Stunning music; piano and strings – euphoric wonder and beauty – a celebratory core but layers of honesty and struggle intertwined. A deeply human perspective as ever. The unmistakable Bad Bubble delivers a two-part album of entirely new experiences and songs, for the exceedingly delectable Regarding Flor.
Music
Distorted and funky dance-pop with a quirky twist of nostalgia and a deeply inspiring true story at its core. Ashleigh Harley takes self-belief and positivity to creative new heights, with the eclectic dance-rock essence and realism of Itsy Bitsy Bikini.
Inspired by a passion for healing and the sudden doorways presented to all music fans with modern production tools, Shaz Marie launches an album devoted to positivity and gratitude, with the colourful and uplifting pop ballads and depth of Messages in Song: A Light In The Darkness.
New Zealand artist and producer Mykle Williams has amassed thousands of monthly listeners this year, and alongside a growing dance-pop core, euphoric folk-pop anthems like In The Silence of My Mind showcase the true warmth and thoughtful appeal of his style.
Translating as Shadow Under Dominion, this four-track EP is driven by a fascination for the life of the soldier, and features programmed marching rhythms, huge vocal chants, patterns and crescendos, that blend something like tribal folk and Celtic refrains with intense drums, gritty declarations, and evocative chord patterns.
Brand new music form Matthias Boretius promises an ambient and soulful, organic journey as ever – this time taking subtle influence from the likes of Underworld, only veering off creatively, with near-operatic vocals that enchant and engage the senses and thought process.
Dreamy to upbeat, acoustic shoegaze that slowly evolves into something a little more rock and roll-inspired – a taste of the band’s full set-up potential, but a simultaneous focus on the softness and style of their vocals and songwriting.
Organic and soulful optimism and brightness – essential in times of great division and uncertainty. Esteemed composer and pianist Antonija Pacek releases one of the year’s most hopeful and promising instrumental albums, with the aptly-titled serenity and charm of Soul Sanctuary.
Creatively artistic, performative and charming – an organic artist with a playful yet intentional sense of passionate escapism at the helm. Julz The Great brings something brilliantly distinct and refreshing to modern music, with the eclectic rock energy and soulful delivery of Turn The Other Way.
Lush acoustic country and folk vibes back up a gorgeously honest performance from the already impressive and engaging Blair Dunlop.
Blackout is a huge celebration of a multi-vocal chorus in the end, carefully juxtaposing the darkness of the subject matter, and is ultimately one of the most addictive songs of the summer.
Evocative stories carefully intertwined with the multi-layered euphoria of melodic house. A deeply personal fusion of realms – the timeless floor-filler exhilaration, and the quiet pop and poetry of a heartfelt vocal thread.