Album Review: Muse – Astha Tamang-Maskey

ASTHA TAMANG-MASKEY‘s latest album, ‘Muse’ is where airy pop sensibilities, that’s very fitting for the mainstream, is met with underground urban sounds which eventually seeps through the eight-track collection.

Leading the way is an intense yet feather light soundscapes through intro track ‘Mirror’ which makes way for elements of laid-back urban vibes, first appearing in ‘Ride’ where guest rapper, Manny Rite drops an easy-going flow that melts right into the infamous airy arrangements.

Further along the line, a real gutsy soulful and (at times hip-hop-ish) drive makes its presence well and truly known through ‘Muse’ and ‘Jealous’ with the latter track incorporating loops of whistles, making the production uniquely Astha.

Having listened to ‘Muse’ and ‘Jealous’ last year, this album carries on theme of eloquently merging almost stripped pop backdrops and the gritty sound of the underground.

Check it out below…

Must Listens: Gotta Go, Muse, Jealous

Janos Shares Self-Empowerment Single, ‘Sicky/Sticky’.

JANOS starts 2020 with brand new single, ‘Sicky/Sticky’ which incorporates elements of the Swedish born/London based artist’s new found love for jazz and soul.

His latest infectious effort has been a huge crowd pleaser at live performances for its uplifting feel good vibe, is the first track to be recorded with a horn section. The big, bold brass sound, along with soulful vocals and funky guitars riffs, creates the ultimate groove-fuelled track.

‘Sicky/Sticky’ – which strongly installs his message of strength and self-empowerment – narrates trying to hide from your worries with drugs and alcohol, while still hoping it’s not too late to reach your dreams.

Have a listen to ‘Sicky/Sticky’ below…

Song of the Day: Never Say Never – Neon Tapehead

When Dmitry Ursul bought his first retro synth Roland JX-8P ’85, he never look back and went on to form NEON TAPEHEAD with drummer Alexandr Kovalchuk back in 2016.

Their first single ‘I Want To Love’, which was released March that year, was met with critical acclaim from radio stations in UK and US.

Fast forward to the present day, the band has gained two members, singer Maya Shoniya and bass player Dmitry Votintsev. With the extended line-up, the four-piece act grew in popularity, performing at concerts and gigs across their native country Russia. Between their back-to-back live performances, Neon Tapehead are penning new songs.

If this is your first time meeting these guys, well their latest single, ‘Never Say Never’ is a great introduction as it encompasses their inspiration of 80s soul/electro funk and R&B with Shoniya’s soulful/pop vocals also reflecting the decade that gives us great music.

More music on the way. Have a listen to the instantly addictive single, ‘Never Say Never’, available now on all download/streaming sites…

Tom One Delivers Brand New Single, ‘Hey’ Featuring Lauren May

Originally hailing from Winchester (Hampshire),  DJ/producer in Tom Guyer – aka TOM ONE – usually deals with house/dance music – but for his latest single, ‘Hey’, he switches direction and  teams up with New Zealand born/East London based singer Lauren May for a carefree and laid-back vibe.

With the piano providing the platform for a classical soulful/jazz feel, the latest effort is enhanced by 27-year old May’s sultry vocal performance – arguably a cross between Amy Winehouse and Jorja Smith.

Tom One has built a name for himself for playing across the country, including his residency spot at Royal Holloway Univeristy’s Student Union, as well as supporting artists such as Chase & Status, Sigma and Becky Hill.

Released yesterday (27th January), ‘Hey’ is available on all download/streaming sites. Have a listen to the stunning single below…

New Lease Music’s Top Ten Songs of 2019

Here’s NEW LEASE MUSIC’s top ten music videos of 2019! Based on both readers viewing and editor picks, a few of the singles featured were first shown on the blog in the previous year (2018) and managed to held on for a well-deserved place on this list.

Go ahead and check out the videos below and I hope you enjoyed the top ten lists

10. HARD LABOR – LIQUID

9. JEALOUS – ASTHA

8. DRIVER – GOLD COMPLEX

7. SIMMER DOWN – SHIRAZ HEMPSTOCK

6. PROPERLY – NIZZY

5. DON’T GIVE UP – MAGGIE SZABO

4. LIAR – LUKE FRIEND

3. SOLILOQUY (WOULDN’T FEEL ALONE) – MARSHALL CECIL

2. SWEET LITTLE LIES – BÜLOW

1. Duro Dada Bimbi Philips