Happy hardcore tones, progressive house with EDM vocals akin to the dawn of the genre – a euphoric rise and drop, with heartfelt, evocative lyrics and vocals, inspiring and motivational alongside. Producer ROQ1N captures the essence and power of true contrast, with the immense escapism and energy of Demons.
Singles
Visa Anxiety are perhaps unexpectedly cool, somewhat quiet and uncertain, but ultimately uplifting in their careful contrasting of tentativeness and confidence. The band are playfully honest, interesting, and creatively rooted amidst the sounds that get things moving towards the end of a long week. I look forward to hearing more.
Classic songwriting with a vintage twist of organic design to match – Bandtraxs and Frankie Boulter capture the essence and optimism of Christmas, with the re-release of an ageless independent single, called Sorry Baby (Christmas).
Neo-classical power-pop with a cinematic aura and impassioned programmed vocals. VALORE creates from the depths of AI audio-play, with Heart Of Fire providing a bold and uplifting example of the elusive artist’s intent.
Introducing a brief but colourful explosion of instrumental Christmas joy – Flip My Beatz captures a classic melody in a net loaded with trap rhythms and vocal fragments, which naturally gift the sound a fresh sense of style.
Featuring Michelique, and a fine fusion of classic RnB qualities and modern production tools, In Silence (Blue Mix) is smooth, catchy, cool, and naturally addictive.
SC4REAL takes things back to the sharp fluidity and smartness of real rap, with the personal depths and clever, compelling wordplay of DARK KNIGHT.
Achieving the perfect chemistry between ambient, evocative production, and thoughtful, melodic human performance, Tinrex captures a nostalgic electronic vibe, with the immersive and hypnotic FU2.
Spoken word artist Queen Majeeda takes on the depths of grief with poetry, passion, and subtle sound-design, for the initially intimate and ultimately powerful Bye Bye Grief.
Great production and songwriting creatively unites hip hop and alternative pop, as the neo-classical strings and modern beat of Trigger My Aria let Maria Rosa La Kakiee deliver a modest but striking ode to self-preservation.
Big indie alternative vibes light up a strong riff and groove that naturally draws you in. NYC band Why Another capture creative structuring and mood beautifully, with the highs and lows of this deeply confronting, thoughtful and intimate yet colourful new single.
Svartsengi emerges at just the right time it seems, when it can often feel as if music has lost its way, lost its depth, lost its magic. OUTER and Arve Henriksen capture something profound and powerful with this composition and song. The subtle artistry is phenomenal. An easy highlight from the year.