Sultry mellow vibes follow an industrial stomp of a trip hop groove and devotedly catchy melody – The UK’s own Heron is quick to intoxicate listeners, with the aptly-titled but unexpectedly melodic Transcendental Meditation.
Electro Pop
Ellyott setts the vibe well for this late night admiration, a sense of bright lights on the horizon, a rightful edge of the unexpected in both the style and substance of the song. We search for meaning, or signs, and as such, we ride this wave of attempting to recognise the subtle and dreamy presence of Echoes In The Night.
Devoted artist and contemplative songwriter NEONITE carves out a lasting space within the modern scene. His five-track EP 2NITE celebrates the unrivalled escapism of dance music in unison with a series of intimate reflections that seek to connect on a profound and moving level.
Self-penned as left-wing synth-pop and electronica, a contemporary take on political protest music – the aptly named and rather unforgettable Debt Shop Boi delivers a series of boldly scathing original songs, and soundscapes that rain down with the hypnotic multi-coloured depth of eras past.
Epic electronic arrangements and the poetic exploration of topics both thoughtful and fierce – HeartherLee Sounds creates from a place of conceptual inspiration, and as such, her album Battleground features a boldly eclectic array of styles.
Fearlessly vulnerable songwriting from Nami Shafaghi, emerging under the moniker of NumyNumyNumy – Lovely Headache is a dreamy deep-dive into personal struggle and uncertainty, and blends poetry and personal anecdote throughout a modest, keys-led arrangement and intimate performance that naturally suits the depth and emotion of the writing.
Dance-pop and synth-wave crossover artist Barbara Romanov, building tracks out of dreamy, impassioned vocals and purposeful writing, lights up the indie space with a handful of originals this year – not least of all the anthemic eighties groove and infectious hook of Do It With You.
Featuring programmed vocals with an energising twist, Lost is a well-crafted pop song at its core, detailing our protagonist gearing up for the day ahead – walking off into the freedom of the world, without a care or concern to hold him back.
From the two-track release Nyxora, Shivaansh Narendra introduces a wholly immersive modern style, fusing electronic and AI production details across an apocalyptic and evocative story and sentiment, as Neon Gods lights up a distinct and hypnotic new sound.
Vocal flair with drum and bass and lashings of effects – an immersive sonic journey through cinematic layers of colourful production traits and short, provocative lines; ZOE.LEELA creates an electronic journey fit to both intrigue and uplift, for Gold Reloaded.
Dreamy dance-pop of a divinely gentle aura meets with a certain rhythmic uplift and lightness that’s equally alluring. RODEO HOTEL have captured a sound of their own, and driven through the noise of the world with quietly reflective sentiments and vocals that naturally soothe the mood.
Retro-electronic sound-play follows colourful keys that rise and fall, as we’re welcomed by the implied security of a hopeful production. Love the Magician focuses on unity and possibility, by way of scornful and robotic lyrical outpourings, which openly reflect upon the clear gaps and obstacles in societal connection.