Track Reviews Archives - Page 87 of 562

Brent Faiyaz – Allure (Atu Remix)

We recently enjoyed the engrossing acid trap meld of electro tune “3”, a brightly-enveloping dynamic-opposite-layered triple-talent-packed collaboration between B3 watch list instrumental-electro beat-maker/mood-setters DPAT, atu and Sango. We are enchanted with the latest collaboration between two artists from this crew, atu and Sango (who plays drums on the track). A remix of Brent Faiyaz’s sultry ambient slow-burner “Allure” the new tune (produced by atu) is a colorful combo of vibrant percussion, grounding beats and subtle melodic keyboard touches. We like how atu artfully maintains the track’s original experimental-r&b pause-heavy atmospheric sentiments. Great remix. Reviewed by Erin Shay.

Atu (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-19-16

Rave’s Fave: The Last Shadow Puppets – Bad Habits

In the Mix Rave's Faves Rock

When the Coachella lineup was announced, a major highlight for me was that The Last Shadow Puppets would be part of the lineup. This of course is the collaboration of Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys and Miles Kane. You aren’t onto Miles? The UK knows him real well from his solo and group work, and he’s under-appreciated here in the US. If you’ve heard the 2008 album The Age of the Understatement from these guys, “Bad Habits” will surprise you. It’s got a quirky groove, horns, and vocals not so much in the familiar style of either Alex or Miles. They were crushing it live last time they toured the US, so expect the same this time around. Their new full-length album is recorded and is expected to drop this spring. 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!

Last Shadow Puppets (Youtube)

reviewed by b3

01-19-16

Rationale – Something For Nothing

Pop Track Reviews

Last year we fell for the passionate vocals of East London-based producer-vocalist Rationale on his excellent debut “Fuel To The Fire” EP (which featured B3 covered tracks “Re.Up” and “Fast Lane”). Get into the Zimbabwe-born artist’s latest vocals-led gem “Something for Nothing”; which sports a stunning combination of bass grooves, disco accents, and catchy hooked vocals. We think the inspiring vocally-emotive “Something For Nothing” is Rationale’s best track to date. Incredible style. Reviewed by Erin Shay.

Rationale (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-19-16

Us and It – We Are Not Afraid

Electronic Track Reviews

Leeds UK artist Us and It (a.k.a. Wolf Cub or Lawrence Nash) woos us with a superbly cinematic multi-dimensional sound-scape called “We Are Not Afraid”. A robust mosh of diverse instrumentals paired with a terrific dancehall sample, the new track exudes a sweet chemistry among its many elements (from tribal drums and blaring horns to beats, strings, and a beautiful Chopin(!)-derived keyboard melody). You will find the track on Us and It’s newly released “The Bombs Of – INSERT HERE” EP (out via new label Permahigh). We love it. Reviewed by Erin Shay.

Us And It (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-19-16

Premiere – Billie Eilish – Ocean Eyes (GOLDHOUSE Remix)

Pop Premiere Track Reviews

Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes” was one of our favorite debut tracks of 2015 (really one of our favorite songs of the year) so we’re doubly stoked to B3 Premiere this vibe-y new electro-pop remix that we love from Chicago producer GOLDHOUSE. Enjoy below.

Billie Eilish (Soundcloud)

GOLDHOUSE (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-19-16

Kehlani – Did I

Soul Track Reviews

The Oakland native, Kehlani, had a breakout 2015 and was just nominated for a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album off of a mixtape. The project is titled You Should Be Here and has continued to fuel the Kehlani flame with a constant run of 10/10 new music releases. The most recent being “Did I”. Reviewed by Jake Goldstein.

Kehlani (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-19-16

Mayer Hawthorne – Cosmic Love

Soul Track Reviews

Mayer Hawthorne announces new LP for Vagrant Records and shares single “Cosmic Love”. For the track, Mayer’s classic soul inspiration pendulum has swung more into the direction of the mid-70’s, as “Cosmic Love” takes it time in communicating a retro-atmosphere-soaked melodic narrative straight from 1975 AM Radio. Get “Cosmic” w Mr. Hawthorne below.

Mayer Hawthorne (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-15-16

Slackin’ Beats – Pra Você

Electronic Track Reviews

We’re fond of the warm and summery Brazilian sunset lounge-inspired aesthetic of Slackin Beats (who had a great remix of 2015 stand out NoMBe track “California Girls”). We recommend the Swedish producer’s sensational new Latin vibe dance track “Pra Você”, which means “for you” in Portuguese. The track, which features sunny metallic drum accents and a sweeping synth line, is out exclusively via Stockholm collective Slackin Crew (presumably his own label). Awesome tune. Reviewed by Erin Shay.

Slackin’ Beats (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-15-16

Charlotte Day Wilson – After All

Soul Track Reviews

“After All” is the A+ debut track from Toronto singer (and songwriter, Day wrote and produced “After All”) Charlotte Day Wilson. A cool mix of Rhodes-driven introspection and soft-touch percussion and Ms. Wilson’s stunning alto, “After All” floored us immediately. So so good. Listen.

Charlotte Day Wilson (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-15-16

Beach Baby – Sleeperhead

Rock Track Reviews

B3SCI Records alums Beach Baby knock out another very strong single, “Sleeperhead”. Constructed instrumentally on what’s become sort of the band’s calling card; phased guitars, dynamic and slightly swerve-y harmonies and big-sounding drums/rhythm track “Sleeperhead” follows the also very good “Limousine” from the Fall. BB will playing dates in the UK in February and March with Sundara Karma which you can peruse below.

Jan 16th Leeds Superfriends, Headrow House
Jan 19th London Old Blue Last
Feb 23rd Bristol Thekla
Feb 24th Paris La Maroniquinerie (FRWRKS Festival)
Feb 25th Southampton Talking Heads
Feb 26th Bath Moles Club
Feb 27th Brighton Patterns
Feb 28th Cambridge The Portland Arms
Feb 29th Glasgow King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
March 1st Edinburgh Sneaky Pete’s
March 2nd Newcastle Think Tank
March 4th Manchester Manchester Gorilla
March 5th Sheffield The Leadmill
March 6th Leeds The Wardrobe
March 7th Nottingham Rescue Rooms
March 8th Birmingham Rainbow Venues
March 9th Norwich Waterfront
March 10th London Dingwalls
March 11th Reading Sub89
May 19-21 Brighton The Great Escape Festival

Beach Baby (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-15-16

BLV – My Girl (Roman Kouder Remix)

Electronic Track Reviews

We recently featured French rising star producer Roman Kouder for his dynamic Patawawa-assisted nu-disco club jam “Fly”. We’re soaking up his latest glam-effects-tinged disco-energetic spin on track “My Girl” (feat. Stuart Parmley) by fellow Parisian artist BLV (released last month). Reviewed by Erin Shay.

Flamingosis (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-15-16

Lionlimb – Domino

Rock Track Reviews

Lionlimb will release their debut LP Shoo for Bayonet Records on March 4th. Great new track “Domino” dips a touch into the melodic well of Elliott Smith while showing off a new beefed up and varied sound (electric organs, horn arrangements, etC) from the band that we like. Get into “Domino” below.

Lionlimb (Soundcloud)

reviewed by b3

01-15-16