Tag: reviews

EP Review: Brown Eyed Soul Vol.1 – Cherri V

Since the release of single ‘Leave Me Be’ last year, I was eagerly waiting for CHERRI V to drop her EP, ‘Brown Eyed Soul Vol 1’…

…And finally it’s here! As featured in the aforementioned single, the eight-track set boasts the presence of reggae/dub heavy(ish) bass with lucid flow of modern R&B, before switching up to a 90s-inspired slow jam with a slight lick of gospel, through ‘Snapchat Mistress’.

The collection then filters to a faultless piano-led performance through, ‘Situationship’ where you experience and undoubtedly appreciate the true beauty and purity of this London songbird’s well-poised vocals.

Featuring guest vocalists, Sincerely Wilson – who duets with CHERRI V in ‘Situationship’ – and the legendary singer Terri Walker, ‘Brown Eyed Soul Vol 1’ is definitely worth the lengthy wait. Not the one to pass up; check it out below…

Must Listens: (it was REALLY hard to decide) Leave Me Be, Situationship, Swimming

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EP Review: The Month Of May – Jackie Moonbather

As spring breaks out, multi-instrumentalist JACKIE MOONBATHER brings in a host of blossoming melodies through his ten track EP appropriately titled ‘The Month of May’.

The EP introduces a hazy glaze which washes over the arrangements fused with jazz, neo soul and old school soul possessing a slight rare groove vibe. Although the featured falsetto – reminiscent of the 70s – took centre stage in most productions, the occasional flash of the near baritone vocals were the star of the show as it adds a unique dimension to Moonbather’s laid-back trademark.

Lovers of neo soul (raphael saadiq style) and jazz/soul legends (perhaps Miles Davis and John Coltrane) will find ‘The Month of May’ a delight; listen to the EP below:

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EP Review: 24 HRS – King Blitz

On first inspection KING BLITZ‘s latest EP, ’24 HRS’ seems one of those sets that you kick back and just veg out with some friends, but after a few listens, his lyrics eventually resonates with the soul as each track reveals his ongoing struggles with life.

Accompanying the emotive lyrics, is the downtempo trap drive – a trademark he’s known for by his fans – which gets more attention-grabbing further along the production. Occasional elements of the angelic piano keys and the seamless flow of the flute, offer some lightness to the density of the bassline.

With a flow that works in unison with the harmonious arrangements, KING BLITZ has, yet again, pulled off another slick project; hard not to like. Check him out below:

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EP Review: Je Ne Sais Quoi – Gemini Chris

Of all the years of reviewing albums and EPs on NEW LEASE MUSIC, I am quite ashamed to say that I’ve never covered a house music album or EP. Well GEMINI CHRIS has broken that void and slipped his new EP entitled ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ into the blog’s limelight.

The Jamaican DJ take us back, way back to the late eighties/early nineties where techno house was rife, with infectious thumps of electronic hooks, coupled with the underlying bass which somehow gives the arrangements that extra fire.

Although this London-residing beat maestro arguably takes heavy influences from notable electronic acts such as Derrick May (Strings of Life), 808 State and Shades and Rhythm, he adds his own magic to techno house of the aforementioned era, giving it that certain Je Ne Sais Quoi… check out his set below:

Must Listens: Real Love, I Be Missing You, Imperfection

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EP Review: Heads In The Clouds – NOËP

NOËP‘s latest body of work, ‘Heads In Clouds’ opens up and introduces a rich and crispy light arrangements, showcasing electro folk and an alternative spin to pop music…but where the journey ends with this five-track set becomes totally unexpected…

After servings of more electro-tinged pop and an injection of hypnotic yet a heavy dose of club filling bassline, ‘Heads In the Clouds’ concludes on an urban tip, containing a mashup between a futuristic take on smooth/melodic hip-hop and R&B with a dash of tropical house.

He may be hailed a prodigy in the North European electro pop scene since his 2015 debut single, ‘Move’, but this EP sees the Estonian singer/songwriter/producer pushing the boundaries just a little further, encompassing new sounds with absolute perfection.

Check out ‘Heads In the Clouds’ below:

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment