Tag: reviews

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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Album Review: No Stems – Dutch Rebelle

In preparation for her upcoming project, ‘BANG BANG’, DUTCH REBELLE kept her supporters titillated and dropped a collection of sample tracks, forming the 11-track offering, ‘No Stems’, earlier of this month.

Her heavy bassline trademark makes no apologies and runs riot throughout the entire set – but deeper, harder and twice more infectious than her previous releases. The seriously dope, head-rolling combination is topped of by the female emcee’s tighter-than-tight flow. Go further along this project and there a slight reggae fusion working its way through that dense drive in track, ‘Is This Love?’

This is an excellent run up to the next big project – better hit that play button!

Must Listens: Young OG, Stripper, Not Sleeping, Miss Me

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Album Review: The Introduction – Zoe and Zara

Since appearing on NEW LEASE MUSIC with their single ‘Get Up Now’ last January, my mind would sometimes wonder on the whereabouts of twin sisters ZOE & ZARA. A few week ago, my curiosity was quashed when received an email from the duo.

After five years on London’s music scene, the pair decided to start a new chapter on their journey. So after much deliberation, long hours in the studio (which came with tears and near-breakdowns – their words, not mine!) ZOE & ZARA now present their debut album, ‘The Introduction.’

Recorded at The Blue Studio in Dalston (my hometown!), ‘The Introduction’  displays a delightful journey of Jazz (modern and from the golden era), old school soul and neo soul alternating between the down right funky and the ambient/easy listening.

The flood of tears and near breakdowns definitely paid off –  their neo-soul signature is more rich and refined (compared to their previous releases). The sisters’ venture into other genres by far didn’t disappoint. Their soothing vocals in fourth effort ‘Hey Sir’ were well suited to the golden jazz/big band/rat pack combo.

After reading the review, I think you guys know how I feel about this album. All there’s left say is – ZOE & ZARA, I salute you!

Check out the album and song recommendations below:

Must Listens: Weather Is Golden, Autumn Afternoon, Butterfly, Talk About It

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