Tag: album review

Album Review: Southwood Waltz – David Ayscue

DAVID AYSCUE‘s debut album, ‘Southwood Waltz’ offers a simplistic yet whimsical approach to his singer/songwriter folkore/Americana fusion, allowing his mellow and delicate vocal instrument to poke through as he documents his transition from youth to adulthood.

‘New York’ gives the eight-track collection a stunning introduction, where the gentle guitar melodies takes centre stage and provides that real authenic acoustic setting.

‘Sliverlake Sunday’ and ‘In My Day’ slightly switches the tone and uplifts the album; the arrangements of ldyllic overtones, the horn section and satisying guitar plucks provides that real gritty soulful rock that really hits the soul.

The hauntingly beautiful ‘Where We Land’ concludes the set with it’s stripped down, guitar/vocal combo, which then builds into an euphoric Mumford-and-Sons style, 4-on-the-floor anthem.

‘Southwood Waltz’ puts Ayscue in good standing as one of the artists to watch for this year. His debut offering is not bad, not bad at all!

Listen to Ayscue’s ‘Southwood Waltz’ below:

Must Listens: New York, Penny, Where We Land

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Album Review: Flow Riiot – Torii Wolf

When I first heard of TORII WOLF through debut single, ‘Free’ somehow I was compelled by the too-cool-for-school raspy vocals against the bass-driven number. Releases ‘Big Big Trouble’ and ‘Pain Killer’ followed and I was totally hooked!

The next big release was the 15-track production coming in the form of ‘Flow Riiot’, produced by DJ Premier (so you know you’re really onto a good thing here).

An atmospherically dreamy sample of The Messenger’s 60s funk/soul classic, ‘California Soul’, leads the set through ‘Everlasting Peace’ – and from there, a range of genres were introduced –  from alternative hip-hop to piano/violin-led arrangements. ‘Take It Up On Monday’ is definitely one for the nostalgics as the three-minute production brings on that old school/rare groove laid-back vibe. Possessing heavy influence hip-hop/boom bap of late 80s/early 90s, ‘Shadows Crawl’ will be the one for the serious hip-hop heads’ collection.

‘Flow Riiot’ ends on smooth note with ‘Moscow’. Led by the acoustic guitar, Torii adds an inexplicable magic, creating a real stellar singer-songwriter approach to the production.

It’s sure a mix bag of pleasure and anyone who enjoys listening to makeovers of old genres will have at least one favourite. Through ‘Flow Riiot’, this New Yorker has more than proved that her Throaty yet delicate instrument has that across the board appeal.

You’re here now…might as well check it out….

Must listens: Meant To Do, 1st, Body, Take It Up On Monday, Moscow

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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

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Album Review: Meesh – Tunnel Traffic

It’s been some time (I think roughly a year and a half) since Adam Hachey, the brainchild of TUNNEL TRAFFIC, appeared on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his 2015 album, ‘Absolute Dreams’. Out of nowhere, this alternative folk-rocker recently emailed his new album, ‘Meesh, in which he produced while making his big shift to the City of Brotherly Love.

Unlike his previous collection, which was an atmospherically intense affair, ‘Meesh’ gets right down to it with bursts of zesty guitar licks through the first few tracks, ‘Lesson Learned’, ‘Pockets’ and ‘Anew’.

The psychedelic ride passes and makes way for a softer journey of lo-fi/new wave(ish) arrangements and the rich influence of that  70s inspired soulful rock, before turning up the tempo through efforts, ‘Maxwell’ and ‘All Day, Err Day.’

The latter part of the album is what I personally think is classic TRAFFIC TUNNEL. With the return of the zesty guitar plucks, the almost stripped back pieces becomes intense and personal, where you can not only hear, but FEEL every word uttered.

‘Meesh’ sees Adam comes out of his comfort zone and go down the experimentation route, which is great – but personally, he’s at his best when he perform songs that hone right into the soul.

Must Listens: Familiar, Slope Day, Mitch, Memorial

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Album Review: Primative Beats and Rhymes

Veteran producer REDDTUNE called upon a mammoth lineup, in a bid to keep golden hip-hop/boombap alive, through his latest album, ‘Primative Beats and Rhymes’.

The 11-track production kicks off on a smooth note, with elements of classical and rich sounds of retro soul met with feather-light boombap. Halfway through the album, the tempo does a full 180. Entering full on into the golden era of the eighties/nineties, the bassline becomes more prominently gusty in the latter tracks, giving them that added spice.

Have a listen to ‘Primative Beats and Rhymes’ at least a few times and you’ll discover some real gems shattered throughout the production…real hip-hop heads will get it straight off. Check it out here.

Must Listens: Last of the Classics, Act A Fool, My Waves, Hustler’s Theme, Primative Beats and Rhymes.

 

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