For those of us who’ve spent a lifetime drawn back and forth between the euphoric escapism of electronic dance music and the sheer ferocity and passion of rock, UAE powerhouse Sarah R Jay brings two worlds together, with her evocative and intimate tribute, to a song that proved immensely influential during her younger years.
Music
Something cool emerges here, less density of lyric but lines that feel vast and impactful. It’s a shoulder-sway of an alternative track, a twist of organic trip hop adding further to the versatility of Tom Downing’s repertoire, and a personal favourite. We’re along the lines of the unexpected indie pop gems of Big City Life somewhat, only it’s new as ever, interesting, and musically satisfying.
Easily one of the most entertaining and original takes on gamer music in recent years. Raspy metal vocals with a touch of soul, a rhythmic delivery and a heavy stomp of a techno beat – Bored gamer dude takes his passion for playful creativity to the bigger platforms, with Pacmania and the full-length album Game songs 1.
Dreamy indie pop arrangements with surprisingly bold and energising vocals – Nia Perez pours her heart into soul into both the writing and performance process, and the result is a compelling and intimate yet often euphoric, personal EP.
Indie music raising the bar as ever for the true and expressive creative freedom that drives things forward. Zuko Sian captures something cool and artistic, a sound rhythmically dancing between alt-folk festival vibes, hip hop, RnB and alternative pop or trip hop.
Music made for visual media, a careful combination of cinematic, classical and playful melodies and arrangements, built out of hybrid orchestral sounds and synths. Toby Tune captures a creative edge that’s artistic and intriguing, for ELEMENTS OF SUBSTANCE.
Stripped-back realism that the music worlds needs to cherish right now. Tia Gostelow continues her Low Lights series, with the intimacy, gentle fingerpicking, and light and breathy vocals, of Always.
If you’ve ever made the journey home from the rave in the early hours, found yourself mildly tripping on the early morning tube of the London Underground, this one’s for you.
Personally a highlight for its slick riff work, overall distortion, two tones of guitar, and the throwback style akin to the mighty Smashing Pumpkins – Matt Cruz delivers depth and darkness, with the stylish alt-rock weight and poetry of Throne.
If you’ve lost someone, a partner in particular, this one will hurt, but is almost certainly still worth the listen. The raw humanity and heart of I Still Say We is cordially genuine.
Lush riffs, an old-school pop-rock warmth that’s organic and immersive, with vocals and storytelling that again lean towards the softer rock tones of the nineties and early noughties. US songwriter Zach Outman captures a sense of groove and emotional refrain that’s beautifully uplifting, memorable, and just distinct enough to stand out right now.
Really cool production brings out the best in a softly piano and female vocal led song, which ultimately explodes into view, with a soaring cinematic rock arrangement that’s fully immersive.