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.
Music
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’.
Something conceptually fresh and creatively engaging is hard to come by. Thoughtful reflections, relatable but new, framed in a way that’s distinct but also musically satisfying. Enter Atryp, with a colourful and catchy approach to hip hop, and a storyline built around the globally renowned pain chart found in doctors offices.
McKay are an act upholding the realness and talent of organic, man-made bands and songwriting, at a time when we need that more than ever. They write youthfully fearless, thoughtful and intelligent lyrics, with fresh melodies and blissfully harmonised performances, and for all of these reasons, they’re a personal favourite act from the past couple of years, and Casino is incredibly special as an original project.
To introduce the unique composition style and playing of Parachute Eyes, Thoughts Escaping is ideal. The release opens up with a sincere and distinct, undistorted guitar tone and melody, and sets a likeable groove for around three minutes, before shifting suddenly but fittingly, to a more distorted, power-chord and structurally intense approach.
Modern production tools and relatable writing continue to take hold in the modern music realm, and ever // never’s approach quite seamlessly blends the two. It’s an uplifting ode to and old friend, and the music works its magic with ease. A strong contender for the good vibes and dance playlists this summertime.
Star-crossed lovers recapture their truth in a post-apocalyptic world. Empty Spaces celebrates Margarita’s fascination with fantasy and folklore, whilst delivering an original story and song that proves fearlessly artistic. The song releases in unison with the Japanese festival of the stars, Tanabata.
Lush new music from Blue Julius brings a dreamy guitar groove of both acoustic and electric tones. Collaborating once again with Dani Stacy, the band offer a soulful nostalgic performance and rising energy, for the intoxicating You Make Me Feel New.
Just seven years old and already holding a repertoire of over 20 original songs, the young musical prodigy and renowned philanthropist Simba is an altruistic and inspiring soul, whose focus unites heartfelt songwriting, beautiful vocals, and charitable intentions.
Smooth melodies and slick guitar-led arrangements – Carlos Smith Jr. blends storytelling and catchy musicianship, with the five-track Christian rock project Somebody’s Prayin’.