One of independent hip hop’s most authentic and moving voices returns this season with a stylistically modest yet conceptually and melodically majestic album.
Sweden--Europe
With melody, concept and voice all working in unison as something unique and unexpected, Maini Sorri has crafted something truly special and impactful once again, for Belief.
Explosive rock and metal blending hard distortion, power chords, fast riffs and melodic vocals – eighties influenced duo Dan Wande and Tomas Ylivainio deliver fierce metal escapism that’s both organic and immersive at its peak.
Award-winning cinematic and classical composer and pianist Antonija Pacek turns her passion and expression towards the Christmas classics this season, offering a refreshingly warm, intimate and honest instrumental album, perfectly titled Heartwarming Christmas Compilation.
Atmospheric progressive metal of extensive meandering soundscapes – an EP of genre-fusing takes both dissonant and harmonised, beginning with a nine-minute epic that feels like multiple tracks in one. Swedish composer and musician David Blomgren creates under the project name Valfreyja, and The Rose Of Rebirth is a multi-coloured, chaotic and conceptually profound look at the artistic freedom that drives his approach.
A Turkish born creative, currently living in Sweden and with extensive travels in Africa clearly influencing the tribal rhythms at play throughout his repertoire, Caner Yeniyurt continues to impress. One Tree told the story of a tree fighting a storm on a hill, and Kedi Knows, somewhat more upbeat and funky, depicts an arrogant cat, walking the streets of Istanbul.
Introducing a huge summer jam, a big-bank funk-rock release, capturing aspects of disco and pop-rock across an uplifting sentiment and style. Dominick Keath brings catchy positivity and organic musicianship back to the forefront, with the infectious good vibes of an aptly-titled Rise And Shine.
Addictively satisfying original house music, an adventurer’s theme tune – an electronic producer with a fine ear for unique layering, rhythms, riffs, and a clear passion for the playfulness of creativity. Slim Vic’s Buccaneer is an instrumental anthem, with a touch of something White Lotus-like to its haunting melodic frontline.
Tribal-industrial rhythms and warped vocals create an instantly alluring space – a sound akin to the nostalgic trip hop artistry of a simpler era, soon elevated by a much more bold vocal lead, a meandering production style, and a lyrical depth that’s profoundly captivating.
Swedish composer and musician Brebu commands the stillness and calm, with the beautifully delicate and purposeful tones of his instrumental work Carved Waves.
An acoustic folk-pop collaboration guided by catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrical reflections. CEDER & Dorotea contemplate the depths of human emotion and the possibilities that lie within our existence, with their beautiful, self-titled EP.
Swedish songwriter and artist Trolleberg sets the mood with strong rock riffs and a soulfully mellow pace. Anyone But You lets the blissful appeal of the music reach out at volume thanks to great production, and as the leading voice weaves in a kind of nostalgic, reverb-soaked echo of the sixties, the melody and story proceed to further strengthen that initial attraction.