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

I AM BORN’s Visuals For Track, ‘Like The Pain’ Offers Hope After Despair

Stacey Bournes, otherwise known as I AM BORN, has unveiled stunning visuals for track, ‘Like The Pain’. Co-director Natalia Nunn, I AM BORN and Blake Cyrier who was the main DP for the project, wanted to depict a tale of victory and a journey to peace; finding a place of self-love, balance and a healthy self-expression.

With so many of us struggling with mental health at this time, they wanted to bring hope by illustrating the fact that it’s possible to reverse any downward spiral we may find ourselves in and re-imagine life in any way we choose, as long as we don’t give up.

Shot in LA, the video features a selection of talented artists that I AM BORN greatly admires and has been incredibly inspired by. Danielle Acoff (who was featured in Michael Jackson’s last music video for,’ A Place With No Name’), Darren Tait and Natalya Oliver were dancers in the film, with Roy Sadakane and Justin Possenti providing cinematic contributions.

‘Like The Pain’ was written by I AM BORN over ten years ago as a means of catharsis and is part of a collection of work she affectionately calls ‘The Identity of Stacey Bournes’, which consists of hundreds of songs that helped her cope with the highs and lows she experienced whilst living what she thought would be her dream life as a model.

Originally an indie/experimental offering, ‘Like The Pain’ was given a makeover by producer Obsidian Cane, who injected a gutsy UKG drive with soulful R&B undertones. I AM BORN thoroughly enjoyed working on the track as she danced so much during the process. The single was featured on Obsidian Cane’s debut EP titled Reset, released on his label, Wicked Ghost Music back in August.

I AM BORN is also currently working with producers, musicians and DJ’s in different genres on a number of projects taken from the ‘IDofSB’ slated for release in the New year.

‘Like The Pain’ is now available on all download and streaming sites. Check out the official video for the single below…

Song of the Day: Vibration – DJ Paleface (ft. Kai Gama)

Poet/MC KAI GAMA, one half of the electro hip-hop group, The Insonmiax delivers a powerful poetic performance on an Ahmed Jamal/ De-La Soul inspired future bass/ UKG instrumental courtesy of DJ PALEFACE.

Over the years DJ Paleface has released singles such as ‘Fall Outta Love’ and ‘Stormy Weather’ and earned producer/songwriting credits for the likes of Kyla, Drake, Crazy Cousinz, Sweetie Irie, Wiley, Maxwell D and Major Ace. His most recent release ‘785 Girl’ featuring Marvin Ambrosius, kicked off the summer season and garnered huge support from MistaJam on BBC Radio 1 Dance Anthems, Billy Da Kid and Shortee Blitz on KISS FM and Rampage at BBC 1Xtra. Quickly following up with ‘Vibration’, DJ Paleface’s latest productions showcase his wealth of experience as a bass production master.

Vibration is out now via Northern Line Records on all platforms. Check it out below…

Midnight Mystery Club Released Their Stunning Single, ‘Keep A Beat’ Today!

Indie Dance duo MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB’s original version of ‘Keep A Beat’ was released back in 2015 on Secret Life label out of Ibiza and was featured on a few Balearic compilations like Cafe Mambos.

Fast forward to the present day, the pair have released a revamped version of the track, possessing a softer take on the chilled ibizan – esque arrangements with 80s soul/pop influences.

‘Keep A Beat’ is available from today (3rd July) on all major music platforms. Check it out below…

 

J.Kas x Ruell Slams Down Summer-Ready track ‘BonBon’.

Rapper J.KAS calls upon long-time collaborator, upcoming R&B singer Ruell, to offer some much needed distraction away from the chaotic current events with latest single, ‘BonBon’.

Ruell takes the lead in the summer-charged joint, exchanging his smooth afterhours vocals for a melodic/rock steady-esque flow, which melts right into the vibrant fusion of tropical house and Dancehall. BBC Sheffield-approved J.Kas takes over and adds extra fire with his gutsy MC-delivery.

Previously featured on J. Kas’ soulful/R&B jams, ‘Snapchat (Ain’t No Killing My Vibe)’ and ‘Cali Dreaming’, Ruell has branched out and released his debut solo single, ‘Tiffany’, where J.Kas returns the favour and features on the R&B/trap production.

Besides being a seasoned wordsmith, who received firm support from BBC1’s Huw Stephens, BBC 1xtra’s Charlie Sloth and DJ Ace and BBC Sheffield’s Christian Carlisle, J.Kas is the founder of trendy streetwear, Tokyo Red, established in 2015.

Available now on Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Deezer and Google Play, ‘BonBon’ follow’s J.Kas’ Afrobeat/Dancehall number, ‘Amsterdam’.

Follow J.Kas on: Facebook // Twitter // Instagram
Follow Ruell on: Instagram