Mixtape Review: Master Tone 2 – Tony Beyond

TONY BEYOND‘s latest mixtape, ‘Master Tone 2’ goes into the turbulent mind of the Ohio-based emcee following the break up of an old flame. The 11 track collection is the sequel to his previous mixtape, ‘Master Tone.’

His thoughts may be a rollercoaster ride but in contrast, this set sports an atmospheric/hazy -almost trip-hop – vibe in which the upriser’s flow just floats over the kickback arrangements.

There are a few bangers in there that deserve attention…check out ‘Master Tone 2’ below:

Must Listens: Bloody Money, We Good, XO Return

Mixtape Review: Summer 17 – Various Artists

Galafati Music Records and Conradz Productionz bring on the summer into this winter with their 18-track set, ‘Summer 17’.

Not only this collaboration is jam-packed with summer-ready anthems, ‘Summer 17’ mixtape also brings back that classic hip-hop as well as modern spin of the genre, featuring established and upcoming rappers, who have no problem spitting over out-of sight arrangements.

If you’re a die-hard hip-hop head, I guarantee you’ll have a few favourites on there. Very worthy of a place in your music collection – so get your copy for FREE right here.

Must Listens: Way Longer, I Get The Bag, D To The A, For The Weekend, Jackpot, Wallet

EP Review: Perpendicular – Amani

She has been described as a ‘ unusual and creative individual that represents the new generation of songwriters, dabbling in captivating concepts and emotive industrial soundscapes.’

If I were to describe AMANI‘s debut EP ‘Perpendicular’ on a spot, to be honest, I would struggle –  miserably –  but I’ll do my damn best to give you an overall picture. Released earlier this month, the five-piece collection can be described as a melting pot of raw emotions that’s more than ready to overspill, represented by the full force of hauntingly dense bass that travels with the dramatically melancholic overtones.

With the dense drive easing up, ‘Perpendicular’ does on a smooth note, offering up infectious laid-back numbers sporting a smooth electronic groove.

This EP, particularly the first half, cannot be pinned down to a particular genre – which makes it instantly appealing. I love the fact that AMANI creates such a fascination and thirst, making me want to seek out her forthcoming material.

She’s definitely the one to watch – check it out.

Must Listens: Feathers Falling, Transform

EP Review: Midnight Sounds – Melanie Crew

MELANIE CREW‘s third EP, ‘Midnight Sounds’ certainly live up its name as Londoner puts a smoother and laid back sensation to her folklore signature.

The EP alternates between the slight uptempo, oozing strong presence of alluring soul from Melanie’s vocals and the stripped-back, featuring the infamous acoustic guitar that somehow gives off those mysterious and spine tingling magical moments.

‘Midnight Sounds’ makes a great lead up to the festive season…might as well have a listen.

 Must Listens: Evening Light, The Place I Knew.

Album Review: COGs – Wullae Wright

You guys don’t know how GOOD it feels to have WULLAE WRIGHT back in NEW LEASE MUSIC’s limelight. Back in 2013, he graced his presence with album, The Orange Line – named Album of 2014 by this blog.

Fast forward to four years, indie rocker delivers another highly anticipated album entitled ‘COGs’. What do I expect from this 12-track collection? I’m hoping to hear some soaring guitars against experimental mix of staggered, rhythmic thumps – elements that were featured in ‘The Orange Line.’

Distorted rawness of the guitar riffs (we’re talking Jimi Hendrix style) introduces the collection,  pumping an adrenaline rush through ‘Armed for Revolution.’ The rush quickly disperse and is replaced with an angelic presence of the piano in the following track, ‘A Heart that Riots.’

‘Scumbag’ provides the second rush of the album as it goes on a rollercoaster ride with tranquility turning into total turmoil, well executed Wright’s vocals. The long-awaited staggered soundscapes take charge in ninth effort, ‘Blackfields, ‘ where the rhythmic thumps travels in union with the woeful violins. Wright’s vocals serves as a perfect backdrop before eventually coming in line of the heart-hitting arrangements.

Providing such a hell raising experience at the beginning, ‘COGs’ does a complete U-turn and comes to a close with scenic acoustic setting. ‘Deja Vu’ is personally the top three stellar tracks of this album as the serene guitar against the full-on power vocals sparks that magical combination.

Just like a candle frantically bouncing in the wind, the tempo displayed in ‘COGs’ provides extreme dips and soars…so it’s going to be anything but boring…might as well have a listen…

Must Listens: Armed For Revolution, A Heart That Riots, Scumbag, Centralia, Blackfields, Ventriloquist.