Tag: alternative music

Album Review: COGs – Wullae Wright

You guys don’t know how GOOD it feels to have WULLAE WRIGHT back in NEW LEASE MUSIC’s limelight. Back in 2013, he graced his presence with album, The Orange Line – named Album of 2014 by this blog.

Fast forward to four years, indie rocker delivers another highly anticipated album entitled ‘COGs’. What do I expect from this 12-track collection? I’m hoping to hear some soaring guitars against experimental mix of staggered, rhythmic thumps – elements that were featured in ‘The Orange Line.’

Distorted rawness of the guitar riffs (we’re talking Jimi Hendrix style) introduces the collection,  pumping an adrenaline rush through ‘Armed for Revolution.’ The rush quickly disperse and is replaced with an angelic presence of the piano in the following track, ‘A Heart that Riots.’

‘Scumbag’ provides the second rush of the album as it goes on a rollercoaster ride with tranquility turning into total turmoil, well executed Wright’s vocals. The long-awaited staggered soundscapes take charge in ninth effort, ‘Blackfields, ‘ where the rhythmic thumps travels in union with the woeful violins. Wright’s vocals serves as a perfect backdrop before eventually coming in line of the heart-hitting arrangements.

Providing such a hell raising experience at the beginning, ‘COGs’ does a complete U-turn and comes to a close with scenic acoustic setting. ‘Deja Vu’ is personally the top three stellar tracks of this album as the serene guitar against the full-on power vocals sparks that magical combination.

Just like a candle frantically bouncing in the wind, the tempo displayed in ‘COGs’ provides extreme dips and soars…so it’s going to be anything but boring…might as well have a listen…

Must Listens: Armed For Revolution, A Heart That Riots, Scumbag, Centralia, Blackfields, Ventriloquist.

 

 

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New Music Video: Falling – Turya

Singer, songwriter and composer artist T U R Y A reveals her brand new music video ‘Falling’, the second single from her forthcoming debut album ‘Ocean’ released via Kobalt Music. Directed by Alexander Boethius and filmed in Siberia, the video embodies T U R Y A’ s now distinct, signature style.

Drawing inspiration from T U R Y A’ s worldly experiences, the video paints a deeply personal portrait of the artist’s current journey and feelings. ‘Falling’ shows a more honest, darker side compared to the ethereal, bittersweet debut single ‘Rain’. The video is a powerful vehicle that takes the viewer into a shamanic world of nature, harmony and freedom, far away from the conflicts of the modern world. Her distinctive vocals float bewitchingly over the emotive soundscape and visuals, resonating with depth and meaning.

Tonight, Londoner TURYA will be performing ‘Falling’ and other tracks from her forthcoming album ‘Ocean’ live for the first time at The Slaughtered Lamb, London. After the cult success of her debut single ‘Rain’ which came out earlier this year, T U R Y A has undergone a total artistic evolution, introducing raw, poignant and personal explorations with her debut album, transitioning into the artist she has always wanted to be.

‘Falling’ is now available on Spotify…but first watch the video to the stunning single.

 

 

 

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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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New Track: Macadamian – Jimmy Smash

Oslo-based, dreamy R&B duo JIMMY SMASH burst into the limelight with their debut single ‘Macadamian’.

From start to finish Håvard Lyngstad’s smooth, dulcet tones are nothing less than mesmerising. Dreamy and floating, his voice exudes warmth and comfort, perfectly poised above a soulful ambience created by Mikkel Guttormsen, whose easy-going, swinging rhythm rolls gently along a bed of distant synths. The premise and underlying melody for ‘Macadamia’ was created on a “beat-up” Finnish guitar from the 80s, providing a certain nostalgic element to the instrumental.

Guttormsen and Lyngstad both grew up in Fredrikstad, Norway, and although they socialised in the same circles, didn’t cross paths until 2012 in Oslo. Mikkel is a classically trained pianist whose long-term affinity for hip hop, led to him DJ’ing at parties and clubs around Norway, showcasing his home-crafted rap beats. A multi-instrumentalist (guitar, drums, vocals) and initially working as a singer-songwriter, Håvard transitioned into R&B at a later stage after realising the freedom for intricate wordplay and complex narratives. Discovering a shared passion for soul, R&B and groovy beats, the pair have been continuously collaborating and making music in their home studio.

JIMMY SMASH’s promising debut delivers a musical breath of fresh air shrouded in mystery, and with more music on the way, the Norwegian duo are certainly one to watch.

These guys are on a mission to challenge pop music of today…and I have to say, they’re definitely on the right path…Have a listen to ‘Macadamian’.

 

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New Track: Primavera – Hansaa x Soso (ft. A.CHAL)

Sydney-bred HANSAA and LA-based producers SOSO have teamed up once again to enlist the vocal talents of A.CHAL for a star-studded production entitled ‘Primavera’.

Rough textures centred about a funky, live bassline make for a high-vitality vibe with a driving energy. Specifically produced with A.CHAL’s dulcet tones in mind, the Peruvian’s vocals are woven throughout the very core of the track creating a certain ambience, fusing the very best elements of hip hop, electronica and R&B.

HANSAA – real name Vinay Matta – has been prevalent in LA’s underground scene for several years now. Drawing inspiration from sample-heavy hip hop, 90s instrumentals and cinematic scores, Matta developed a unique timbre. It was this affinity for electro and hip-hop inspired sounds that lead to the producer linking up with Ryan Aicklen and Danny Thrasher, AKA SOSO. The pair first came together during their time at Icon Music School Production School in Burbank and have since worked behind the scenes for artists including 30 Seconds To Mars and Anna Lunoe.

The SOSO boys joined HANSAA on his debut release, ‘Need to Know’, featuring vocals from Oliver Tank, which was released in August and has already clocked up over 110,000 plays on Spotify.

Referred to as the “R&B, quasi-rap wunderkind” with “big sexy, making-it-rain” music by Billboard, it’s no surprise that Alejandro Salazar, under the moniker A.CHAL, has been making waves. Championed by A$AP Rocky the young virtuoso has seen a plethora of commendations from Pigeons And Planes, XXL Mag, Highsnobiety and i-D. A frequent favourite on Beats 1, the vocalist has also teamed up with A$AP Nast, French Montana. Recently having performed at SXSW 17’s Belvedere Vodka x Noisey: Behind The Scene event and fresh from announcing tour dates for his 11-track album ‘On Gaz’, Salazar has quickly become one of America’s most exciting singers.

‘Primavera’ sees the undisputed vocal expertise of A.CHAL coupled with tight, inspired production from one of LA’s most exciting, up and coming producer collaborations who will most certainly be one to watch in 2017…

Hit play on this one..too good to pass up.

 

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