Brilliant writing that intrigues and follows its own expressive, long-form melodic pathways – Amy Blanding pairs a jazz-folk arrangement with enchanting storytelling and performative nuance, for the gentle, graceful, and impactful Flooding and the Foam.
Music
Beautiful songwriting, humble musicianship – piano and a clapped rhythm, raspy vocals and short lines reflecting on war and the painful repeats of history. Patrick McMenamin leads with a voice and writing style that feel evocative, honest, and powerful, for the timeless and passionate folk single The More Things Change.
Something sublimely soulful, built around a passion and talent for songwriting that feels like an extension of the self – poetic and personal, but also mysterious; intimate yet vast. The kind of talent that once lit up the airwaves, now requiring a little deeper of a dig to find.
An indie corner of country music that rightfully brings a twist of personality, and a conceptual celebration of precisely that. Mitchell Broodley highlights the nuance and charm of individuality and connection, with the gorgeous indie warmth of Different’s Where I Wanna Be.
There’s something about this group of lifelong musicians untied in their passion for evocative songwriting, their humility and heart, their timeless harmonies, melodies, and the sheer passion and modesty combined that intoxicates in a soft, subtle but striking way.
Dance-pop crescendos and floor-filler synths build an EDM and anthemic pop classic, only this time it’s with a twist of powerfully juxtaposed sadness and despair. Mr. Miserable adds a unique angle to the anthemic EDM realm, with the addictive euphoria of LOVE MY MISERY.
Sharp bars, distinct vocals and a playful confidence that captivates across anthemic old-school hip hop beats and catchy jams. DJ S-Three has fun with the process, throughout the 18 original rap tracks of his brand new album Platinum.
Boldly skilful vocals honed over decades of performance in the West End, alongside a captivating poetic and melodic journey from delicacy to euphoric uplift – Shimi Goodman brings unparalleled experience and conviction to modern music, with the deeply evocative, classical crossover single Adagio.
Multi-instrumentalist Vituia has written over 700 original songs, all from a vehemently anti-AI lifestyle over years of commitment to the crat. More recently, production tools have allowed the at-home creative to present his works under an unrivalled light of professionalism, and the result is a notably more polished sound.
Dark trap rhythms with distinct and haunting piano riffs at the forefront, a raspy vocal and theatrics designed to draw attention and set a vibe – Showtime Ennuh captures a style between styles, with the late-night energy and performative lust of Shake Dat (Twerkhall).
Blending style and substance with semalessly intelligent bars and a vocal fulidity and dynamic that’s intoxicating, Big O and Cashus King deliver one of the biggest albums of the year, with the sensatinoal iWater to Wine.
One of independent hip hop’s most authentic and moving voices returns this season with a stylistically modest yet conceptually and melodically majestic album.