One of independent hip hop’s most authentic and moving voices returns this season with a stylistically modest yet conceptually and melodically majestic album.
Music
An eclectic and high-quality repertoire with tens of thousands of monthly listeners already speaks volumes, but this year New Jersey songwriter and artist Dave Vargo takes things to greater heights still, with the release of his beautifully crafted and performed album of heartfelt nostalgia Ghost Towns.
Choosing honesty over comfort, MIIA blends timeless electronic dance-pop with evocative realism, for the long-form and soulful expressions of Necessary Evil.
Catchy country pop jams with an old-school pop-punk vocal lead and brilliantly accessible, snappy and vivid lyricism. Kevin Farge delivers a fine collection of original songs, for the extensive new album Country Love Song.
There’s a healing quality to an arrangement like this, and Peter DiMaggio’s politely expressive voice suits that type of ambiance rather beautifully, furthering the satisfaction and appeal that is the light and rather lovely Chasing a Trace.
Somewhere to lose yourself, an echoing garage-rock arena, drenching distortion in reverb and adding something like gentle diary-style vocals and an adlib outbursts to the songwriting. Dayfiction work with mood and momentum, as the tumbling drums and evocative drama of Spare introduces their latest EP on a poignant high.
Stoned is far more complex and evocative than its title perhaps implies, a clever take that proceeds to explore the true impact of sexual abuse. The song follows a strong groove from a timeless NMDA, and is naturally elevated by the sheer resilience and grit of Isabelle’s unrivalled passion, presence, and power as a vocalist.
Your Love is contrast-heavy, from vocal samples of lightness and emotion, through dubstep and EDM beats and basslines that constantly redirect things. The mix is incredibly creative, at one moment familiar and hypnotically looping – at the next a vast sense of rising anticipation working its magic; like the sudden journey after a drop in the hero dose realm.
Songwriting and production raise the bar in unison with smart, smooth and captivating lyrics – a seamless flow and a confident kind of nonchalance that’s enthralling. BURMO captures a clear sense of purpose, with DARE Tuh Feel.
The intensity of hard-hitting, passionate rap bars, confidence, and colourful, creative production, all perfectly combined for an anthemic explosion of purpose. The Supreme General kicks off his fiercely artistic and gripping new album, with the boldly impressive set-up, structure and substance of The Introduction!!!
Holding down the fort for classic hip hop and boom bap that’s anthemic, stylish and catchy, POPMFS aims high and hits the mark once again, with the unignorable rhythm and bounce of brand new track HUNDREDS (FLYMIX).
Maypo Deluxe is one of indie’s most consistent artists, a songwriter with an authentic sense of heart and storytelling, holding closely to the organic rock sounds of a simpler era, and meandering from the soulful rock ballad set-up to the upbeat and addictive grooves accordingly, as we roll through more and more fantastic songs.