New Track: God Bless England -HalfBrother

Steadily making their mark with their distinctive, genre defying sounds and thought-provoking observations on identity and challenging social norms and roles, Murkage Dave and Patrick Scally – aka – HALFBROTHER return with ‘God Bless England’ – a poignant reflection on post-Brexit Britain.

The song is the follow-up to the duo’s debut single ‘Go Tell The Mandem’, which was hailed by i-D as ‘quietly profound’ and ‘remarkably lucid’.

Forming after collaborating on ‘Car Bomb’ – which became a cult hit last year and culminated in support from Pharrell Williams on his Beats 1 radio show – HALFBROTHER’s unique take on alternative R&B influenced sounds has been garnering them a loyal legion of fans and catching the attention of outlets such as DIY, Earmilk and Mass Appeal.

They recently brought their first performance as a duo to The Old Blue Last as the main opening act for Star Slinger and later this year they are set to release their debut album ‘Men Can’t Protect You Anymore’ which will feature more new music and exciting collaborations with UK Hip-Hop artist Oscar #worldpeace.

 

 

Album Review: Love, Hugh – Hugh

Last time HUGH were featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC was last September, with their upbeat and chirpy single, ‘Look at In Laughter.’ Soon as I learnt of their debut album, ‘Love, Hugh’, I had to have a peep as the infectious melodic pop overtones in ‘Look Back In Laughter’ have been swimming in mind ever since its feature on the blog.

The four piece band from London, featuring Joshua Idehen and Izzy Brooks, have been praised by BBC Radio One, The Guardian, Stereogum, i-D and Hype Machine for their balanced blend of R&B/soul and synthpop featured in the 11 track album…and quite rightly so.

However I have to say the better part of ‘Love, Hugh’ is the second half of the album. The sweet melancholic presence of pop art takes a back seat, making way for the smooth and atmospheric R&B, enhanced by a woofing electronic bass (which reminds me of Massive Attack, for some reason).

Usually, I don’t follow hypes, but this one for real.. they’re definitely worth a trial. See the recommended tracks below.

Must Listens: I Can’t Figure You Out, Protect My Heart, I Don’t Like You, Take It Slow, In and Out of Love.

Upcoming Release: Broken Glass – Tiger Lilly

Hailing from the suburbs of London, TIGER LILLY is one hell of a songstress who’s not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, showcasing a full-on raw and emotive lyrics.

After two successful UK tours playing at some of country’s most legendary venues, the award-winning alternative indie pop artist is currently promoting the upcoming release of her new single ‘Broken Glass’ after the success of her previous single ‘Green Eyed Monster’ which was featured on ‘BBC Introducing’.

TIGER LILLY‘s music has been aired on numerous radio stations across the world including 7 BBC Radio stations and has been featured in several national and international music and lifestyle publications as well as being broadcast live on BBC Persia TV and several performances during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Dorney Lake as part of ‘The Games Walk Festival’.

‘Broken Glass’ will be available on all major music platforms from 1st August.

New Track: Give Me Heart – Sophia

In the lead up to the release of her debut EP (2017) SOPHIA has learned the art of making the music she loves, true to herself with conviction and without compromise. At only 22, her music is the unique expression of the cultural and creative melting pot provided by her upbringing. Having traveled more in her childhood than most do in a lifetime, her stories, songs and musings are fused with wisdom beyond her years and a simplicity, rooted in the quiet confidence of being.

Having already toured the UK tour this year, recorded at the iconic Abbey Road studio and begun production on her debut EP, SOPHIA is gearing up for a phenomenal 2017.

As many search for meaning in the world outside, Sophia’s music draws you into the journey within, the discovery of one’s self and the expression of the treasure you find. With the release of her debut single ‘Give Me Heart’ late last month (via indie label Orphan No More),SOPHIA side steps genres from folk, gospel and pop with a voice so alluring, yet undeniable in power.

A music video directed by Toby Mitchell, cinematography by Dominic Döring will accompany the track, she adds : ‘This song is about leaning into the mystery, where what rings true in your heart surpasses the need to know it all from your head. I’ve learnt that this is where freedom lives.’

New Track: Better – Ethan Breakaway

Co-written and produced with his musical dyad Jay Abdul, ETHAN BREAKAWAY‘s rhythmic debut single ‘Better’ enfolds an euphony audio contradiction with their almost nostalgic yet fresh charm of R&B crossover pop. Its catchy, simple melodies glide over the top of the glittery production with lethargic delivery with Ethan’s vocal. This then comes to a dreamy watershed moment in the middle 8 of which the song honours its nostalgic appeal with wistful chords and Ethan’s free, unrestrained vocals.

The focal lyric “No one does it better than you” recurs significantly throughout, which Ethan describes as his frustration with simplicity. “From where Jay played that riff on a very earlier stage of the production I knew where we should take it. The song represents the simply emotional state of knowing whatever shit happens, your partner should always know that no one does it better than them.”