Instantly presenting with the raw purity of a live piano performance, complete with the weight of the keys and the natural reverb from the pedals, The Awakening is quick to intrigue for its sense of melodic originality. We progress through almost 4.5 minutes of music, an explosive mid-section injecting sheer power and tempo and fullness, in between two halves that feel both united in their tuneful direction, and unconfined by the walls of expectation.
Singles
We hear fragments of anger, gritty reflections and ideas, but otherwise it’s the music that takes precedence – which is actually a brilliant encapsulation of the very concept at hand. The voice of conscience is quiet, taking a backseat over the stylistic requirements of a mainstream audience. “I sold out… I f*cked up…” These words are nearly silent echoes amidst an otherwise celebratory instrumental wave of music.
An intoxicating ensemble, both immersive and distinct from the outset, sets the listener off on a journey that’s perceived to be something specific, and soon reveals itself to be something else entirely. Octopus Fugue is a project newly founded in 2024, a creative collaborative venture, inspired by rock and metal but drawing influence from a … Continued
Born out of a genuine need for the cathartic process of making heartfelt music – Francis’ Scream writes songs from a place of authenticity and struggle, and delivers them with an air of organic folk-pop that’s both acoustic and vocally distinct.
Introducing a rather fearless and artistic representation of genuine emotional realism – Sierra Stone injects an unwavering degree of character and originality into the pop format, with the boldly evolving power and presence of A Man Like You.
Standing tall on the strength of a catchy RnB hook and fast, sharp bars from Prince D TNB – If U Mine is an X-rated old-school anthem that’s naturally uplifting, and introduces the sound of the quickly rising artist on a defiant high.
Emerging complete with a set of visuals depicting both storytelling scenes and Rachel and her band lost in performance, Oil and Water is a classic take on the concept of romantic mis-matches, and presents the theme amidst an uplifting country groove and catchy hook refrain.
It’s a brief yet striking listen, a kind of quiet scream in some ways – a song that urges you to turn up the volume, tune in more closely, and listen again and again, to fully connect with the depth and passion of it’s make-up.
Unconventionally creative, initially mysterious, later playful, disconcerting – Stephan Leroy Folkes pierces through the noise of the alternative pop scene, with the sky-high falsetto tones and haunting rise and fall of Say it like you mean it.
Recording artist Beatriz Villar captivates beautifully, the simplicity of a piano arrangement and vocal pairing highlighting with faultless precision, the iconic historical ode that is Victory Finale.
Heartfelt piano-led arrangements and passionate vocals guide us through a contemporary collection of tracks – ASchurtz captures a sense of enchantment and vibe, with the likes of Red Lights.
Genre-fusion with a heavy bass-and-beat combination, N4UGHTY BLUE is a seductive late-night track that’s strictly for mature audiences, and both the music and visuals refreshingly hold true to this focused mood and intention.