Album Review: LFTP Season Vol.1 – 3Bubble & J. Gray

Following the release of their critically acclaimed album ‘Pentagon Memoirs’ (2016) – which sits at a well deserve place at number four on NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2016 list –  I have a very strange feeling that 3BUBBLE & J. GRAY are going to create just as much buzz (if not more) with their brand new album ‘LFTP ‘ Season Vol.1’.

Unlike ‘Pentagon Memoirs’ which boasts summer-ready anthems, ‘LFTP Season Vol.1’ predominately adopts a laid back vibe of old school soul, a tingling sensation that the nine-track set introduces with ‘Vibin’ where the alluring contribution of the saxophone adds that magical touch.

Just in case you’re wondering what ‘LFTP’ stands for – it’s Live From The Pentagon – the name of their label. Like their previous albums, they showcase some of the most promising recruits, such as RAGS and King Kelechi, coming from their hometown Houston – and they’re on a serious mission to bring back old school/golden hip-hop through track ‘LFTP Squad’.

Further along, ‘How Long’ respectfully interrupts the laid-back/retro flow and brings the collection right up to date with its bold, counter rhythmic loop reverberating through the piece. Returning to its original theme, the album finishes off with their prominent tale of life struggles. ‘Leave Me Now’ gives a glimpse into the darkest hours of loneliness and their increasingly mistrust in friends around them.

Like its predecessor,  ‘LFTP Season Vol.1’ is an instantly likeable set; so infectious that it has a strong potential in making it the blog’s next album of the year list and beyond. Check it out below:

New Music Video: Day Dream – Otis Mensah

OTIS MENSAH revealed some sitcom-esque visuals for his latest dreamy boombap track ‘Day Dream’, coming from the newly released EP ‘Blancmange Lounge Sessions’ with Jackie Moonbather & Oliver Harrap.

This year sees the rising Sheffield star performing at Glastonbury, BBC Introducing (where he dropped his track ‘Free The Slaves’) as well as receiving blazing attention from online music tastemakers.

So it’s time to bring down those Christmas shopping stress levels…check the video to ‘Day Dream.’

Song of the Day: Lifetime – The Radar Post

Esben Svane – aka –THE RADAR POST – steals NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Song of the Day hotspot with second single, ‘Lifetime,’ coming from his upcoming album  ‘A Good Adjustment To Reality’, expected for release in February

Following the release of first single ‘Pilots’, ‘Lifeline’ continues the project’s digression from the debut LP’s self-conscious folk roots. Relying more on a melancholic, yet hopeful aura, fused with a jangly-indie vibe, this Danish rocker is certainly now more shoe-gazer than folk cowboy.

THE RADAR POST is a solo project formed by former-drummer of pop band A Friend in London. The multi-instrumentalist’s last record came out two years ago which was preceded by two other EPs simply released under a solo moniker. Citing Radiohead as major influence on the rejuvenated sound, Svane’s setting his sights high for artistic brilliance, with good cause to.

With his record penciled in for February and plans to head out on the road in March/April (touring Denmark and Germany, respectively), THE RADAR POST looks raring to go again, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep your radar on watch….

New Music Video: So Far Gone – Tim Maiden

TIM MAIDEN returns bringing a brilliant visual to  latest single, ‘So Far Gone’. The track itself has been gaining a buzz on Spotify, with over 50K plays and featured on playlists like Earmilk’s ‘Throughout’ and ‘Fresh Finds’.

The Brooklyn/LA singer puts fans in mind of a James Blake, with a mild soulful R&B, yet indie alternative vibe.

This one’s a real smoothie…check it out.

New Track: Hype Like Supreme – Sub Blue

Taking his name from his self-described style of music, “suburban blues”, SUB BLUE offers a fresh take on chilled out, alternative introspective R&B through brand new single, ‘Hype Like Supreme’, the first track taken from Sub Blue’s new EP, out in 2018. It was produced by British soul artist and producer  XAMVOLO.

His  EP, ‘Suburban View, is produced by the likes of Sir Dylan (Weeknd, Solange, Logic), A.V (Frank Ocean) and XamVolo,  is a glimpse at the life of teens trying to find their place in the world, while navigating peer and social pressure and trying to define their own voice. For now, SUB BLUE gives a taste of that style and direction, with ‘Hype Like Supreme’, an ode to both a teenage crush described using the abnormal craze evoked by drops of coveted items like Supreme.

The electronic soul/ R&B newcomer grew up in the suburbs of Merseyside in the North of England. He was named the first ever ‘One to watch’ by Liverpool International Music Festival’s Academy, he was just leaving school at the time.

Since then he’s been honing his sound with local talent including XamVolo, Teesoulful and SPXKEN and putting the final touches to his debut EP.

He’s the real deal…check him out…