Tag: reviews

Album Review: Flow Riiot – Torii Wolf

When I first heard of TORII WOLF through debut single, ‘Free’ somehow I was compelled by the too-cool-for-school raspy vocals against the bass-driven number. Releases ‘Big Big Trouble’ and ‘Pain Killer’ followed and I was totally hooked!

The next big release was the 15-track production coming in the form of ‘Flow Riiot’, produced by DJ Premier (so you know you’re really onto a good thing here).

An atmospherically dreamy sample of The Messenger’s 60s funk/soul classic, ‘California Soul’, leads the set through ‘Everlasting Peace’ – and from there, a range of genres were introduced –  from alternative hip-hop to piano/violin-led arrangements. ‘Take It Up On Monday’ is definitely one for the nostalgics as the three-minute production brings on that old school/rare groove laid-back vibe. Possessing heavy influence hip-hop/boom bap of late 80s/early 90s, ‘Shadows Crawl’ will be the one for the serious hip-hop heads’ collection.

‘Flow Riiot’ ends on smooth note with ‘Moscow’. Led by the acoustic guitar, Torii adds an inexplicable magic, creating a real stellar singer-songwriter approach to the production.

It’s sure a mix bag of pleasure and anyone who enjoys listening to makeovers of old genres will have at least one favourite. Through ‘Flow Riiot’, this New Yorker has more than proved that her Throaty yet delicate instrument has that across the board appeal.

You’re here now…might as well check it out….

Must listens: Meant To Do, 1st, Body, Take It Up On Monday, Moscow

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Mixtape Review: A1 Mondays 3 – A1

If you enjoy REAL hip-hop and R&B of the yesteryear, then oh boy you’ve landed on the right spot!

As part of his #A1Mondays series, which started out earlier this year, A1 drops his third installment, coming in the shape of a six-track set entitled ‘A1 Mondays 3’. In his latest mixtape, the upriser takes on big hits such as Twista’s ‘Overnight Celebrity’ and Eve’s ‘Satisfaction’ and sparkles his some of the magic through his extra spicy flow.

I tell you, once you hit the play button on this bad boy, rest assured there won’t be a single dull moment. Head right here to check out A1 Mondays 3.

Must Listens: Overnight Celebrity Freestyle, Satisfaction Freestyle

 

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Album Review: Tasha Sits Close To The Piano – Jaws of Love

The first I heard of Kelcey Ayer as JAWS OF LOVE was through his single, bearing the same name..and I immediately fell in love with the stunning emotive debut… and then comes along the release of album ‘Tasha Sits Close To The Piano’ – I had to check it out ; I’d be a fool not to.

The debut single that stole my heart, kicks off the album with a heart wrenching piano dominating the five-minute piece with a soft electro-synth bass joining in at a later stage, giving the production that smooth eighties pop feel.

As you get use to the mesmerising keys in the introductory single, Ayer – also a songwriter, vocalist and pianist for band LocaL Natives – pulls the rug underneath the feet and switches direction. ‘Hawaiian Licence Plates’ and ‘Everything’ up the tempo in the set, with its melodic and atmospheric drive reverberating throughout.

The heartfelt plucks of the lone guitar makes way and takes centre stage in ‘Love Me Like I’m Gone’, where Ayer’s lilting vocals goes down a treat – definitely a highlight of the album. Coldplay-esque electronic soundscapes follows in ‘Before The Hurting Lands’, before concluding on soothing on note with another Coldplay-esque piece ‘Nightlight’, featuring the return of that infamous rhythmic piano chords, this time working in unison of the near soaring  violins.

‘Tasha Sits Close To The Piano’ is such a simple and pure collection which may not sound great on paper – but there are some real gem moments within the set – it’s really impossible to hate…head over to iTunes and have a listen for yourself.

Vinyl release of the album is on the 3rd November.

Must Listens: Jaws Of Love, Everything, Love Me Like I’m Gone, Nightlight

 

 

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Album Review: Cyberpunk – Dizzy Rambunctious

Roughly three months after the release of his mixtape, ‘The Blu Tape 2’, DIZZY RAMBUNCTIOUS is back with another body of instrumentals entitled ‘Cyberpunk’.

Continuing the theme from his previous mixtape, the producer from New Jersey drops the jazzy sensation in favour for the smoothness of modern soul working in unison of his trademark: that heavily dope bassline.

I reckon DIZZY RAMBUNCTIOUS  is probably one of the most underrated producers in the underground scene – don’t let his hard work go to waste; check out ‘Cyberpunk.’

Must Listens: Ride, Comfort Zone, One Piece, All That I Want, Tokyo Ghoul(s)

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EP Review: Broken Record – Allana Verde

Since the release of her 2016 EP, ‘Neo Nostalgia’, ALLANA VERDE has been on a steady rise, gaining support from the likes of Trevor Nelson, DJ Target, Complex and i-D. Continuing the climb, the London R&B singer unveiled her brand new EP entitled ‘Broken Records’ earlier this month.

An afterhours R&B (say, from the 90s era) receives a futuristic makeover from the bold and vibrant presence of electropop overtones. Together with Verde’s quirky yet somewhat sultry vocals, this mini collection brings on a real enticing and spine-tingling experience.

Over the years, I’ve seen many artists break out in a cold, nervous sweat when it comes to combining unlikely genres – but this newcomer burst onto the scene and pulled it off effortlessly with such Sade-esque style and grace. This one too good to pass up; have a listen.

Must Listen: Broken Records, I Know Better Now.

 

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