Intoxicating tones and an intricate balancing of complexity and simple warmth – the enchanting and euphoric single Deflector marks a rather divine and thoughtful introduction, to the unique stylings and sentiments of Vancouver-based producer Chamber Glow.
Music
Continuing to bridge the gap between skilful, expressive songwriting and production, and an increasingly urgent need for intentional and widespread shifts in the collective human mindset, UAE creative Sarah R Jay launches her latest heartfelt cry for unity, with the Official Vocal Version of Echoes of Humanity.
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.
Electrify My Heart leans towards eighties tumbling rhythms and vocal harmonies, almost Kate-Bush like in its theatrical presence and emotional depth, for a catchy song of desperation and subsequent connection that’s profound and evocative. The soundscape is organic and multi-layered, the crescendo is huge, and the energy – the passion of the chorus and peak – helps make this another defiant highlight, and a superb introduction to the delicacy and drama that walk hand-in-hand throughout this EP.
LA songwriter and artist Simona Shao blends acoustic and contemporary pop qualities through a softly evocative realm, and the results are sublime. Her latest three-track EP Waves presents three parts or chapters of a story, reflecting on the highs and lows of an impactful romance, and balancing calm, poetic imagery and ideas, with personal experiences that feel both relatable and profound.
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.
Deeply moving vocal harmonies and organic keys present a crisp ode to simpler musical eras, as songwriter Tony Stewart delivers a heartfelt and poignant dedication to his late wife. Brilliantly creative from a melodic and structural perspective, Special Day meanders carefully between melancholy and optimism. The set-up has hints of both The Beatles and Queen … Continued
Tropical acoustic pop with summer rhythms and distinct, delicate vocals – Matias Malta captures the colourful calm of oceanside living and serenity, with Canção Pela Paz.
From their latest album What It Takes, a live capture and classic folk-country song and groove – The North Sound engage and entertain beautifully, with the rather faultless earworm Hard Way, Easy Livin’.