Album Review: Young HeartThrob – Kodie Shane

KODIE SHANE‘s latest album ‘Young HeartThrob’ displays a harmonious meeting of 90’s style  afterhours R&B and a real gritty hip-hop b-line.

Hailed as the one-to-watch by the likes of Pitchfork, Complex and Vogue, the Atlanta-based singer/rapper pumps an electrifying lick to the flirtatious arrangements, flipping between her sultry soulful vocals and her fierce yet eloquent flow.

There’s a bunch of musicians who are determined on keep that real authentic R&B sound alive, but KODIE SHANE takes R&B as we know it and adds a sizzling modern twist to the genre. Check her out below:

Must Listens: Lost, High Speed, Pulling Up,Sing to Her, Hiatus

Album Review: Sketch (Abstract) – Mission

MISSION comes at you with full force with his latest album entitled album ‘Sketch (Abstract)’, released earlier this month.

The South African rapper teams up with long-term collaborator, producer and NEW LEASE MUSIC regular Jayd Soliar – aka JAS – to create abstracted sounds and overtones that’s rough around the edges, accompanied with a bed of scenic soundscapes offering some lightness. His rap delivery to the contracting combo gives that extra rawness to the nine-track project, whereas the female vocalist soothes over the (respectfully) jarring production.

‘Sketch (Abstract)’ is born from a strong partnership, aiming to push out pieces that becomes progressively dark and avant-garde. Rather than making a project that’s autobiographical, the pair deliberately left it open for the listeners to interpret the album through their personal experiences.

So the ball is in your court; check out ‘Sketch (Abstract)’…and don’t be afraid to leave your comments below about your experience of the album.

Must Listens: La Di Da Di, P*ssy, Questions, Ghost Phase

Album Review: Romance – The Gloomies

THE GLOOMIES‘ latest album ‘Romance’ immediately welcomes nostalgic vibes from the eighties, glazed with a hazy layer which somewhat gives off a futuristic sound.

Comprising of ten tracks, ‘Romance’ encompasses a ray of genres, including indie rock/shoe glaze, lo-fo pop, a brief injection of funky soul (featured in fourth offering, ‘LOOPS’) and concludes with a bop rock (ish) piece through ‘It’s OK’, still obtaining that sound from the decade that provided great music (with the exception of the last track, ‘It’s OK’) along with the strong presence of the hypnotic soundscapes.

Since the release of their  dreamy/mesmerizing single ‘Space’ last November – which is included on this album – I was eagerly waiting for the duo to dish out an album…and finally, here it is! Believe me on this one, it’s definitely worth the wait.

So without further ado, listen to ‘Romance’ below:

Must Listens: Palms, Loops, Tiger, Vampire, Space

EP Review: Manic Pixie Dreamgirl – Adanna Duru

I’m was very curious by the meaning behind the name of ADANNA DURU‘s latest EP ‘Manic Pixie Girl’. Apparently, she picked up the term whilst studying at University of Carolina and embraced it, as those three words sums her up perfectly – very quirky and weird, but stunning and unique; something that can often be overlooked by others (particularly from a male chauvinist).

Irrespective of the misinterpreted views, she extends a part of herself through this body of work which introduces an idyllic and tranquil alt R&B – piece through title track ‘Manic Pixie Girl’. Still obtaining an air of soulful tones,  ‘One Way Street’ brings on the meatiness to the seven-track set with the dense sub-bass drive, adding an electronic/downtempo vibe. The woofing bass becomes the main feature of following tracks ‘Too Late’, ‘Trip’ and ‘Dreams That Keep You Up At Night’ – a retake of Destiny’s Child hit ‘Bills, Bills, Bills’ – without comprising or drowning out the futuristic/R&B – ish overtones.

The serenity returns with her cover of Daniel Caesar’s single ‘ Death and Taxes’, showcasing a refreshingly atmospheric soundscapes floating throughout the production.

With complexities that runs riot throughout the EP shows that this exciting newcomer from LA boldly wears her ‘Manic Pixie Girl’ badge – and makes no apologies for it. Through this bitter-sweet EP, Adanna encourages others to be themselves.

Listen below:

Must Listens: The Way Street, Too Late, Doll

EP Review: There’s Beauty In The Black – Dewey Quinton

While most artists shoot out uptempo summer releases that compel most of us to work every muscle in the body, DEWEY QUINTON took a different direction with his latest EP ‘There’s Beauty In The Black’, dropped last month.

Airy tones accompanied with a downtempo bass dominates the five-track set, where Quinton sheds some light on the melancholic fusion, through to his relaxant flow, which is masked with an electronic effect.

This mini package may not provide those hell-raising moments in the clubs, but it is perfect for those chilled out days. With darkened soundscapes that blissfully reverberate throughout the production, the EP definitely displays that there’s beauty in the black. Check it out below:

Must Listen: Wake Up, Swerve