Tag: London

Album Review: The Introduction – Zoe and Zara

Since appearing on NEW LEASE MUSIC with their single ‘Get Up Now’ last January, my mind would sometimes wonder on the whereabouts of twin sisters ZOE & ZARA. A few week ago, my curiosity was quashed when received an email from the duo.

After five years on London’s music scene, the pair decided to start a new chapter on their journey. So after much deliberation, long hours in the studio (which came with tears and near-breakdowns – their words, not mine!) ZOE & ZARA now present their debut album, ‘The Introduction.’

Recorded at The Blue Studio in Dalston (my hometown!), ‘The Introduction’  displays a delightful journey of Jazz (modern and from the golden era), old school soul and neo soul alternating between the down right funky and the ambient/easy listening.

The flood of tears and near breakdowns definitely paid off –  their neo-soul signature is more rich and refined (compared to their previous releases). The sisters’ venture into other genres by far didn’t disappoint. Their soothing vocals in fourth effort ‘Hey Sir’ were well suited to the golden jazz/big band/rat pack combo.

After reading the review, I think you guys know how I feel about this album. All there’s left say is – ZOE & ZARA, I salute you!

Check out the album and song recommendations below:

Must Listens: Weather Is Golden, Autumn Afternoon, Butterfly, Talk About It

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Song of the Day: Let Me Be – Reppy Hustle

REPPY HUSTLE has been part of the huge influx of talented rappers the UK has seen within the last 18 months, each fighting for their own slice of the pie and notable success. With a clear determination, visible through his consistent video output across key influencer platforms including GRM Daily and Link Up TV, Reppy has proven himself to be one of the key newcomers and is now making his transition from the underground to the notable ‘one to watch’ stomping ground.

Latest release ‘Let Me Be’ is a well-rounded tune with all of the trimmings, giving a taster of what REPPY HUSTLE is really capable of in his music. A harmonious instrumental is satisfying on the ears, whilst the deep bass adds just the right kick of spice and movement to the mix. Reppy rides out with fluency as his bars and flow meander across the verses before hitting out a big song-a-long hook that is set to become a summer favourite.

Previous records include ‘You Were Acting’ and ‘Council Block Boy’, which shows a harder edge to the flourishing rapper yet, both hold his ability to create proper ‘records’, rather than throw away tunes, at their core. Check him out online and get tuned in and turned to REPPY HUSTLE…

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New Music Video: Runaway Devil – House Above The Sun

Hailing from South London, HOUSE ABOVE THE SUN have released a rather interesting production for their brand new single, ‘Runaway Devil’, released on Friday.

‘Runaway Devil’ – taken from their forthcoming debut album, ‘Five Hours North’ – is a guitar-drenched offering which heavily draws influence from gritty roots/blues, folk and Americana.

This four piece have drawn comparisons with acts as diverse as First Aid Kit, White Stripes, Black Keys and Stone Roses, building on core influences from rock artists including Dylan, The Doors and Tom Petty and alt-country like Gram Parsons and Uncle Tupelo.

Currently they are building-up a burgeoning following around the capital’s folk and roots underground, including a triumphant appearance at the recent Merge festival on London’s South Bank. Their ever-growing following has earned these guys back-to-back live performances in London for the remainder of the year.

Have a listen to ‘Runaway Devil’… if you like sound of this band, go and show your support at one of their shows:

Saturday, Sept 9 – The Pack and Carriage, 162 Eversholt St, Kings Cross, London NW1 1BL
Thursday, Sept 14 – Biddle Bros, 88 Lower Clapton Rd, London E5 0QR
Saturday, Oct 7 – The Finborough arms, 118 Finborough Rd, Kensington, London SW10 9ED
Wednesday, Oct 11 – Fiddler’s Elbow, 1 Malden Rd, Camden, London NW5 3HS
Wednesday Oct 25 – Chalk Farm Folk, The Monarch, Camden
Wednesday Nov 8 – Mark Beaumont Presents, The Monarch, Camden
Wednesday Nov 22 – Chalk Farm Folk, The Monarch, Camden ‘The Last Waltz’ night

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New Track: Day Ones – Ms Banks

Showing no signs of slowing down and continuing to prove why she is worthy of all the attention since first bursting onto the scene with her 2014 mixtape ‘Once Upon A Grind’, UK hip-hop artist MS BANKS returns with her new track ‘Day Ones’.

Produced by Donae’O and ProducerWez, ‘Day Ones’ is the addictive, future hit set to extend the summer vibes with its infectious beats and MS BANKS’ inimitable flow. Launched with the must-see visuals shot in south London, the track is available to stream and download everywhere on Friday.

‘Day Ones’ is the follow-up to MS BANKS’ explosive tracks ‘’Get Loose’, ‘OMG’ and ‘Vibes’ which were released earlier this year and saw her causing a stir with her potent lyrical skills and unmatched, deadly delivery which she recently took to the stage with fiery performances at Glastonbury Festival, the Boy Better Know Takeover show at The O2.

With MS BANKS building on the hysteria she has caused over the past year and sharing more new music and electric live performances throughout the rest of 2017 and already garnering support from outlets such as Dazed, Noisey, Dummy, The FADER, The Source, BBC 1Xtra, SBTV, GRM Daily and Link UP TV, there’s no doubt that she is ready to take her crown as the queen of UK hip-hop.

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Song of the Day: Closer – IIDimensionz

 

II DIMENSIONZ stolen today’s hotspot with debut single ‘Closer’ taken from their upcoming debut EP ‘Love From Above’ out this month.

Featuring special guest vocals from Mark Asari and rapper Nick Brewer (Island Records) ‘Closer’ is a smooth slice of soulful R&B with plenty of old school vibes including a big nod to Rosie Gaines classic ‘Closer than Close’.

Whilst inviting special guests in for vocals all song writing, instrumentation and production is done by the boys themselves, and they’re keen to keep control of all aspects of creativity, something they’ve learned from their dads – who were both in the music business.

II DIMENSIONZ are cousins Nathan and Jermaine Williams, born and raised in East London. Their dads played with the likes of Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan and LL Cool, so the boys were brought up with music in their blood. “We were taken to watch band rehearsals and gigs and sharing the excitement of watching our fathers perform live was a huge inspiration. It laid the foundations to our own musical journey.”

Debut 4-track EP ‘Love From Above’ is described by the duo as a modern-day take on classic 80’s soul with 90’s R&B. Alongside the single, ‘Closer’ the EP also includes the tracks ‘Waiting Room,’ ‘Coming Together’ and a deep house edit of ‘Closer.’

Check out the live performance of the single.

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