Collaborating to impressive results with producer Joe Crotty, KatMariexx showcases a smooth and sultry leading voice on this melodically satisfying new dance-pop offering.
Alt Pop
Charles Ryan Davis has mastered the art of turning acoustic simplicity into an absolute performance – emotional and captivating, brilliantly skillful. A live show would be superb, though sadly Charles Ryan Davis doesn’t perform. In a way, this makes this playlist all the more enjoyable – it feels like a rare appearance, a one-of-a-kind chance to escape into something truly unique.
The gradual instrumental build-up supports yet another of Sid’s simple yet stunning melody lines, the whole thing designed to slowly but surely envelop and engage you, creating a series of moments that increasingly lift you up and remind you to be thankful for every day you get to spend with those you treasure.
Watch Out For Me is a great song, with a mighty hook. The whole thing is familiar yet refreshing, skillfully crafted and beautifully, stylishly performed. An incredibly impressive debut, with an equally intriguing, dark yet confident accompanying video.
There’s a certain caliber of artistry represented here that extends skyward without limits. Poetry and societal or political relevance intertwine in again subtle manners that slowly but surely paint a clear and striking picture before you. Meanwhile, oppression and struggle are represented visually by various characters locked in fist fights that edge their way around the building.
While the instrumental set-up feels reminiscent of the likes of Portishead or The xx, the vocal line adds a level of volume and intensity. It’s a powerful performance, one that takes the song from quietly compelling to incredibly emotive and decidedly uplifting.
Aratrea have put everything into this performance and writing process, and the result is something that boldly reaches out for your attention – and refuses to let go until the whole thing is over; much like the Python with his prey.
UK band Senses Reeling are set to release their full-length album Time’s Still Now on June 14th. It’s a project that showcases a fairly unique approach to pop-rock, often leading with an almost acoustic backbone, spacious soundscapes, and increasingly impressive songwriting.
Inanna brings back a decidedly retro electro-pop sound with this latest and debut single. Initially channeling elements of Bjork and Madonna alike, Nefertiti XXI soon goes on to become something of its own entirely.
Utilizing creative freedom yet again, offering an alternative pop-rock anthem with a quiet verse vocal that intrigues from the offset, Reigning Nonsense is as multi-layered and colourful as it is conceptually intentional.
Thamatic have crafted this one with careful attention to detail, and this shows on multiple levels throughout the release. Retro elements fuse with those that feel decidedly fresh and uplifting to offer a memorable and quite striking audio journey.
The variety and the crisp finish throughout this album helps make it perhaps the strongest and most engaging release of Maini Sorri’s yet – something that proves to be increasingly likely the further into the playlist you get.