These aren’t the usual lo-fi ambient backing tracks we stumble upon, this album hits with sincere and unignorable impact, in everything from the production to the bars, the tone of voice, the passion, and – most importantly – the vulnerability and sharp, smart framing of the lyrics.

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Dreamy lo-fi vibes and colourful progressions back up the boldly poetic, sharp bars and ideas of Tha Koala. The alternative hip hop roots of his sound ring loud throughout a multitude of original projects – not least of all the 2021 single-track debut album The Garden.

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Old-school vocals that are faultlessly rhythmic, the end of each phrase echoed for that nostalgic depth and a sense of unity to further the song’s driving force – Empire City is timeless by nature, and boldly original in its conscious framing of ideas and the development of the story.

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Something to listen to at volume, largely for its blissful fusion of intricate detail and soulful expression. An ambient, ethereal journey, blending spiritual warmth and trip hop across an evocative realm of lyrical guidance and meandering sounds. Isaac Garza’s music is a dream and a pleasure to stumble into, and Revolt marks a sublime introduction for those new to his work.

AmbientAtmosphericComposerConscious RapHip HopInstrumentalPianistPianoRap

Retro animated artwork introduces the clean-cut raps and conscious bars of In The Nation, as well as a few contemporary flickers of expression and intonation. Things get mildly theatrical, the two vocal styles contrasting and engaging with equal parts entertainment and conceptual intelligence. The flow varies too, holding attention well, alongside this impressively full rise-and-fall production of heavy bass, bold synths, and trap rhythms.

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Introducing a compelling fusion of genres, an explosive collaboration between the unique spiritual consciousness of rapper Souleye, and the fiercely intense new metal weight of We Are PIGS – Ghost Town is a fast-paced and fascinating original track, that manages to feel both nostalgic and unrivalled in originality.

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