Tag: reviews

Mixtape Review: Return of the White Beard – Redd Emcee

Producer/rapper REDD EMCEE steals today’s limelight with his first mixtape in two years, ‘Return of the White Beard.

In this eight-track collection, the white-bearded emcee gives a comic insight into his life and also his views on the true meaning of hip-hop. The lineup of UK and US producers on the eight-track collection truly captured the London spitter’s signature sound – a  laid-back and, at times, sporadic hip-hop/boom bap-esque arrangements which is reminiscent of the late eighties/early nineties.

It’s definitely worth the trip to his Reverbnation profile; head right here to check out ‘The Return of the White Beard’.

Must Listens: The World’s Greatest, Termite And The Ant Dweller, The World Today (Part 3)

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Album Review: Meesh – Tunnel Traffic

It’s been some time (I think roughly a year and a half) since Adam Hachey, the brainchild of TUNNEL TRAFFIC, appeared on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his 2015 album, ‘Absolute Dreams’. Out of nowhere, this alternative folk-rocker recently emailed his new album, ‘Meesh, in which he produced while making his big shift to the City of Brotherly Love.

Unlike his previous collection, which was an atmospherically intense affair, ‘Meesh’ gets right down to it with bursts of zesty guitar licks through the first few tracks, ‘Lesson Learned’, ‘Pockets’ and ‘Anew’.

The psychedelic ride passes and makes way for a softer journey of lo-fi/new wave(ish) arrangements and the rich influence of that  70s inspired soulful rock, before turning up the tempo through efforts, ‘Maxwell’ and ‘All Day, Err Day.’

The latter part of the album is what I personally think is classic TRAFFIC TUNNEL. With the return of the zesty guitar plucks, the almost stripped back pieces becomes intense and personal, where you can not only hear, but FEEL every word uttered.

‘Meesh’ sees Adam comes out of his comfort zone and go down the experimentation route, which is great – but personally, he’s at his best when he perform songs that hone right into the soul.

Must Listens: Familiar, Slope Day, Mitch, Memorial

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EP Review: Highlands – Delafaye

After periods of recording from the bedroom of his Louisville apartment , Andrew Shockley -aka DELAFAYE – presents his latest EP ‘Highlands, released last month.

The acoustic guitar and drums takes lead in ‘Part I’ and ‘She Shook Me,’ giving off a sultry soulful rock sensation, where the alternative rocker’s vocals lures between the arrangements. Further along the EP, a sweet harmonica makes a brief presence through third effort, ‘Tripping and Rolling’, adding a feather light folkore feel.

‘Highlands’ EP routes back and concludes with that real gritty soulful/rock combo along with the alluring vocals from the beginning.

There are some potential favorites in this mini package – it was VERY hard to choose – so it’s over to you; have a listen to the EP and pick your favorites and say in the comment box.

Must Listens: Part I, Tripping and Rolling, Part II

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Album Review: Primative Beats and Rhymes

Veteran producer REDDTUNE called upon a mammoth lineup, in a bid to keep golden hip-hop/boombap alive, through his latest album, ‘Primative Beats and Rhymes’.

The 11-track production kicks off on a smooth note, with elements of classical and rich sounds of retro soul met with feather-light boombap. Halfway through the album, the tempo does a full 180. Entering full on into the golden era of the eighties/nineties, the bassline becomes more prominently gusty in the latter tracks, giving them that added spice.

Have a listen to ‘Primative Beats and Rhymes’ at least a few times and you’ll discover some real gems shattered throughout the production…real hip-hop heads will get it straight off. Check it out here.

Must Listens: Last of the Classics, Act A Fool, My Waves, Hustler’s Theme, Primative Beats and Rhymes.

 

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Mixtape Review: Foreva Fameos – Fameos

Continuing his combination of light atmospheric overtones and that heavy bassline from his previous mixtape, ‘Hall Of Fame’ – named Mixtape of the Week by NEW LEASE MUSIC late last year –  FAMEOS bounces back, dropping another collection, this time entitled ‘Foreva Fameos’.

His above combination takes on a deeper and gutsy vibe, with the upriser’s newfound “hey, hey” trademark, featured at the beginning of each track – providing the way for the mammoth build up.

There’s some real slick numbers in this neat package, so it’s definitely worth a trial.

Must Listens: Wait For It, Lottery, Rodeo Show, Apply Pressure.

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , Leave a comment