Tag: reviews

EP Review: Missing Pieces – Sleeplust

Four-piece band SLEEPLUST put their new-found sound to the test through their latest EP, ‘Missing Pieces’, released last month.

Unlike their previous self-titled EP, which possess a carefree combo of electro pop/rock, ‘Missing Pieces’ boasts a rich downtempo (ish)/electronica drive, making it more of a hypnotic affair.

That deep electro-bass unapologetically takes the stage and goes all in with the introductory effort, ‘Flood Gates,’ before easing up in the following tracks, ‘Organized Mess’, ‘Lights’ and ‘Tiny Raindrops.’

The pot of gold is, by far, the concluding offering ‘Forever and Always’, where their infamous drive is stripped away, making way for an intimate acoustic setting that will helplessly draw in any listener; a great way to end an EP.

Gotta say their decision to shift towards an emotive sound is a massive plus and I reckon this little package will resonate with people who really appreciate good music. Have a listen for yourself.

Must Listens: Flood Gates, Tiny Raindrops, Forever and Always.

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Mixtape Review: The Mixer – Coco Peri

I don’t know how this all-rounder slipped under my radar, but from now on, I’ll be keeping a very close eye on her. Just in case you’re baffled, I’m talking about COCO PERI. Maybe I’m giving the game away too early in this review, but her latest mixtape ‘The Mixer’ made me sit up and raise my eyebrows with approval.

The ten track production seamlessly weave between the atmospheric arrangements of R&B hip-hop/rap and dancehall, topped off with the occasional show of the tropical-esque overtones. This north Londoner had no trouble switching it up from her a rich jazzy vocal to a smooth flow that just melts into the dreamy soundscapes.

‘The Mixer’ serves as a great outro for the summer – and is well worth a place in your valuable record collection….hit the play button on this bad boy mixer!

Must Listens: Keeper, Muse, Futuristic, Ready Good Loving, Live Good

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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)

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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

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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

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