Song of the Day: Circles – Velvet Skyline

Texas-based modern alternative rock band, VELVET SKYLINE uses music as forms of escape and therapy, using strong and vivid themes and imagery to celebrate empowerment, tackle past trauma and to show strength in uncertain times.

Their new single, ‘Circles’ introduces their upcoming LP, ‘What We Have In Common’, alternating between tranquil intimate soundscapes and roaring influences of 90s-inspired progressive rock and grunge, all brought together by frontwoman Taylor Seerden soothing vocals.

Why not get the first taste of their album, slated for release next Monday (15th February).

EP Review: 034 – Oloye Coldman

Although it’s only five tracks long, OLOYE COLDMAN‘s latest EP, ‘034’ features 16 (yes,16!) artists contributing to a spectrum of sound where western urban influences meets the gleeful presence of the Motherland (more specifically, Nigeria).

Here in this set, you’ll experience the real vibrancy on a modern take of Igbo music, working with the sweet runs of piano keys and trumpet, giving a real bluesy jazz feel (listen to ‘Why E Be’), straight up chilled hip-hop/R&B trap effort (in ‘What’) to old school-hip-hop-inspired sound with vocals giving a rich motherland feel (listen to concluding track, ‘Gone’).

In this bio, Oloye described his EP as ‘the first of its kind in Nigeria’ – he’s not wrong – as this mini set is bursting with massive sounds which will leave lasting impression. Have a listen to the EP below…

Must Listens: What, Gone

Lauren Cruz Shares Break-Up Song, ‘Wonder’

New Jersey’s singer and producer, LAUREN CRUZ‘s new single, ‘Wonder’ captures that feeling of nostalgia after the end of a relationship. Whilst wishing the former other half the best, Cruz ponders and compares herself to the new flame over a soothing neon cut.

Despite being orphaned at the age of eleven, Cruz has forged a path as a promising female writer, producer and singer all from the confines of her bedroom. Taking inspiration from Sade, Majid Jordan and Tame Impala, her meticulously-crafted brand of neon RnB/pop has been featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Fresh Finds: Poptronix.

So keep an eye on this 23-year-old intriguing upriser as she has more material coming out very soon…but for now, listen to the mesmerising single below…

itsnatevendahk Drops Track ‘Wedontdoitlikethat’ + Video

ITSNATEVENDAHK‘s latest drop, ‘Wedontdoitlikethat’ features a heavenly neon twist on 80s soul. The single will form part of his upcoming album “Wedontdothatanymore”.

You may have noticed that the title of the song and album are a series of words formed into one – but there’s definitely a method behind itsnatevendahk’s madness. He explains:
“These titles originated from a keyboard tutorial found on YouTube, in which a teacher is explaining how “We don’t do that anymore, we don’t do it like that” referring to a way of playing soul chord progressions in the 80’s. I ended up taking these chords and re-arranging/manipulating them into different forms, eventually to be referenced throughout the album and especially in Wedontdoitlikethat.”

The Manchester-based musician – whose real name is Sam Frost – has been self-releasing music over the past few years. His last album, ‘the :0 tape’ came out in 2018, leaving a sweet kiss on the local music scene. Since then, he has been working on new music and refining his sound, which has been known as ‘Smooth experimental pop with RnB influences’.

Check out the video for ‘Wedontdoitlikethat’ below…

Album Review: Rawest 2 – Fly Von

Unlike his pervious set, ‘Fly Von Mix Vo.1’ FLY VON‘s latest album, ‘Rawest 2’  features mellowed out backdrops, melodic chants all brought together by the intermittent presence of the b-line – in fact it’s a complete opposite of the name of the album…

However, I might have spoken too soon as further along the album, the melodic chants becomes more sporadic, the semi-tranquil bassline becomes more infectiously HARD and Fly Von’s trance-like flow turns all RAW. Ninth effort, ‘Fast Life’, totally interrupts the album’s tranquility with its bold energy and Fly’s fiery flow which gives such an unbelieve head rush.

All in all, I did expect a little more punch from ‘Rawest 2’ – that ‘I don’t give a f**k energy presented in his previous releases – however what this album has showed me is that this Virginia rapper can do it as smooth as they come and it can be still soul-satisfying. Check out ‘Rawest 2’ below and songs recommendations.

Must Listens: Pina Loca Smoke, Stay Patient, Tokyo Tees, No Limit