Midwest Americana icon Eric Hagan is renowned for his gospel-like depth of sound and story. His recent EP of originals, the five-track collection Americana Lonesome, is a fine example of the prowess, talent, focus and heartfelt escapism of his approach. And from that project, the mighty Accuse Me is a divinely soulful ode to both melancholic disconnection and self-reflective empowerment.
Music
Raise the tempo, ignite the colourful production and energy, weave in a depth of voice nearly whispered yet bold – not to mention a modest character dynamic that holds attention throughout. Enter VH x CS, for the intoxicating world-music and rap anthem SPINDEL.
Ambient old school synths and the starkly contrasted weight of rock guitar riffs and vocals. The SKB’s deliver a divine fusion of rock and roll energy and poetic modern wonder, for mildly psychedlic anthem Dust In The Light.
Hugely immersive rock production lets the evocative metal tones of Death is Calling set an unignorable vibe. Deflecting Ghosts bring a uniquely intentional style and sentiment to the realm, with this impactful and subtly genre-fusing original.
The simplicity of an old-school rhythm boldly elevated by a huge modern production and piercingly relatable concept. Peter Lord gifts Prince-like vocals and unrelenting passion, to a cinematic audio explosion (rightfully so), for the enchanting and unforgettable BOOM.
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.
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?