Album Review: The Introduction – Zoe and Zara

Since appearing on NEW LEASE MUSIC with their single ‘Get Up Now’ last January, my mind would sometimes wonder on the whereabouts of twin sisters ZOE & ZARA. A few week ago, my curiosity was quashed when received an email from the duo.

After five years on London’s music scene, the pair decided to start a new chapter on their journey. So after much deliberation, long hours in the studio (which came with tears and near-breakdowns – their words, not mine!) ZOE & ZARA now present their debut album, ‘The Introduction.’

Recorded at The Blue Studio in Dalston (my hometown!), ‘The Introduction’  displays a delightful journey of Jazz (modern and from the golden era), old school soul and neo soul alternating between the down right funky and the ambient/easy listening.

The flood of tears and near breakdowns definitely paid off –  their neo-soul signature is more rich and refined (compared to their previous releases). The sisters’ venture into other genres by far didn’t disappoint. Their soothing vocals in fourth effort ‘Hey Sir’ were well suited to the golden jazz/big band/rat pack combo.

After reading the review, I think you guys know how I feel about this album. All there’s left say is – ZOE & ZARA, I salute you!

Check out the album and song recommendations below:

Must Listens: Weather Is Golden, Autumn Afternoon, Butterfly, Talk About It

New Track: Big Big Trouble – Torii Wolf

After premiering ‘Flow Riiot’s’ anthemic lead-single, ‘Free,’ featuring Macklemore and DJ Premier with Complex a few weeks ago, TORII WOLF now deliver ‘Big Big Trouble’.

The latest release sees the promising upcomer sprinkle some of her hypnotically raspy vocals over a fusion of old school hip-hop beats with a dramatic drive.

TORII WOLF’s debut solo-debut, ‘Flow Riiot’, will be released on 29th September via DJ Premier’s TTT (To The Top) imprint.

Have a listen to ‘Big Big Trouble.’

New Track: Real Friends – A1

A1 bounces back into today’s spotlight with brand new track, ‘Real Friends’, the second installment from his freestyle series #A1Mondays, which started April this year.

While you’re here, why not check out this bad boy tune…and if you like what you hear, head over to his Twitter profile and catch up on his series – you won’t be disappointed!

New Music Video: Runaway Devil – House Above The Sun

Hailing from South London, HOUSE ABOVE THE SUN have released a rather interesting production for their brand new single, ‘Runaway Devil’, released on Friday.

‘Runaway Devil’ – taken from their forthcoming debut album, ‘Five Hours North’ – is a guitar-drenched offering which heavily draws influence from gritty roots/blues, folk and Americana.

This four piece have drawn comparisons with acts as diverse as First Aid Kit, White Stripes, Black Keys and Stone Roses, building on core influences from rock artists including Dylan, The Doors and Tom Petty and alt-country like Gram Parsons and Uncle Tupelo.

Currently they are building-up a burgeoning following around the capital’s folk and roots underground, including a triumphant appearance at the recent Merge festival on London’s South Bank. Their ever-growing following has earned these guys back-to-back live performances in London for the remainder of the year.

Have a listen to ‘Runaway Devil’… if you like sound of this band, go and show your support at one of their shows:

Saturday, Sept 9 – The Pack and Carriage, 162 Eversholt St, Kings Cross, London NW1 1BL
Thursday, Sept 14 – Biddle Bros, 88 Lower Clapton Rd, London E5 0QR
Saturday, Oct 7 – The Finborough arms, 118 Finborough Rd, Kensington, London SW10 9ED
Wednesday, Oct 11 – Fiddler’s Elbow, 1 Malden Rd, Camden, London NW5 3HS
Wednesday Oct 25 – Chalk Farm Folk, The Monarch, Camden
Wednesday Nov 8 – Mark Beaumont Presents, The Monarch, Camden
Wednesday Nov 22 – Chalk Farm Folk, The Monarch, Camden ‘The Last Waltz’ night

EP Review: Missing Pieces – Sleeplust

Four-piece band SLEEPLUST put their new-found sound to the test through their latest EP, ‘Missing Pieces’, released last month.

Unlike their previous self-titled EP, which possess a carefree combo of electro pop/rock, ‘Missing Pieces’ boasts a rich downtempo (ish)/electronica drive, making it more of a hypnotic affair.

That deep electro-bass unapologetically takes the stage and goes all in with the introductory effort, ‘Flood Gates,’ before easing up in the following tracks, ‘Organized Mess’, ‘Lights’ and ‘Tiny Raindrops.’

The pot of gold is, by far, the concluding offering ‘Forever and Always’, where their infamous drive is stripped away, making way for an intimate acoustic setting that will helplessly draw in any listener; a great way to end an EP.

Gotta say their decision to shift towards an emotive sound is a massive plus and I reckon this little package will resonate with people who really appreciate good music. Have a listen for yourself.

Must Listens: Flood Gates, Tiny Raindrops, Forever and Always.