Tag: EP reviews

EP Review: Nightshades – Herbivores

Picking up right where they left off on their self-titled debut EP, which was released back in the summer to rave reviews and strong support from tastemakers such as SoulBounce, Gigwise and SingersRoom, prolific Brooklyn neo-soul collective HERBIVORES  have unveiled their sophomore EP and second project of the year titled ‘Nightshades’.

Written by all four members, Bel-Ami, Reddaz, Misha Savage and Will Sacks, the EP invites you into a lush offering of featherlight neo soul paired with unmatched powerhouse performance.

Second offering, ‘Mama Nose’ stills retains their signature sound but the second-to-none vocal performance gives the arrangements a reggae riddim twist. ‘Boomerang’ possess a spirit of Southern soul: the confident guitar plucks leads the way in the track, later joined by the infectious bounce of the bass and gleeful trumpets, pulled together by gusty vocals that really hits the spot.

A bed of airy electronica-ish backdrop is added to their neo soul vibe in the latter part of the set, creating a real intimate and euphoric experience.

Now I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never heard of these guys before this EP – but I’m glad I did as the name Herbivores will be firmly on my radar for 2021. Have a listen to ‘Nightshades’ – I have a sneaky feeling that they’ll be on your musical radar too.

Must Listen: Walk Away

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EP Review: WET IT SZN – Fizzler

FIZZLER‘s debut EP ‘WET IT SZN’ kicks off with the rising drill star easing through the bars that’s exuberant with a menacing edge.

Further along this mini collection, tracks ‘Blow’, ‘125’ and ‘We It’, shows a different side to the genre, taking on a more after hour-ish and salacious vibe which compliments and soften the infamous gritty drill drive.

The last three months, this South Londoner is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and promising act to come from the drill scene and his ‘WET IT SZN’ EP is a great insight of an credible artist who is on a mission to give the genre a different dimension. Hat off to the guy; check him out below…

Must Listens: Blow, 125, Wet It

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EP Review: Watch The Ton3s – The Hamiltones

After appearing to be lying dormant for a few years, the recent explosion of that good old R&B, as we know it, has got REAL…and I mean SERIOUSLY real, with laid-back soulful summer vibes popping up from all directions.

Keeping that rich soulful R&B alive, are three powerhouses from North Carolina: J. Vito, Tony Lelo, and 2E – otherwise known as THE HAMILTONES.

Containing six tracks, their latest EP, ‘Watch The Ton3s’ primarily features 90’s-esque semi-chilled vibes well suited for the summer, with backing vocal arrangements occasionally adding a gospel edge. The trio each take turns and robustly deliver their classically rich soulful vocals on each and every pieces, adding that extra spice.

Since these guys first appeared on NEW LEASE MUSIC with single, ‘Pieces’, I’ve been keeping a very close eye on their next move…and I have to say that this EP has more than satisfy my curiosity – and if you’re seriously into your R&B, do not pass up on these three ton3s.

Check these powerhouses out below:

Must Listens: MCBYL (both versions), Alone, Pieces

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EP Review: This Is For You – Monti

Reflecting on her experiences – from a turbulent childhood, living on the streets, to being in a codependent relationship, geared by drugs and alcohol, LA-based power-pop singer MONTI takes back control and power through her debut EP, ‘This Is For You.’

Introducing a slight misty bed of  soft indie electro pop soundscapes, the tempo picks up with third effort ‘Shadow’, which gives off a big band-ish feel to the electro/pop combo, before reverting back to those floating tones. The star of the show is, no doubt, MONTI‘s powerfully soulful vocals, which is not only pleasing to the ears, but also invites the listener into her world of past hardships, enabling them to feel the pain she went through.

Although it’s autobiographical, ‘This Is For You’ serves as a source of inspiration for anyone to overcome any adversity in life. If this talented newcomer can rise above her troubles, surely so can you.

Have a listen to ‘This Is For You’ below:

Must Listens: Cowards Caste, Echo 

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EP Review: Jade Vol.1 – Bianca Jade

Following the release of her single, ‘Feelin’, Florida’s rising R&B singer BIANCA JADE continues to spread the message of self-love and empowerment to the fellow female race, through her second EP ‘Jade Vol.1’, released yesterday.

Comprising of just four tracks, ‘Jade Vol.1’ introduces a bed of soothingly idyllic soundscapes, met with an infectiously dominant b-line through ‘Used To This.’ This combo, topped off by Jade’s alluringly delicate vocals, continues throughout the set.

Concluding piece,’B.S.’, pleasantly interrupts the EP’s soothing theme, with angelic guitar plucks taking centre stage and gives some body to the track’s airy arrangement. Jade’s vocals, which remained constantly delicate throughout the EP, suddenly roars with passion, definitely one of the highlights of the collection.

Having creating major buzz in her hometown, Miami with debut EP, ‘B-Light’, the Cuban/Jamaican songbird decided to step up her music career by moving to New York City – and her latest offering has every possibility to repeat that success in the Big Apple.

It’s time to witness a star on the rise – check her out below:

Must Listens: All tracks – a first on NEW LEASE MUSIC.

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment