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: Reflect In Mirrors – Tia Carys

Premiering via DJ Target at BBC 1Xtra, ‘Reflect In Mirrors’ sees TIA CARYS at her most reflective, detailing the complexities that often come with the end of relationships, life events and changes in the midst of your teenage years.

The video, directed by Otis Dominique (Jorja Smith, Kojey Radical) is bold, and links strongly back to the message in the song. As Tia says, the track is plainly about “reflecting in the mirror as I step out of my teenage years”, but drummed up so poetically in song, such is Tia Carys’ talent.

Following the huge success of ‘Intro’, which gained wide support across BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra (Record of the Week), Capital Xtra, KISS Fresh, Rinse FM, Foundation FM, Unity Radio and many more, Tia quickly follows up with the melodic sounding ‘Reflect in Mirrors’, showcasing her range, emotion and prowess. Speaking on ‘Intro’, The Fader said “Carys looks every inch the star in waiting”.

It’s clear from ‘Intro’ and ‘Reflect in Mirrors’ that Tia Carys is more than capable at being the shining voice of her generation. Late last year, her breakout song “English x Ghana” spoke on her grappling with her dual heritage, on ‘Intro’ she widened the net talking about her sexuality, now with ‘Reflect in Mirrors, we see her emotional range.

Recently, Tia Carys released a collaboration with producer of the moment Fraser T Smith, which also featured singer-songwriter Tom Grennan. The young songstress also released her debut EP ‘EnRoot’ last week (27th November) via Ministry of Sound.

Check out Tia’s official video for her latest below…

Rainfredrick’s New Single ‘Alessa’ Is A Fusion of Two Languages

As RAINFREDRICK continues to tease out tracks from his upcoming album, the rapper, singer/songwriter, and entrepreneur is holding over his global fanbase with a smooth new Spanglish song, ‘Alessa.’ Monalisa Stephens based in Lagos, Nigeria features on the track and debuts her dulcet tones with a fresh vibe.

Based in Guadalajara, Mexico, Rainfredrick has a talent for seamlessly weaving English and Spanish lyrics together. Perhaps it comes from his cultural background; raised on Afrobeats in Nigeria, Rainfredrick left Africa at an early age to study and see the world. He picked up new music influences while visiting over 20 Latin American countries and learning fluent Spanish in less than two years. His music falls between two worlds that are different. The sounds of his youth have found a way into the music he makes — an intoxicating blend of hip-hop, R&B, and Latin Pop.

Rainfredrick burst onto the music scene in March of 2020 with his debut track, ‘Put Me On The Map’. The follow up leading singles, ‘Sydney,’ and ‘Portia’ also defined his Spanglish sound. Rainfredrick’s music brings an endless passion for lyricism, cultures, and life…have a listen to ‘Alessa’ below…

Song of the Day: All My Issues (Hit The Club) – Bby Ivy

BBY IVY dominates the blog’s Song of the Day hot spot with her latest single, ‘All My Issues (Hit The Club)’ – a carefree, dance anthem about leaving all your worries and obligations behind and going clubbing.

Maybe this epic track can ease you into your hump day? Why not check it out below…