Currently suffering from long-term autoimmune lung disease, Kristi’s courage and drive as a creative is incredible, and the tone and emotional depth of this release, the skill and celebration at its core, all resounds in a way that appears to completely deny any kind of health struggle at the helm.
Music
Heavy bass, fast bars, a sharp flow and wordplay that’s equally smart – Kofi Santana brings through a fresh trap anthem with masses of character and a clean tone, for Pissed Me Off(TxnaTalk2).
Gorgeous vocals and simple country-pop warmth light up the metaphorical nostalgia of Callie Young’s latest evocative single.
Focused on the simplicity of eras past, the song and its accompanying artwork remind us of childhood days and learning to ride a bike – with the help of Training Wheels. The release goes on to poetically reflect on the complexities and unknowns of life and growing older.
Montreal-born singer, songwriter and performer June6xteen blends the power of an instant earworm with the strength of a finely crafted soundscape and faultless vocal delivery.
Retro-electronic sound-play follows colourful keys that rise and fall, as we’re welcomed by the implied security of a hopeful production. Love the Magician focuses on unity and possibility, by way of scornful and robotic lyrical outpourings, which openly reflect upon the clear gaps and obstacles in societal connection.
Professionalism and passion as ever guide the greatest songs and productions into the light. Enter artist and producer Jatzu, with an engaging and rather seamless blend of Latin and Reggaetón vibes, presented by way of a handful of gorgeously performed and faultlessly written original tracks.
As Love Forever rains into view, we’re instantly reminded of the hypnotic multi-coloured chaos of Isaiah’s unique production, and the distant and equally recognisable tone of that leading voice.
Old school hip hop production with hazy fuzz compression and classic vocal fragments backs up the latest sharp and smart freestyle from Kun The Highbinder.
Need Love is modestly crafted but genuine, both in taking stylistic influence from eras past, and in representing the true value of love and unity in a time when division and difficulty seem to provide the background to much of daily life.
Artistically intertwining a fearless degree of passionate conviction to the cause, with songwriting that poetically reflects upon a place and setting to really take you somewhere new. Shepherd Bridge whole-heartedly commits to the moment, with the theatrical rise and fall of the acoustic alt-folk gem Armor.
An openly artistic Irreversible Kick let raw passion and energy take precedence, throughout the fearlessly performative, genre-fusing intensity and versatility of their seven-track album Calon cysgul.
Time for something completely engaging, entertaining and thoughtful, with vocals and lyrics that naturally soothe. Outback Stormchasers are an elusive and impressive indie band, and Famous Last Words in the Multiverse is a genuine gem of an album for the year ahead.