Tag: reviews

Mixtape Review: 3 Eleven – The DayDreamers

Just a little over three months after releasing their sneak preview project, ‘Meanwhile: The EP’ – plus their track ‘TBH?’ back in February – hip-hop trio THE DAYDREAMERS are ready to go all hard once again, with their brand new full-length mixtape ‘3 Eleven’.

From the offset, the mammoth collection greets you with their new-found hooks that make the toes curl involuntarily with skips of dub-heavy bass making its presence, slowly but surely, known. Although the forceful drive cries for attention, the real stars of the show are the uprising emcees’ delivery which vibes along the variety of beats that’s thrown at them, while shedding light on biographical accounts of their lives.

With recent releases, including this EP, showing a sharp improvement these guys are on a serious come up. Check out ‘3 Eleven’ below:

Must Listens: Energy, Krash, Commas, Group Chat 

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EP Review: The Clubs – Kiko Bun

If you’re longing for a trip to the Caribbean, I reckon KIKO BUN will take you there in a matter of seconds through his new EP ‘The Clubs’.

Kicking off with a vibrant and psychedelic take on ska with introductory single ‘ Fistful Of Nothing’, the four-track set goes on to featuring reggae that’s reminiscent of the rocksteady era, still obtaining the vibrancy.

I’m going to stick out my neck here: not every musician can successfully pull off reggae-fusion productions, but this north-west Londoner has definitely GOT IT: not only he makes a great contender in the modern reggae music scene, KIKO BUN somewhat pays homage to the legends of the 60s and 70s, such as The Mighty Diamonds, Slim Smith and Bob Marley.

Start your weekend with a ray of Sunshine and hit the play button on ‘The Clubs’

Must Listens: Maisie, I Always Knew.

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Album Review: Lightheaded II – Dizzy Rambunctious

For his latest project, DIZZY RAMBUNCTIOUS braves it out and goes on a turbulent journey of dealing with a heartache from a relationship.

Starting off with melancholic tones, reflecting the first stages of a break-up, ‘Lightheaded II’ offers glimmer of light with an upbeat offering through ‘Heartbreak’, possessing the raciness of guitar plucks with along the EDM-ish drive.

With the tempo tuned down a notch or two, the second half of the album is free of the moody presence of the dense bassline and makes way for those carefree moments which is conveyed through a chirpy, modern take of boombap and a rather flirtatious jazz/soul combo (we’re talking Al Jarreau style).

Through ‘Lightheaded II’, DIZZY RAMBUNCTIOUS shows no boundaries to his talents, taking on a Simply Red’s Classic ‘Holding Back The Years’, through track, ‘Holding On’. What I love about this album is that it tells a clear story with minimal words…check it out…

Must Listens: Broken Love, Depression, Brighter Days, Holding On, Just To Get By

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Mixtape Review: Trapped In The 90s – Redd Tunes Production

The man behind this mammoth mixtape, REDD TUNES goes way back to the 90’s, with a stellar lineup beside him through latest mixtape, ‘Trapped In The 90’s.

The 12-track project  follows the success of his last year’s mixtape ‘Primative Beats And Rhymes’ which also features various artists. The London producer is hoping to carry on the hype with ‘Trapped In The 90’s’ which bears a strong influence of ambient boom bap of the aforementioned era. Each featured artists take their turn to cruise along the laid-back composition with their slick wordsmithery. The man himself also step to the mike on a few occasions, offering up his baritone flow to the constrasing feathery arrangements.

‘Trapped In The 90s’ does exactly what it says on the tin, which is to unapologetically brings back boom bap of the golden era – and to keep it alive. There’s some real bangers in this collection; check it out here.

Must Listens:The Science, Mad World, Living It Up

 

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EP Review: Dreamlife – J Kas

The reason why I admire this guy so much – and is forever welcomed on this blog – because he’s fearless, always coming with something different every single time.

His previous projects ‘Snapchat’ and ‘One Six’ is a mix bag of electro dance with Latin flair, spiced up banishment and smooth after hours jams. On the other side of the spectrum, his recent collaboration with Cellar Door Moon Crow sees the Sheffield hip-hop contender step up to the plate and rip through the sporadic rock chords.

Now J.KAS turn his hands to something completely different with latest project, ‘Dreamlife’. Named after a London producer who produced some of his past materials – including ‘Cali Dreaming’ and ‘To The Top’ (from One Six EP) – the four-track set possess a strong of presence hazy golden hip-hop/boombap, where this BBC introducing artist’s smooth delivery rapidly slides through the bars of each track.

Never the one to sit back and relax, J.KAS took his latest set on tour – named after the EP- across Europe, visiting Belgium, Paris, Porto and Lisbon where he encouraged the locals of each city to get involved in the creative process of the music videos.

Here’s your chance to check out the visuals for first single from the EP ‘Overtime’ released today…and expect a whole load of visuals from this guy in the near future.

In the meantime, hit the play button on ‘Dreamlife’ below:

Must Listens: Overtime, Sparkle

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