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.
Electro Pop
The minimalism of Slide It lets the programmed qualities of the voice feel a little more exposed, striking up interest in the real thing – the live performance possibilities. There’s a mysterious AI tone to much of the project, but only time will tell. Alli Cazaam is definitely memorable in both name and style.
Essentially addressing the topic of loving the idea or illusion of someone (or something), Vine Song is a complex lyrical venture that’s melodically alluring and somehow feels like it was written purely for the listener.
Big vibes from a retro electronic Odd Cadet – I Should Go is the nostalgic new anthem, and is all at once catchy, evocative, and powerfully immersive.
Four great tracks in total make up the EP You Deserve To Fly High, some taking influence from the likes of pop punk and rock, others noting hints of inspiration amidst classic pop and even electro. It’s a diverse but grounded collection, with a leading voice and rush of euphoria to the design that rings loud as AJ The Messenger.
As the elusive new pop world continues to tighten its grip, an aptly-named Elektra Skye delivers a bright and electrified single that feels like both an AI list and ballad effectively built around a simple four-chord pattern and a mellow beat.
That producer and performer combination is rare to find at such a distinguished and still humble, honest level, and this duo have it mastered. Their music is consistently a pleasure to escape into, always thoughtful, heartfelt and intricate, and the ethereal waves of synth and the sheer gratitude of the lyrics throughout Separate all exemplifies that truth in a beautiful way.
Ambient warmth and retro-electronic exploration meet with confronting yet delicate vocals. Artist and composer GAMA MAJOR blends soulful expression and contemporary mystique, for the bold and beautiful Shadow Man.
Designed to inspire and connect with women for its celebration of the self, Tricia Lo’s brand new EP is a fiercely passionate collection of songs, the likes of which transcend the walls of genre and naturally empower and uplift listeners.
Delivering a full production loaded with riffs, funky bass, quirky synths and additional melodic fragments, the voice and lyrics are merely a part of the process for the uplifting and colourful embrace of Vacation.
Troielle masters the space in both lyric and performance with this release. Arrangement-wise the set-up is easy to vibe to, softly picked electric guitar, a few ambient layers, hi-hats, all supporting this long-form expressive vocal, through a story that feels both deeply personal and broadly metaphorical.
All at once we get the hypnotic chaos of a full production, and the raw vulnerability of a songwriter attempting to understand and connect with all that has come to pass. That balance is rare, and a huge part of what gives The Soldier such a unique sound right now.