Album Review: Love, Hugh – Hugh

Last time HUGH were featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC was last September, with their upbeat and chirpy single, ‘Look at In Laughter.’ Soon as I learnt of their debut album, ‘Love, Hugh’, I had to have a peep as the infectious melodic pop overtones in ‘Look Back In Laughter’ have been swimming in mind ever since its feature on the blog.

The four piece band from London, featuring Joshua Idehen and Izzy Brooks, have been praised by BBC Radio One, The Guardian, Stereogum, i-D and Hype Machine for their balanced blend of R&B/soul and synthpop featured in the 11 track album…and quite rightly so.

However I have to say the better part of ‘Love, Hugh’ is the second half of the album. The sweet melancholic presence of pop art takes a back seat, making way for the smooth and atmospheric R&B, enhanced by a woofing electronic bass (which reminds me of Massive Attack, for some reason).

Usually, I don’t follow hypes, but this one for real.. they’re definitely worth a trial. See the recommended tracks below.

Must Listens: I Can’t Figure You Out, Protect My Heart, I Don’t Like You, Take It Slow, In and Out of Love.

New Music Video: My Brudda – Artan

ARTAN is proving to be a captivating artist. His unique sound combines singing and lyricism via unique melodies and clever rap verses. Having recently debuted ‘Opposite Interests’ on SBTV, the first taste of his ‘Breaking Stereotypes’ E.P, he now releases ‘My Brudda’ exclusively on GRM alongside the official release of the E.P.

The record is a soulful ditty with a hip-hop twang bouncing along beneath ARTAN’s jazzy vocals. The depth to his voice makes an intriguing listen as his lyrics show off a rugged charm and swagger to his manner.

Having turned the heads of rap fans and tastemakers with the release of his Bl@ckbox freestyle in 2016, platforms have been hot on his heels to release new content and judging by the YouTube comments that are already pouring in for ‘My Brudda’, it is clear to see why ARTAN is commanding an array of support from major online platforms such as Link Up TV, GRM Daily and SBTV.

‘Breaking Stereotypes’ is out now on Spotify and Apple Music; catch the fresh new video for ‘My Brudda’ below.

Upcoming Release: Broken Glass – Tiger Lilly

Hailing from the suburbs of London, TIGER LILLY is one hell of a songstress who’s not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, showcasing a full-on raw and emotive lyrics.

After two successful UK tours playing at some of country’s most legendary venues, the award-winning alternative indie pop artist is currently promoting the upcoming release of her new single ‘Broken Glass’ after the success of her previous single ‘Green Eyed Monster’ which was featured on ‘BBC Introducing’.

TIGER LILLY‘s music has been aired on numerous radio stations across the world including 7 BBC Radio stations and has been featured in several national and international music and lifestyle publications as well as being broadcast live on BBC Persia TV and several performances during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Dorney Lake as part of ‘The Games Walk Festival’.

‘Broken Glass’ will be available on all major music platforms from 1st August.

New Track: Better – Ethan Breakaway

Co-written and produced with his musical dyad Jay Abdul, ETHAN BREAKAWAY‘s rhythmic debut single ‘Better’ enfolds an euphony audio contradiction with their almost nostalgic yet fresh charm of R&B crossover pop. Its catchy, simple melodies glide over the top of the glittery production with lethargic delivery with Ethan’s vocal. This then comes to a dreamy watershed moment in the middle 8 of which the song honours its nostalgic appeal with wistful chords and Ethan’s free, unrestrained vocals.

The focal lyric “No one does it better than you” recurs significantly throughout, which Ethan describes as his frustration with simplicity. “From where Jay played that riff on a very earlier stage of the production I knew where we should take it. The song represents the simply emotional state of knowing whatever shit happens, your partner should always know that no one does it better than them.”

New Music Video: Instagram Girls – Cadet


 
After teasing followers with a snippet of ‘Instagram Girls’ at the end of 2016, CADET opens the journey to his ‘The Commitment 2’ E.P release with the long-awaited single. Featuring Konan (Krept & Konan), the record speaks the bitter truth about social media in a poetic and insightful way, edged with charm, grace and a splash of playfulness as only CADET can do.

“We live in an era where the internet has become reality and reality has taken a backseat; where people have more to say in captions than actual conversations. I’m just saying don’t get the wrong type of attention mixed up with the right, know your worth, but real worth not that cheap fly by night worth. Also one thing aired my DM so I made a tune innit” – CADET.

The captivating lyricist rose to stardom through a selection of gripping freestyles that boasted honest and engaging concepts. CADET’s ability to capture passion, pain and power within his bars has made him relatable, genuine and accessible to a wide audience and resulted in him being aligned with the elite of Britain’s emcees within just eighteen months. He has been championed by BBC Radio 1/1Xtra DJ’s Semtex and Charlie Sloth, toured with Krept & Konan and is set to perform at Wireless Festival for the first time this year.

The next move by CADET has been a highly anticipated one for both his fans and peers. Having gained public support from artists including Wiley and Stormzy, and leaving a trail of noteworthy plaudits such as a freestyle review by Complex, which states: “CADET‘s new freestyle is better than some rappers’ whole mixtape”, the hunger for his new music contained within ‘The Commitment 2’ is prevalent.