EP Review: Thunder In The Desert – Amique

AMIQUE‘s self-produced EP, ‘Thunder In The Desert’, explores the realms of spirituality along with love, loneliness and fear, alternating between the richness of soulful gospel and his holistic-ish/hazy take on modern R&B/soul.

His five-track teaser will go down treat with massive fans of Janet Jackson’s, ‘I Get Lonely’, as he put a take-it-to-the-church spin on the 90s hit. ‘I’m Wondering’ and ‘Forbidden Love’ display his holistic approach to modern R&B/soul with the haziness of the guitar plucks giving off that subtle  Prince-esque rock sensation.

With this small set, AMIQUE has built up just enough curiosity, through his well-controlled falsetto, for you to look out for his next move – check it out.

Must Listen: I Get Lonely, Forbidden Love

Album Review: Flow Riiot – Torii Wolf

When I first heard of TORII WOLF through debut single, ‘Free’ somehow I was compelled by the too-cool-for-school raspy vocals against the bass-driven number. Releases ‘Big Big Trouble’ and ‘Pain Killer’ followed and I was totally hooked!

The next big release was the 15-track production coming in the form of ‘Flow Riiot’, produced by DJ Premier (so you know you’re really onto a good thing here).

An atmospherically dreamy sample of The Messenger’s 60s funk/soul classic, ‘California Soul’, leads the set through ‘Everlasting Peace’ – and from there, a range of genres were introduced –  from alternative hip-hop to piano/violin-led arrangements. ‘Take It Up On Monday’ is definitely one for the nostalgics as the three-minute production brings on that old school/rare groove laid-back vibe. Possessing heavy influence hip-hop/boom bap of late 80s/early 90s, ‘Shadows Crawl’ will be the one for the serious hip-hop heads’ collection.

‘Flow Riiot’ ends on smooth note with ‘Moscow’. Led by the acoustic guitar, Torii adds an inexplicable magic, creating a real stellar singer-songwriter approach to the production.

It’s sure a mix bag of pleasure and anyone who enjoys listening to makeovers of old genres will have at least one favourite. Through ‘Flow Riiot’, this New Yorker has more than proved that her Throaty yet delicate instrument has that across the board appeal.

You’re here now…might as well check it out….

Must listens: Meant To Do, 1st, Body, Take It Up On Monday, Moscow

New Track: On Camera – Hill

In a run up to her album, ‘Give it A Rest’, HILL unveiled her stunning new single, ‘On Camera’.

Sporting experimental fusions of downtempo trap and soul, ‘On Camera’ touches on the realms of BDSM from the submissive point of view. Directed by Caitlin Cronenberg, the accompanied stop-motion production stars the promising Ultra Music signee.

The alternative songstress from Canada will be releasing a body of work over the forthcoming months…but for now, check out the video to ‘On Camera’…and if you like what you hear, look out for her album, scheduled for release next year.

New Track: Why Won’t You Let Me Love You – Darren Parry

Singer/songwriter DARREN PARRY has teamed up with Gavin Clifton for his brand new single, ‘Why Won’t You Let Me Love You.’

Parry exchanged his rock persona ( in previous effort ‘The Glass Ain’t Always Greener), for an infectious electro-pop/R&B combination, in which his vocal gives the almost three-and-a-half minute uplifter that rich old-school soulful sound.

Both hailing from South Wales, Darren and Gavin met a few times at the recording studio before deciding to work together on this track. The track was written remarkably in one song-writing session of only about an hour. More remarkable is that Gavin was born with a condition called cerebral palsy, and also has a speech impediment. Gavin however never lets his condition stop him from writing great music and he’s even started a record company, Clifton Music.

As well as being a successful solo artist in his own right, Darren has written songs and produced for other artists such as Andrew Mark Jones (“Hit You In The Heart”), Nina Jones (“Never Let You Go”, “Promises”) and Lee Gilbert (“Soar”) and has also co-written with renowned songwriters Larry Williams/Dazzle Music (worked with Charlotte Church), Juan Lozano and Dan & Laura Curtis (written for Ramin Karimloo, Lea Salonga, Paul Potts etc.).

With a diverse discography that has receive airplay across the globe, it will be no surprise that his latest single will follow suit. Have a listen.

 

New Track: Your Fool – Marlon Percy

In the run up to the release of his EP ‘ The Little Things, London-based singer/songwriter/producer, MARLON PERCY unveiled his latest single, ‘Your Fool’.

Boasting an eccentric and alluring mix of jazzy keys and soulful vocals, ‘Your Fool’ documents the power a woman has over a man, both sexually and psychologically, in today’s society.

Having gained support from BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Introducing, Marlon recently had one of his collaborative projects, ‘Leaving’, released and promoted by The Vibe Guide. He also features on the single ‘Pay Your Way’, by Fat Lion Hi-Fi, recorded at Red Bull Studios, which was supported by SBTV and DJ David Rodigan.

Marlon has played at venues across London, Brighton and Bristol, as well as at festivals including Boomtown and Farr Festival, showcasing his distinctive live set which blends keys and vocals with triggered beats and bass all going through his laptop for manipulation.

‘The Little Things EP’ explores human experience of love, loss, fear and purpose. Of the EP, Marlon says:”‘While all of the songs deal lyrically with potentially heavy issues, the melodies and the chilled electronic production style creates an uplifting atmosphere. To echo the fluctuating nature.”

So here’s your chance to check out the first installment of the EP…