Tag: reviews

Album Review: New Soul – Gold Complex

It took three years for Canadian band GOLD COMPLEX to perfect and defined their sound for their latest album, ‘New Soul’.

The album introduces, what can be described as, alternative R&B with a luscious lick of funk featured through single, ‘Homegirl’ and goes on to flaunt between various bluesy/nu soul elements  working in unison with the occasional presence of progressive pop/rock with questionably a hint of EDM (heard in single, ‘Meant to Dance.’)

From what I can remember, ‘New Soul’ is a slight shift from their neo-soul-centred signature, displayed in their previous self-titled album. Although there’s more elements of contrasting tones, the arrangements are still as harmonic as ever – pull together by those killer soulful vocals.

Check it out below:

Must Listens: Homegirl, Meant To Dance, New Soul

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EP Review: Nothing Is Forever – Shon Jay

SHON JAY is that guy who set the bar high – and I mean unobtainably high among his music contemporaries.

His latest EP, ‘Nothing Is Forever’ may be only eight – tracks long, but there’s an electric mix of genres – from funk, old school soul and even an expected appearance of a little country – all of which oozes undisputed class.

Among a crowded industry that’s filled with quick-fix hits that’s easily forgotten, SHON JAY‘s ‘Nothing Is Forever’ is a true testament that there’s still GOOD and MEANINGFUL MUSIC out there and it’s definitely a collection that can be enjoyed from five or even ten years from now – I guess some things last forever.

Check him out below – it’s like listening to soul idols Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau and George Benson, all wrapped up in one.

Must Listens: Dreamin’, Best Part (Daniel Caesar Cover), If You Leave Me Now, Treat Me Like Dis  

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EP Review: Invicta – Karolina Rose

With racy synth overtones meeting the atmospheric/electronic soundscapes, NYC’s KAROLINA ROSE brings on the fun factor from the eighties with her debut EP ‘Invicta’, released earlier this month.

Among the euphoric combo, Rose’s alluringly light vocals pokes through which puts me in the mind of 80s pop idols, Kim Wilde and Bananarama, especially when listening to chart-topping single, ‘Going To Berlin’ (which peaked at #12 on Hype Machine) and ‘Move With Me’.

So if you fancy a bit of cheesy pop (and I mean that respectfully) with a dollop of finesse on top, well ‘Invicta’ is worth a go. Have a. listen below:

Must Listens: Love Crazy, Going To Berlin, Goodnight Mr Moon, Move With Me

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EP Review: Crisis – Phé

With downtempo, electronic soundscapes and an occasional soaring of the guitar riffs, PHÉ gives afterhours R&B as we know it a dark and sinister makeover through her latest EP entitled EP, ‘Crisis’.

Through the dense(ish) arrangements, the Vancouver-born/Los Angeles based singer/songwriter’s crisp and sassy vocals poke through, offering the EP that much-needed lightness.

If you love a contemporary take on soulful R&B, then you’ll definitely enjoy this pretty neat package. Check her out below:

Must Listens: Incredible, Crisis, About Us.

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EP Review: The Sickness – Redd Tunes

Featuring a collection of tracks that could be appeasing to nostalgics of the old-school, London-based rapper/producer REDD TUNES slaps down his first project of the year, entitled ‘The Sickness.’

With loops of chill-out sounds that could be easily associated with Fila high tops (unlaced, of course), slick tracksuits complete with thick gold chains, this set pays homage to the real art of britcore and also expresses the concerns of the commercialisation of its parent – hip-hop – suppressing the realism of the sub-genre.

But there’s no chance of that as REDD TUNES and featured artists on this EP, are on a mission to keep the britcore vibe alive. The Sickness EP is a strong reminder that music is an extension of one’s expression – and not a commodity.

This set is definitely worth a trail; check it out here

Must Listens: Kill The Alphabet, The Dopeness, Golden Era.

 

 

 

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