Tag: reviews

EP Review: Not Staying The Same – Big Rain & Trigga Ryder

Following their appearance with track, ‘Not Staying The Same’, BIG RAIN & TRIGGA RYDER are back with a collaborative EP bearing the same name.

Representing the UK underground rap scene, the pair inject a laid-back and reflective flow in the four track set, which boasts seriously spiralling deep bassline, with occasional presence of piano-driven overtones. The alternation between the sweet overtones and the dense drive, creates a perfect balance of a bittersweet sensation throughout the collection.

‘Not Staying The Same’ EP makes a very pleasing package for anyone who’s a massive fan of boom bap of the 1990s. Have a listen below:

Must Listens: Not Staying The Same, Dead Fish.

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

Album Review: Love, Hugh – Hugh

Last time HUGH were featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC was last September, with their upbeat and chirpy single, ‘Look at In Laughter.’ Soon as I learnt of their debut album, ‘Love, Hugh’, I had to have a peep as the infectious melodic pop overtones in ‘Look Back In Laughter’ have been swimming in mind ever since its feature on the blog.

The four piece band from London, featuring Joshua Idehen and Izzy Brooks, have been praised by BBC Radio One, The Guardian, Stereogum, i-D and Hype Machine for their balanced blend of R&B/soul and synthpop featured in the 11 track album…and quite rightly so.

However I have to say the better part of ‘Love, Hugh’ is the second half of the album. The sweet melancholic presence of pop art takes a back seat, making way for the smooth and atmospheric R&B, enhanced by a woofing electronic bass (which reminds me of Massive Attack, for some reason).

Usually, I don’t follow hypes, but this one for real.. they’re definitely worth a trial. See the recommended tracks below.

Must Listens: I Can’t Figure You Out, Protect My Heart, I Don’t Like You, Take It Slow, In and Out of Love.

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

Mixtape Review: First Things First – Kid Cut

First things first – no pun intended – KID CUT is not messing around with his debut project, ‘First Things First’ . His ambition for a place in the underground hip-hop scene is felt in his fire-skippy flow and every word he presents.

The collection caught fire from the very beginning, alternating between uptempo blazing beats and laid back, after hours mixture of R&B and hip-hop, driven by a go-all-hard bassline. Deeper into the mixtape and that bassline only gets infectiously dense with KID CUT going all in by putting that extra oomph into his delivery.

I’m telling you, this guy is a real contender; check out his work.

Must Listens: Feel Alive, Scrub, Telling Lies, Unreachable, Love Kid Fuck Cut.

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

EP Review: Sumn Slight – Trilla T

With hip-hop partner in crime, Skye The King, TRILLA T presents his latest project, entitled ‘Sumn Slight’.

If you listen to these guys’ work on NEW LEASE MUSIC, you know they have a tight partnership. With this five-track set, they’ve taken their partnership to another level with their smooth and improved flow cruising over solid-than-ever beats. In my opinion, the duo are becoming a real force to be reckon with…check them out!

Must Listens: Wait, Day Dreamers, Champagne Room.

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

EP Review: Boxed In – Oloff

‘Boxed In’ is the second EP release of the year from Bristol’s groundbreaking spitter OLOFF. In just three tracks, the latest project addresses a mixture of emotions – from depression and wishful longing to a great sense of optimism towards the future.

To represent the feeling of uncertainty, ‘Boxed In’ alternate between subdue and downtempo  soundscapes to an lifting folk/western-esque arrangements, with the dominant presence of OLOFF‘s  awkwardly-smooth delivery.

If you unfamiliar with this guy, well be prepared to listen to the most unconventional combinations; a recipe that’s rapidly making of the most intriguing alternative hip-hop artist of today.

It goes without saying that ‘Boxed In’ is an acquired taste…take your ears to new heights and press play.

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