Album Review: A Band On Hope – A Band On Hope

a-band-on-hope

Award-winning alt hip-hop duo A BAND ON HOPE have released their 13-track album of the same name last week…and you’ve been warned; it’s not your run-of-the-mill mainstreamer.

Producer/multi-instrumentalist Kristian Sharpe and lyricist Ill Literate do not present a single dull moment. The two cleverly fuse hip hop, rock, funk, soul, blues, electro and a hint of jazz with raging guitar riffs and infectious (80-ish) flying synths which gives a respectfully wayward and futuristic feel to each offerings in the collection.

A Band on Hope is just like Marmite – you’ll either love it or hate it; there’s no in-between with this one…but the only way to find out is to hit that play button on the four-track sampler.

Must Listens:  Dead Angels, Low Budget High Life, Phantom of Hipopera, Russian Dolls, Spaced Out Break Out

Mixtape Review: ThatYoung – Young Timo

ThatYoung Mixtape

For the last week or so, I seen this new emcee YOUNG TIMO tearing up the internet with his debut offering ThatYoung mixtape, so I thought I give him a trial.

…And boy am I glad I did. Featuring 17 tracks, the BrightLife Media recruit adds extra spice to classics from Pharrell Williams, Beenie Man and even The Chordettes who had a hit with Mr. Sandman back in the 1950s…and EVERY single track is topped off by this upcomer’s lazing-in-the-summer flow.

Since its release last month, ThatYoung mixtape has generated close to 2,000 steams. Wanna hear what all the hype’s about? Well check it out right here. (Highly recommended)

#The MustListens: (it was hard to choose a favorite, but here goes) Anytime, Frontin’, Beenie Man, Smile Soul Mate, Ass Unfinished

EP Review: The Great – Blaccc Lotus

 

BLACCC LOTUS is not messing around in the recording studio! It’s been only five months since he released his mixtape Black Science on Soundcloud. Now he’s slammed another collection in the form of the EP, The Great.

The hip-hopper’s 7-track offering is a far cry from his mixtape – he shifts from the dense, downtempo bassline to sugary-sweet overtones and, at times, sampling old school beats from the 70’s and 80’s. As for his infamous raspy freestyle? Well, it’s faster than ever, so keep up!

The Great EP is the teaser to his upcoming album, White North, which is the nickname to his second home – Canada.

Be sure to look out for his upcoming project but for now, have a listen The Great EP – it’s worth a shot.

#TheMustListens: Emotional Reflection, Saturday Night, Love Da South.

EP Review: 13:20 – Olah Bliss

Olah Bliss EP coverDescribed as MACY GRAY, BJORK and ERYKAH BADU rolled into one, urban goddess OLAH BLISS dropped her debut EP 13:20. The five-track production displays an atmospherically sweet take on soul and R&B, matched with the Londoner’s delicately soulful vocals. Definitely worth a listen! Give her a chance – check it out!

#Mustlistens: School Me, Objectify, Radar