Conceptually personal in its intimacy and contemplation, there’s something also quite familiar about these reflections and ideas – as well as about the instrumental build. We approach the mid-section and the track switches gears entirely – a new leading riff, a clear vocal passion and grit, and an overall sense of sudden hard-rock inspiration to really bring home the changing emotions of the song.
Rebecca Cullen
An easy three chord strum, a vocal depth that’s distinct and calming, with short lines that follow a simple and memorable thread of melody – Check is an ode to the sheer pleasure of making music for a living.
Intertwining political integrity and conscious bars both confronting and personal, Smoke&Bones essentially achieves a fine balance between the sheer confidence of Hip Hop and the more purposeful undertones of independent rap and songwriting that stands the test of time.
A stunning example of the songwriting and musicianship, the vocal prowess, that Robert Tepper effortlessly presents – Time Just This Time is a catchy yet unconfined and timeless hit, a reverb-kissed ode to a simpler era in music, but a powerful and cinematic gem in its own right. Beautifully done.
A progressive journey but one well-rooted by the unmistakable vocal hook and character found throughout, Symmetry is perhaps Coda Nova’s most ambitious track yet, a quirky exploration of particle physicists who find themselves in deep water, and an instrumental explosion that’s immense; but the band have mastered that process
Built around a refreshingly simple yet increasingly fast-paced beat, Reality leads with good vibes from the outset, and depicts a leading rapper with a clear story to tell and a series of from-the-heart reflections to shine light on.
“I think rap right now is in a bit of a transitional period. There’s so many great artists, but I do think it’s waiting to see who’s gonna be the next stars for this next decade.”
The minimalism of Slide It lets the programmed qualities of the voice feel a little more exposed, striking up interest in the real thing – the live performance possibilities. There’s a mysterious AI tone to much of the project, but only time will tell. Alli Cazaam is definitely memorable in both name and style.
Get inspired and awakened, feel better about your day, and be prepared for more than a few sneaky earworms. Mind 3cho celebrates the wonders of the world, through fantastic songwriting and often sublime lyrical prowess, with this unique roller-coaster of an EP.
Three new releases from UAE creative producer Sarah R Jay continue to showcase the diversity and depth of her sound. Crossing the Tempest and 300 Fallen Heroes mark two new cinematic instrumentals, and both will be accompanied by EDM remixes in the very near future.
Featuring the additional talents of Rick del Castillo, Hello Houston is an upbeat earworm at its core – a timeless kind of Bruce Springsteen-inspired ode to the melodic and distorted passion of rock from a simpler era.
Composer Ube Palomino captures the imaginative freedom of instrumental expression, with the uniquely evocative, intimate to cinematic arrangements of The Hinterlands Suite.