Album Review: Telescope – Midnight Mystery Club

If you, by any chance, enjoyed MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB‘s previous offerings on the blog, then I have a sneaky feeling you might be appeased by their latest album titled, ‘Telescope’.

The 11-track collection carries on the duo’s signature hazy backdrop making way for the hypnotic electro bass and Phil Collin-esque vocals, which gives off a Ibizan vibe, particularly in tracks,  ‘Blow My Mind’, ‘Miracle’ and Swim’.

Further along the album, the guys add a hint of soul, which perfectly smears in with the atmospheric soundscapes in ‘To the Moon and Back’ and title track, ‘Telescope’, giving a spine-tingling sensation.

Nearing towards to end of ‘Telescope’, the sugary light overtones in earlier tracks becomes more audible and gathers paste, taking centre stage in ‘For You, Forever’ and ‘Heavenly’, making both tracks somewhat experimental. The album ends on an high with ‘Sign of The Times, a heavenly lick on indie-disco, topped off by soaring synths and soulful vocals that somehow reminds me of Shalamar.

From the moment I clapped my eyes in the album’s track list, I had that instant urge to check it out and just like their previous releases (‘Keep A Beat’ is my absolute favourite), ‘Telescope’ hit the spot. Check out the album plus songs recommendations below:

Must Listens: Telescope, For You Forever, Heavenly, Signs of The Times

Song of the Day: Fresh Paint – Andria Piperni

If you regularly pop by the blog, you may have come across Montreal singer/songwriter ANDRIA PIPERNI and her singles, ‘Above The Clouds’ and ‘Coming Home To You’, both possessing a jazz-tinged alternative fusion of R&B and soul, inspired by everyday experiences as well as her vividly surreal dream episodes.

Her latest, ‘Fresh Paint’ is just like a painting – the meaning behind the song is open to interpretation.  Featuring Andria’s alternative soulful R&B/jazz fusion, the single takes us away from life for a moment and into a magical place.

‘Fresh Paint’ is from Andria’s forthcoming Who’s Counting? EP, slated for release next year. Have a listen below…

 

Song of the Day: Mañana – Xadi (ft. Nina Cobham)

‘Mañana’ was born from a long-standing mutual admiration between West Londoner XADI and Manchester’s Nina Cobham. Their musical chemistry is evident on the track with Nina’s ethereal bilingual vocals sitting atop Xadi’s production perfectly on the hook, and his two reflective, melodic verses proving a perfect complement to that hook.

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, both artists have been extremely productive. Nina’s most recent single ‘Sola’ has amassed almost five million streams on Spotify and picked up support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Jamz Supernova, Children of Zeus and even music icon Christina Aguilera.

Meanwhile Xadi has also had an excellent year. Back in February, Xadi released his second EP project, ‘Day Ends’. The EP and subsequent follow-up singles have received support from Christina Aguilera, Reprezent, NTS, Rinse, No Signal and Foundation FM, and from tastemakers, Twin B, Lily Mercer, Jyoty and Jamz Supernova.

As well as official releases, Xadi also worked hard on putting out a series of Instagram freestyles and covers during the lockdown, which have led to him receiving praise from the likes of Kojey Radical, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn and Jords. His work has also gained attention from the likes of The Guardian, Complex, Off The Block Magazine, The Pit LDN, Have You Heard, Mission Statement Magazine, Yahoo News and the Irish Times.

Check out the video for ‘Mañana’, directed by Kumiko….

Middle Part Shares Brand New Single, ‘Busy’

Andrew Selkōw, who goes under the moniker, MIDDLE PART, shares his brand new  single, ‘Busy’, inspired by early millennium alt pop artists like Michelle Branch and Natalie Imbruglia, with a modernised sonic twist to the likes of Clairo.

Speaking of his latest offering, Selkōw says: “A lot of this record is about ego, vulnerability, and dealing with loss. It’s also about finding a balance with your mental well being. Busy touches on that theme of letting go of your ego and being more vulnerable with the people around you. That’s the message I’m trying to get across, and I feel that ties in with the EP’s title, which is all about being more present rather than mentally checked out.”

‘Busy’ is the third single off Middle Part’s upcoming six-track EP, ‘I Wish I Was Alive’ which is heavily driven by his personal experiences, his shortcomings, his struggle with depression, dissociation and overall loss.

Have a listen below…

Watch Henny Knightz’s Video For Track, ‘Pontiac Black’

One of Hackney’s most intriguing rappers, HENNY KNIGHTZ dives into a weird colorful story through boastful visuals for track, ‘Pontiac Black’, lifted from his critically acclaimed EP, ‘Random House Of Evil’.

Set in Hackney, the three-minute production shows Henny having the best day ever, roaming through his neighborhood on a hot summer’s day…however, throughout the story, there are signs  that the day is seeming too good to be true….

Henny makes one half of duo The Knighthood Society, featuring fellow rapper Nicki Knightz. Henny executively produced Nicki’s 2020 ‘For The Uninformed EP’ to critical acclaim, and has been covered by Trench Magazine, Earmilk, RWD Magazine, GUAP Mag and GRM Daily

Hit that play button on Henny’s eccentric video for ‘Pontiac Black’…