Album Review: Konfidence – Kit Rice

Previously featured tracks, ‘Just A Kiss’ and ‘Always Been This Way’ have set a curious tone for KIT RICE‘s brand new album entitled ‘Konfidence’, released on Monday (25th June).

I was very privileged to be invited to Kit’s album release launch party on Monday at London’s  229 The Venue Club and I gotta say this newcomer’s – along with the backing singers – well-poised vocals has compelled me even more to the eight-track collection.

‘Konfidence’ certainly matched the full-on confidence of the live performances I witnessed, by kicking off with a boisterous sound of the UKG scene, before offering up more club filling makeovers of the original R&B/soulful offerings, ‘Always Been This Way’ and ‘Just A Kiss’, with the help of producers Operator S and DJIMON.

The combination of that UKG vibes and smooth R&B offers the perfect balance throughout the album, topped off by the 2017 Voice contestant’s soulful vocal which effortlessly flows between the two genres.

With this pretty neat set, KIT RICE firmly holds onto the title as one of the most exciting and promising artists that the UK has seen in a very long time…

Make sure you check him out below:

Must Listens: Just A Kiss, Always Been This Way (original versions)

EP Review: The MissTape – DeanKelly

I don’t usually don’t do reviews on Mondays, but I had to drop this set entitled ‘The MissTape’, coming all the way from Nigeria through newcomer, DEANKELLY.

In a nutshell, ‘The MissTape’ is a love note where the singer/songwriter and producer declare his love for a special lady he had an eye on for a while, desperately hoping that she responds favourably to his declaration.

From the get-go, the EP presents infectious and vivacious hooks, that’s inspired by his Nigerian heritage, with a subtle backdrop which (to me) gives off a R&B pop vibe, taking influence from his idol, Chris Brown.

DEANKELLY strategically uses a smooth and seductive rhythms of the Motherland to achieve   that across the broad appeal.

Check out the EP and my songs recommendations below:

Must Listen: Parole, MonaLisa, Gbam!

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

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:

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: