songwriter Charlie Cunningham, our man spent two years studying the instrument in Seville, announces new EP with title track “Outside Things”. The exotic-ness of Charlie’s guitar playing palette is an anchor to “Outside Things” creating a far-off and refreshing take on UK songwriter pop. Sample the soulful “Outside Things” below and look for Charlie Cunningham on tour this month with King Creosote.

Charlie Cunningham (Facebook)

Rating: 8.8

brown8

reviewed by
10-02-14

Idesia – Nu

Idesia

Sometimes the best songs are the ones that surprise. LA-based, electronic-soul band Idesia finds new ways to massage your ears on their recent single “Nu”. The opening drum beat finds me thinking of Radiohead’s “Morning Mr. Magpie”; but then the bass drops, and I’m looking around for Pino Palladino. Still somehow, lead singer Sophie Dimitroff could make even my econometrics homework seductive. By the time the chorus comes around, I am thinking no more. Enjoy “Nu” here, and grab a free download from their bandcamp. Review by Leora Mitzner

Idesia (Bandcamp)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
10-02-14

Aywy. – Voyeur

aywy

Aussie artist Aywy. recenly graced us with the fabulously upbeat and jazzy track “Ascension” (co-created with UK producer Sh?m). Aywy.‘s new project, Persona, is set to release soon and judging by its first track (which hit yesterday) it promises to be one of year 2014’s best . The amazing “Voyeur” is a strong and memorable premier track so irresistably sexy from the gate that you may find it on repeat. Aywy. samples Tinashe’s “2 On” beautifully and efficaciously meshes the angelic muse of her vocals with soft, sensual male vocals and a slow escalating synthy beat; all with a very lovely and quieting result. Review by Erin Shay

aywy australia (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
10-01-14