The California sound is alive and well, and there’s no better time to delve in and appreciate the uplift and musicianship of this professionally crafted, largely cheerful collection.
Music
Intricate design and heartfelt intentions unite beautifully, for the extensive and unmistakable orchestral journey that is MAQ’s Light Up.
Gliding into view on the blissful pairing of deep bass and dreamy guitar, Ana Androic unites RnB vocal flavours with contemporary trap rhythms and a clear sense of heart, for Glow.
Introducing an album with a sensational opening track that naturally creates an addictively rhythmic, poetically captivating and creative realm of appeal.
Refreshingly bass-led to begin with and somewhat capturing a fine balance between freestyling and a catchy set of riffs – BATES energise with chaos and calm united, for Catalyst.
Vastly atmospheric yet organic by design, Thats Nokay follow-ups the dreamy introduction that was LivForev, with an equally ethereal, live-style electric-guitar hit of soulful yet mellow calm.
Introducing a musically exuberant album, from a rapper and songwriter with a uniquely recognisable voice in both story and sound.
Free from the confines of expectation or even genre, guided entirely by a heartfelt connection to the therapeutic process of making music – Darren Middleton’s album HOME makes for a sublime and striking listen.
Organic piano, strings and cinematic rhythms back up the increasingly soulful presentation of Little Archer Worship’s Until You Break The Storm.
Capturing affection from the outset with a cleanly-mixed and hypnotically rhythmic vocal lead; somewhat akin to the sound of The Cat Empire, but with a twist of classic indie rock.
Organic and colourful musicianship and production guides us beautifully into the optimistic groove and celebration of Maini Sorri’s Just Let Me Sing.
UK hip hop at its most chill and intense united – Prime Sinister delivers a nostalgic anthem, overflowing with snappy wordplay and sharp rhymes.