Hot off the heels of two sold out shows in London and L.A., West London native HOLLIE COOK unveiled more from her forthcoming third LP by dropping the double-A single ‘Freefalling’ / ‘Survive’.
The tropical pop princess has already cemented her position as one to watch this year after signing to the American indie label Merge Records and releasing the lead single ‘Angel Fire’. The first taste from the album received rave reviews from international outlets ranging from Mass Appeal, Clash and Je Ne Sais Pop and was playlisted over the summer on BBC Radio. Her vibrant, spirited take on lovers rock radiates positivity, allowing her to transcend the confines of a genre.
‘Freefalling’ finds Hollie’s sultry vocals positioned against a skanking rocksteady beat, alluring synths and a crooning brass section. The result is a life-affirming feel good jam which exudes enough warmth to keep burning all autumn long. Despite singing of the intricacies of heartbreak an unwavering sense of bliss prevails throughout.
As well as touring the world for years with Ari Up in the pioneering female punk band The Slits, Cook previously collaborated with renowned dub producer Prince Fatty on her first two solo albums – the self-titled debut and the acclaimed follow-up ‘Twice’. Singles such as ‘Milk & Honey’ and ‘That Very Night’ saw Hollie gain critical exposure via BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, 1Xtra and Radio X, culminating in a hypnotic appearance on the prestigious “Later…With Jools Holland”. Having now enlisted the esteemed producer Martin “Youth” Glover to oversee her latest LP – whose credits include U2, Paul McCartney and Pink Floyd – she’s able to unlock maturity in her ever evolving sound.
With supporters rallying from every corner, including Fred Perry’s Subculture, Jocks & Nerds and Vanity Fair, HOLLIE COOK is gearing up for a triumphant year ahead with the ‘Vessel of Love’ album release on 26th January – so expect to see her on top of the tropical throne of pop in 2018.
If this is your first introduction to this carefree upriser, well here’s your chance to watch the video to ‘Survive.’
Reggae and R&B upcomer Lyrae LYRAE unveiled ‘Nah Lef’, her debut single via Monopolyhouse. Telling the story of true love, this feel good song is equipped with an infectious hook and inescapably rhythmic lyrics ready to start the dance at any next party!
‘Nah Lef’ is now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Tidal, Google Play, Spotify and all major digital outlets…check it out.
I don’t know how this all-rounder slipped under my radar, but from now on, I’ll be keeping a very close eye on her. Just in case you’re baffled, I’m talking about COCO PERI. Maybe I’m giving the game away too early in this review, but her latest mixtape ‘The Mixer’ made me sit up and raise my eyebrows with approval.
The ten track production seamlessly weave between the atmospheric arrangements of R&B hip-hop/rap and dancehall, topped off with the occasional show of the tropical-esque overtones. This north Londoner had no trouble switching it up from her a rich jazzy vocal to a smooth flow that just melts into the dreamy soundscapes.
‘The Mixer’ serves as a great outro for the summer – and is well worth a place in your valuable record collection….hit the play button on this bad boy mixer!
Must Listens: Keeper, Muse, Futuristic, Ready Good Loving, Live Good
SONZ OF THUNDER UK are back with the latest single entitled ‘London City Anthem’, out today on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and all major download sites.
The classic reggae number pays homage to the capital. Despite the recent terror attacks in London Bridge and Finsbury Park, the brothers give a reminder that London is a great place for all to enjoy – without fear. ‘London City Anthem’ also serves as a source of comfort for those who lost their friends and loved ones in the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.
‘London City Anthem’ is the third release of the year from the reggae duo. Their promo track, ‘For The City’ (sampled from WSTRN’s hit ‘In2’) received support from, Moody Without Music, The Music Site, Exposed Vocals and The Voice Newspaper (online).
Kicking of 2017 with a bang, track ‘Frontline Testimony’, also received online praises from, The Link Up, Choice For Music FM, Guestlist and many more.
Watch the video for their latest single…and if you like what you hear, catch these guys performing at I Love Jamaica Festival Day this Sunday (30th July). For more details, head right here.
