Reigniting the anthemic energy of rap and rock with a distorted twist of contemporary observation – one half of LA’s Dual Diagnosis gears up to launch two brand new singles from his upcoming sophomore album, and in the process injects a fearless performative and production edge into the modern scene.
Rebecca Cullen
Ultra Feminist isn’t purely a call out to all feminists, but a personal ode to an artist’s own liberation from a tumultuous and isolating past. It’s a heavy topic, but the song has a certain lightness and positivity to it, which works well to juxtapose the issues within. In other words – If you like the title; you’ll love the song.
Impressively interconnected with its own conceptual implications, A Passing Memory breathes life into the room for only a few moments – a passing memory encapsulated in the delicacy, the vintage crackle, the unfinished nature of the phrase.
It’s a bittersweet contemplation, and the song has been crafted quite perfectly – a catchy hit that calls out with passion and power on behalf of the dreams we fail to achieve; and those we can still go after. Somewhat brave but respectable in its unadulterated honesty – No Mo Money is an absolute hit, and faultlessly delivered.
Unplugged folk warmth from a handful of stringed instruments leads us into the vocal quickness and character of Tague Wilkins – a songwriting storyteller with a unique tone of voice.
Originality and intrigue pave the way for a fascinating and wholly immersive listen. Lithuanian-Canadian multi-instrumentalist and producer Aistis writes and performs with precision and mystique, for the wonderfully engaging, unique yet satisfying single Plateau Botticelli.
Naturally an earworm but also non-intrusive and quite creatively refreshing in everything from production to performance, If u don’t mind appears to almost ignore the sound of the current mainstream in favour of Mikyla Cara’s own artistic identity and musical preference. That authenticity is key, and the humility and heart of If u don’t mind shine brightly in light of it.
Committed to exploring the emotional impact and lasting connection that resounds when distance refuses to break the bonds between lovers, Intertwined relays a personal story of a relationship standing strong in the face of implied difficulty.
Ayomaz is carving out his own lane with tracks like What You Heard, and noting mild similarities to the likes of Post Malone and Juice WORLD, there’s clearly a vast appeal to the sound.
That quality seems rare these days – the skill of rap and writing bars coming second to image and volume in many cases. Here though, in a refreshing turn away from the emo and simple bangers scenes, Too Humble pays tribute to the dawn of Hip Hop, whilst introducing a rightfully calm and collected artist with a clear talent for engaging listeners on the mic.
Piano-led indie pop and breathy vocals depict a contemporary sense of influence amidst a poetic and personal style of writing. Argentinian artist Pilar Victoria, now based in Texas, rises up from intimate and acoustic to anthemic and bold, with the increasingly likable single Headphones.
Raising the pace distinctly since her last few solo releases, the ever-recognisable vocalist and pop powerhouse Veronica Largiu delivers an anthemic EDM single – one that fuses elements of disco and modern dance with her iconic and mighty vocal style.