Cinematic soundscapes and funky nostalgic basslines and beats – an eighties vibe with soundbites galore, alongside a late-night RnB vocal grit and fluidity that’s akin to The Weeknd. An intentionally elusive Beaux Deity kicks off an engaging and colourful EP, with the catch and quirky Y’all Saw.
USA
Long-time favourite Snapdibz continues his steady climb as a respectable and creative independent artist. This summer sees the songwriter and producer release an inspiring new EP, designed to engage and motivate listeners, whilst showcasing a fine ear for enchanting production and catchy, snappy hooks.
Music that means something, softly gathering an intimate groove, with lush, breathy harmonies, quietly whispering long-form, nostalgic melodies, and concepts that feel poignantly relatable. Dovetail unite smart poetic references with deep personal uncertainty, for the blissful escapism of raining here, too.
Midwest Americana icon Eric Hagan is renowned for his gospel-like depth of sound and story. His recent EP of originals, the five-track collection Americana Lonesome, is a fine example of the prowess, talent, focus and heartfelt escapism of his approach. And from that project, the mighty Accuse Me is a divinely soulful ode to both melancholic disconnection and self-reflective empowerment.
Hugely immersive rock production lets the evocative metal tones of Death is Calling set an unignorable vibe. Deflecting Ghosts bring a uniquely intentional style and sentiment to the realm, with this impactful and subtly genre-fusing original.
The simplicity of an old-school rhythm boldly elevated by a huge modern production and piercingly relatable concept. Peter Lord gifts Prince-like vocals and unrelenting passion, to a cinematic audio explosion (rightfully so), for the enchanting and unforgettable BOOM.
Smart, sharp, comical and clearly authentic bars take things back to the bare essentials – a heavy bass and beat combo depicting an equally retro influence. Lil Jaundice keeps things genuine and raw, with the relentless wordplay and fuzzy late-night recording capture of Chase Of The Year.
Themes of disconnection and lostness resound amidst a juxtaposed musical optimism. Kikimora confront the devaluing of love, with the funky soul and jazz tones of No Loving.
Conceptually united expressions of love, connected by stylistic threads of reverb and playful design – an aptly-titled artistic corner… Still Haunted presents stories of wonder, nostalgia, and inspiration, with Aren’t All Songs About Love?
Acoustic musician and songwriter Summer Redstone leads with a much-welcomed dose of clear authenticity as a modern artist. The sheer feeling and delicate intensity of her two recent singles highlight a sense of talent and purpose in the field, Summer’s voice meandering through long-form melodic musings, backed only by an acoustic guitar, and delivering a fine balance between the familiar and the impressively original.
Catchy melodies and poignant imagery act as deliberate connections between songs, holding up the NYTHM approach to modern writing and production, and delivering an album that’s somewhat dark yet enticing as a modern electronic pop collection. We even get modest twists of hip hop amidst the likes of No Exit Pt. 2, and always the structure of each song feels playful, even theatrical – that Disney-esque sense of character and exploration resounding along the way.
Something conceptually fresh and creatively engaging is hard to come by. Thoughtful reflections, relatable but new, framed in a way that’s distinct but also musically satisfying. Enter Atryp, with a colourful and catchy approach to hip hop, and a storyline built around the globally renowned pain chart found in doctors offices.