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Track Reviews

Laurel – Shells

laurel

Turn First-signed artist Laurel (the label also home to Iggy Azalea, Dan Croll & Jack Garratt), is tremendous on newest single “Shells”. The first track since her To The Hills EP release in April, “Shells” the track has its genesis in an acoustic-driven track written when the now 19-year old was 17. Buoyed up by subtle strings and a best of current UK bass beat, “Shells” stands out as a superior effort from Laurel.

Laurel england (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by
06-18-14

Premiere: EVVY – Got Me Movin

EVVY promo_Photo by Jen Painter

NY-based newcomer EVVY makes her B3SCI debut with the impressive pop of “Got Me Movin”. The follow-up to the great “Haze” and produced by Mickey Valen (AYER, Noosa) & The King, “Got Me Movin” is built on a rudder of airtight hip hop beats and is bolstered by instant & infectious summery synth textures and melodic pop hooks. Enjoy the B3 Premiere of the excellent “Got Me Moving” and look for a new single from EVVY coming in two weeks called “Collide”.

EVVY newyork (Official) (Facebook) (Twitter)

Rating 8.0

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reviewed by
06-17-14

Elder Island – The Big Unknown

eldersland

“The Big Unknown” is the second track from hotly tipped rhythm pop act Elder Island upcoming self-titled debut EP. Relevant to 2014 in sound while still maintaining a mainly singular style, “The Big Unknown” is a nicely executed combination of genres within the context of an A+ tune. July 28 is the date to know for the Elder Island EP on Four Thieves Records.

Elder Island england: (Soundcloud)

Rating: 8.5

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reviewed by
06-16-14

Phoria – Efforttobreathe

phoria

The impressive Phoria follow up the great “Undone” with another superlative track with the ethereal and obtuse (and no spaces) “Efforttobreathe”. Phoria’s “Display” EP is out now on X Novo.

Phoria england (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by
06-16-14

GEMS – Scars

gems

The great DC twosome GEMS continue to keep their output quality at a very high level on new single “Scars”. A bit more direct both melodically and thematically, and operating in a space somewhat more terrestrial (much of the band previous output is quite dreamy), “Scars” succeeds on a number of levels – but maybe most importantly it reveals a band able to jump styles while keeping the writing caliber high. <3 U GEMS.

GEMS (Official)

Rating 8.4

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reviewed by
06-12-14

Nick Hakim – Cold

hakim

Hakim, who wow’d us earlier in the year with the stunning “Pour Another”, impresses again with the wonderfully soulful “Cold”. If the great D’Angelo were releasing music in 2014, we reckon the wistful organ-driven “Cold” might would sound right in league with Mr. Archer’s (much sought for) hypothetical oeuvre. It also means “Cold” is a really great song. Nick Hakim’s s/t debut EP is out July 14th on Earseed Records.

Nick Hakim (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.4

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reviewed by
06-11-14

Tinashe – 2 On (UNiiQU3 Remix)

uniiqu3

You kids like Jersey Club? Don’t ask us to decide – but this new Tinashe “2 On” mix by Newark’s UNiiQU3 (who’s The New Klassiks mixtape is also great) in the style of Jersey Club is close to flawless. Give it your ears below.

UNiiQU3 newjersey (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.0

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reviewed by
06-10-14

Isaac Delusion – Pandora’s Box

isaacdelusion

The exceptional “Pandora’s Box” highlights the self-titled debut LP from French band Isaac Delusion. Sounding a bit of a Francophone more direct Kings of Convenience, Isaac Delusion mix layered, straight to the gut/feet rhythms and pop-sensible tunefulness in a manner that is instantly magnetic. Isaac Delusion is available for purchase now on Cracki Records. (HD)

Isaac Delusion france (Facebook)

Rating 8.6

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reviewed by
06-10-14

Midland – Before We Leave

midland2

Midland the cinematic house project of producer Harry Agius. The London-based Agius’ latest track is the string-driven, should be the soundtrack to a car-chase, deep house of “Before We Leave”. The single edition of “Before We Leave” is set for a July release via Phonica White.

Midland england: (Soundcloud)

Rating: 8.5

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reviewed by
06-10-14

Nacey – I Own It (Feat. Angel Haze)

nacey

Producer/Guitarist for Misun Nacey rings up a strong single with the Angel Haze-featuring “I Own It”. A sharp mix of Mad Decent-styled bounce and pop radio-relevant hooks, the way fun “I Own It” is simply excellent. Look for “I Own It” out now on Casablanca Records.

Nacey (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.4

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reviewed by
06-09-14

Astronauts – Skydive

astronauts

Astronauts is the solo project of ex-Dark Captain Light Captain singer Dan Carney. “Skydive”, the new venture’s lead single is a neatly executed merger of modern low-touch electronic beats and folk musicality tied up in beautiful compact sets of vocal and instrumental melodies. Hollow Ponds, the debut record from Astronauts, is out July 21 on Lo Recordings.

Astronauts england: (Soundcloud)

Rating: 8.5

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reviewed by
06-09-14

Premiere: Disclosure – Latch (StéLouse & Curious Kontrol Flip)

stelousedisclosure

Just in time for the latest in recycled Sam Smith features to get pushed at American radio in trying to break the talented Englishman; the fast rising and friend of B3 producer StéLouse (with an assist from UK producer Curious Kontrol) debuts a fresh & robust new flip of “Latch”. Replete w/ beefed up drums and fortress-like synth patches, SteLouse & Curious Kontrol outfit “Latch” with enough newness and reinvention to make a serious play for big room summer playlists. Check our premiere of SteLouse and Curious Kontrol’s remix of “Latch” below.

StéLouse colorado (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

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reviewed by
06-09-14