Smooth vibes, great vocals and dreamy production light up the catchy afro fusion single Go Your Way, from rising artist MAV1NN.
Pop
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.
Following the simple strum of largely just two chords rising and falling, as well as some humble backing vocals when the energy grows, Icarus builds up unexpectedly after these opening folk-pop moments. The resounding chorus is distinctly catchy, “oh I know, I know, I know” appearing with volume and fluidity; a nostalgic nineties-esque twist that quickly elevates the entire sound and memorable style of the track.
“The only mindset I had was to make myself feel happy by doing what I love to do, and that hasn’t changed. Songwriting truly does that for me. It quickly cures any feelings of being down or stressed.”
Piano and acoustic guitar meet for a classic four-chord ballad set-up, alongside Pete Byrd’s shaky and expressive leading voice – a distinct tone that naturally meets the interesting bar set by these deeply revealing lyrics. With artwork and a title as artistic and intriguing as this, the music and performance simply had to follow suit, and I’d say the rising emotion and energy of Sally It’s Raining Again absolutely does.
Colourful indie pop with a clean vocal and a quirky balancing between RnB and Pop songwriting, even with a twist of something rap-like on occasion – Kibs unites the relatable and unorthodox, with the catchy fluidity and relationship longing of Find A Way Back.
It’s a the all-too familiar story of keeping up appearances, carrying on and putting on a brave face in order to maintain the respect of those around us; rather than letting the weight fall away by sharing it with a friend or someone who actually cares.
The intimate piano format and cleanly-mixed vocals seem incredibly rare these days. Even the biggest pop ballads of recent years have had some kind of huge moment where drums crash and a choir joins the process. Rafael Montecruz keeps things refreshingly genuine though, and the song is so well written and performed, that really, nothing else is needed to communicate its intentions.
Organic vibes and distinct vocal leadership guides with humility and calm, through an intriguingly arranged yet infectious new release, from singer, rapper and artist Yeno LND.
Canadian songwriter and artist Lola Balter masters the acoustic pop space at just seventeen years old. I wish you knew me is a vocally sublime and rhythmically uplifting single, with a quirky groove and long-form lyrics that feel decidedly mature in their storytelling and personal revelations combined.
The desperation and search for connection is profound and powerful, making this a boldly unique and impactful new single, from an artist whose next step is forever impossible to predict.
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.