Having first hit our radar back in 2020 with his evocative hit just 4 u, Mitchell Zia takes on a whole new persona and style with the supervillain EP, leading with deep and characterful vocals, through a series of theatrical indie arrangements that tell stories and entertain in a boldly distinct way.
Alt Pop
Creatively balancing the soulful and the gritty, this classic yet contemporary fusion of talents, from an ever-elusive The Bandit Semu and producer Kadestrofik, showcases a whole new approach to modern music.
We move on towards an extended crescendo, within which multiple layers of keys, bass, synths and guitars collaborate to reinforce this looping sentiment and hook, which perfectly bridges the gap between the vagueness of a stranger’s tale and the mightier sense of humanity that is the shared sentiment of still believing and maintaining a hopeful stance in a chaotic world. It also resounds with the shared nostalgia of longing for the simplicity of childhood to return.
Beautiful vocals and a euphoric production elevate the pop songwriting of UK artist Daisy Peacock. While It Lasted carefully balances the strum of an acoustic guitar, with the synth-loaded ethereal embrace of a dance-ready soundtrack, and all the while promises a heartfelt and memorable ode to the highs and lows of adolescent relationships.
Piano-led and intimate but mildly theatrical – TheEccentricLad delivers a boldly poetic, metaphorical journey, for the organic and evocative Vapors Of Love.
LA alt-pop duo Royal She deliver an explosive alternative pop track for their latest offering. Employing contrast quite masterfully, Karma pours into the room by way of its quickly catchy, snappy and nineties-esque hook – this looping statement of ‘Bitch, you gon’ get what you deserve’, backed by an acoustic guitar sound and a clap rhythm.
Somewhat free-flowing in its verse-setup and tune, Manic Pixie Nightmare delivers the familiar line ‘Not all who wander are lost, but all who are lost wander’, repeatedly throughout. It’s a resounding moment, but elsewhere the song follows its own unpredictable melody and fragments of reflection on losing a phone and subsequently seeking to break free from societal expectations.
Haunting electro-pop production and equally mystifying vocals build up a unique sense of intrigue – singer and songwriter Elizma holds close to a clear creativity identity, for the beautiful and mesmerising What’s in My Head.
Introducing the first single release from the upcoming album Jeopardized Love, songwriter and artist Gemwz follows a minimalist guitar set-up, through a fast-paced personal outpouring of quiet, contemporary reflections, for the organic and impassioned Back To You.
As we shift into the conceptual mystique of (Cactus), and the subsequent tribal dance flavours and vocal warping of BoysBoysBoys, the playful nature and limitless artistic expression of the project becomes all the more clear.
Introducing a conceptually and musically engaging new EP, from an artist with stories to tell and enchanting, long-form melodies to weave. Nighttime Chronicles depicts a piano-pop to cinematic rock fusion of influences, ultimately led by the smooth and poetic vocal thread of Esteban; an artist committed to the escapism and depth of creative expression.
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.