Tag: reviews

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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EP Review: #DontSleepOnJAS – J.A.S

Jayd Soliar – better known as J.A.S – has bounced back with the first release of the year, which shapes up be a six-track set entitled ‘#DontSleepOnJAS’ – out today on all major digital platforms, including iTunes and Spotify.

Following the epic release of ‘The Massacre’ – which premiered on NEW LEASE MUSIC last September – I wondered if this latest package would be, at least, on par with the collaborative effort.

Featuring a melting pot of talents, ‘#DontSleepOnJAS’ introduces a boisterous bass which runs throughout the collection, bouncing off echoic soundscapes. Each featured vocals add a layer to the contrasting arrangements, creating a rich three-dimensional (almost holographic) feel.

So just to answer the question: is the EP, at least, on par with the single ‘The Massacre?’. Gonna say that the singles on ‘#DontSleepOnJAS’ have way surpass the track and it goes without saying that you won’t fall asleep on this South African producer’s latest body of work. Check it out below:

Must Listens: I Feel Alive, Game Switch, Drowning, Shipwrecked

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EP Review: Meanwhile: The EP – DayDreamers

As the new year arrive, hip-hop trio DAYDREAMERS have received a trail of hype from their hometown Suffolk, Virginia with their three track EP Meanwhile: The EP.

This neat project gives a sneak preview into what to expect from the uprisers in the forthcoming months. Compared to their previous dub heavy releases on NEW LEASE MUSIC, this EP admittedly has more spice, where each emcee take turns on tearing up the infectious hooks with their slick delivery.

This package may only contain three tracks, but it has A LOT of heat! Check out their EP below:

Must Listen: So Low

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Album Review: LFTP Season Vol.1 – 3Bubble & J. Gray

Following the release of their critically acclaimed album ‘Pentagon Memoirs’ (2016) – which sits at a well deserve place at number four on NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2016 list –  I have a very strange feeling that 3BUBBLE & J. GRAY are going to create just as much buzz (if not more) with their brand new album ‘LFTP ‘ Season Vol.1’.

Unlike ‘Pentagon Memoirs’ which boasts summer-ready anthems, ‘LFTP Season Vol.1’ predominately adopts a laid back vibe of old school soul, a tingling sensation that the nine-track set introduces with ‘Vibin’ where the alluring contribution of the saxophone adds that magical touch.

Just in case you’re wondering what ‘LFTP’ stands for – it’s Live From The Pentagon – the name of their label. Like their previous albums, they showcase some of the most promising recruits, such as RAGS and King Kelechi, coming from their hometown Houston – and they’re on a serious mission to bring back old school/golden hip-hop through track ‘LFTP Squad’.

Further along, ‘How Long’ respectfully interrupts the laid-back/retro flow and brings the collection right up to date with its bold, counter rhythmic loop reverberating through the piece. Returning to its original theme, the album finishes off with their prominent tale of life struggles. ‘Leave Me Now’ gives a glimpse into the darkest hours of loneliness and their increasingly mistrust in friends around them.

Like its predecessor,  ‘LFTP Season Vol.1’ is an instantly likeable set; so infectious that it has a strong potential in making it the blog’s next album of the year list and beyond. Check it out below:

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EP Review: My Fairytale – Dovile Lee

DOVILE LEE‘s debut EP ‘My Fairytale’ opens up and gives a glimpse into the darkest moments of her life, issues we all can relate to from time to time.

Sonically, the daunting presence of the piano leads the six-track heartfelt set, with occasional flicks of feather-light yet almost melancholic bass, which gives off that soft operatic-rock sensation. This spine tingling combo is brought together with the Lithuanian singer’s delicately controlled instrument.

Definitely an impressive debut – it’ll be great to see what DOVILE LEE pulls out the bag for her future release. Have a listen to ‘My Fairytale below:

Must Listens: My Fairytale, Forgive Me, See Me 

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