An ever-elusive OWBY delivers an intoxicating ocean of harmonies and ambient escapism, with the uniquely genre-blending tones and togetherness of Closer.
Singles
Introducing a hypnotically smooth take on contemporary afro-fusion – Nigerian artist and songwriter GidiSol brings the melody and soulful harmonising to the modern realm, with the light rhythms and addictive vocals of the Roses and Diamonds EP.
Guitarist and songwriter Joakim Johansson crafts a live-band pop-rock soundscape around a heartfelt and notably vulnerable single – Shattered Heart reflects with poetry and personal honesty, on the pain of separation and a broken heart.
The song has depth – the verses hold tight to your attention, the delivery is smooth, beautiful to listen to, and the words have poignancy; fusing truth & poetry, honesty & metaphor.
As the elusive new pop world continues to tighten its grip, an aptly-named Elektra Skye delivers a bright and electrified single that feels like both an AI list and ballad effectively built around a simple four-chord pattern and a mellow beat.
An anthem at its core, a call for listeners to scream out the word and concept of Liberty – this is a song that encapsulates the modern day frustrations and lingering hopes of those experiencing repression. As such, it’s boldly relevant in our world right now, universal in its poetry and its intricate balancing of the uncertain and the confident and hopeful.
That producer and performer combination is rare to find at such a distinguished and still humble, honest level, and this duo have it mastered. Their music is consistently a pleasure to escape into, always thoughtful, heartfelt and intricate, and the ethereal waves of synth and the sheer gratitude of the lyrics throughout Separate all exemplifies that truth in a beautiful way.
Super lo-fi shoegaze almost warped in its vintage warmth, cleverly contrasts the upfront clarity and calm of an intimate leading voice – Jenn Pemkowski presents an enchanting indie pop sound, with Dynasty.
Good vibes in strong supply, as Sonya gore celebrates the beauty and optimism of today, with the uplifting new Afrobeat single I Am.
Aptly-titled The Space Between, this track welcomes us into a superbly atmospheric realm of equal parts depth and lightness. Intricate sounds and samples pan through the mix, vocals whispering suggestions of direction for your mind; essentially a call to free yourself from the chaos of the world.
In a welcomed change of direction for modern rock, the single Lamb presents an interesting fusion of hard-hitting rock instrumentation and surprisingly choirlike vocals; all united within a consistently anthemic progression.
From ‘darkness in the colosseum’ and a multitude of memorable rhymes, to the more contemporary and relatable – ‘here’s why you monsters thrive, even as I end you, you don’t say goodbye.’, Gladiator intertwines the distant past with modern-day living.