Simple yet striking production from Young X again backs the flow and character of Unk Da Chef with faultless precision and vibes, matching his energy and bringing out an unmistakable alternative anthem that’s both hateful and empowering in its commitment to the cause.
Singles
As ever, art and music remain the pure and punk-rock reaction to injustice, and in many ways, this single and video captures a crucial moment and unignorable lesson from our history.
Great vibes and catchy lines set the mood with ease, Monark Ishere delivering an uplifting but smooth and intimate ode to love, with the likable afrobeat earworm Jay Joycie.
That’s the key these days, songwriting that balances the quirky and the commonplace, to engage and stand out all at once. It’s a simple psychedelic combination of musicality and playful, cat-like guitar sounds, but it all feeds into the beast that is Radioactive Cat. An angry celebration of sorts – one that will no doubt go down brilliantly at live shows.
Sometimes it feels like modern music is in a rush to connect – like it has to be, because attention spans won’t stand for anything else. Real art isn’t made that way though, music neither. It emerges from a creative space of contemplation and expression, a desire to understand either oneself or the world at large.
When the gift of music shines its light through just a solo performance on a single instrument, it holds the power to remind us of the essence of our being – the simplicity of life that can feel far more rewarding and fulfilling than anything overly loud or complex.
Solo pianist and composer Michael Strening Jr. captures precisely that quality, with the easy rise and fall of his melodically and rhythmically evocative Into The Light.
Melancholic musical theatre, carefully intertwined with an aptly-circus-like piano progression – waves of back and forth, creating a sense of energy and entertainment; drastically juxtaposed by the vulnerability and rasp of the leading voice. Magpies craft a single both instantly recognisable and boldly unorthodox, with the bluesy tone and story of The Ballad Of The Crying Clown.
The deciding factor is not always just my enjoyment of the track, sometimes it helps to note the response of others who hear it playing. My three-year-old son is not easy to please musically, but as I turned this one up loud, he ran into the room dancing, and openly declared it ‘his favourite song’. Strangely enough, it quickly became mine, too.
The topic is universally relatable, and is accessed in a refreshingly pure and real manner. Far from the simplicity of flashy cars and fake personas, as is often found in the mainstream music realm of late. The realism and heart found in this and much of ZIGGY BLK’s repertoire offers a sense of possibility and resilience that’s inspiring.
In my opinion, this is categorically the most memorable, musically satisfying, and perhaps emotionally impactful song from the extensive Bad Bubble repertoire to date. It’s a step in the direction of simplicity and realism in both the clarity and boldness of the voices, and in the honesty and relatable authenticity of the lyrics. The opening reference to Occam’s Razor is decidedly fitting; sometimes the simplest answers are the best.
Organic instrumental vibes evolve into a summer-pop production, led by a smooth and catchy vocals – Jaco delivers a bold, memorable single, with the brightness and addictive bounce of Gioconda.
New music from the unmistakable Big Bus Dream brings a clean and clear production, with those expressive and distinct vocals upfront and centre. It’s an emotive and uplifting ballad of sorts, with a twist of joyful pop-rock and playful production, and it marks a welcomed return to the songwriting finesse of the band.