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.
Dance Pop
Chicago dance-pop legend Irene Michaels, standing tall on the back of seven decades of entertainment and connection to the scene, returns this season with an unexpected EDM and House-fusion drop that’s as likable as it is fearlessly confident.
“The world can be so scary, lonely, and almost discouraging, but I think when you show the world you can be yourself and fearless…it creates a bond between strangers.”
Come And Get Some V2 is a brilliant track – not overly performative but kind of confident and satisfying in its own way. Think Will and The People, Sticky Fingers, Sublime, but with a more relevant kind of indie-pop production and versatility to the lyrical and performative spread.
Songwriter and content creator Lisa Orlando delves further into the euphoric depths of heartfelt dance-pop, with this emotionally loaded, synth-kissed and colourful new single Into The Deep End.
Ethereal tones and softly passionate, poetic and confronting references to personal turmoil – Cat Rinn blends dreamy production with deeply thoughtful, heart-breaking sentiments and ideas, for the beautifully compelling Tears In The Rain.
Soaring electro-pop and dark-wave dance instrumentals back up impassioned vocal hooks and heartfelt to imaginative sentiments – Joel Christian returns this season with a six-track EP of synth-pop gems.
The DJ Westwood repertoire is familiar and undoubtedly soaked in modern effects and details. There are plenty of earworms and anthems to seek out.
Ari Fraser masters both the conceptual and production sides of the spectrum, incorporating world music tones and riffs as per his extensive and creative repertoire, but as ever carves out a whole new journey for music fans across genres to appreciate.
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.
Organic instrumental vibes evolve into a summer-pop production, led by a smooth and catchy vocals – Jaco delivers a bold, memorable single, with the brightness and addictive bounce of Gioconda.
Despite its impossible to pigeon-hole style and diversity, Kingdom is one of the most well-crafted collections of original pop songs to hit the scene this year. It’s intriguing for its originality and style, but it connects for its realism, its clear talent, and its humble yet effective catchy hooks and riffs. Z.M.A have outdone themselves with this project.