Realising you’ve been sleeping on an important new artist is a tough, but sweet pill to swallow. While you may have missed their journey up til now, you suddenly find yourself bathing in a sea of incredible music, you only wish you’d heard months or years ago. Although Howl & Echoes has written about him previously, Samm Henshaw‘s new release The Sound Experiment II is the first time I’ve listened to the artist – but it won’t be the last.
Knowing little of Henshaw’s past didn’t matter; I was enthralled by this EP. The record is upbeat, soulful and mood enhancing from start to end. Given his soulful take on sou, blues and gospel, it’s unsurprising that he’s been selected to open for Chance the Rapper on his upcoming UK tour. The Sound Experiment II is the follow up to his first EP, similarly titled The Sound Experiment released last September, which saw him named ‘One To Watch’ for 2016 by Spotify and Google Play, among others.
The first track, Our Love, shows off Henshaw’s impressive vocal ability. Immediately, I thought of Otis Redding, D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder, Frank Ocean, and maybe a little Marvin Gaye. His style in this first track is very fitting for the track’s subject matter, a couple who have fallen in love and won’t let anything get in the way. Henshaw said the track was inspired by his parents’ relationship and how his dad’s family didn’t approve, but he didn’t care.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5-8dffKBoY
The second track (and second single) is the soulful and uplifting These Hands. The piece is written as a reminder to himself, that honing his craft and creating his identity is up to him alone, and that it’s more than achievable if he puts the work in. A beautiful and thoughtful track that is sure to inspire and uplift anyone who is feeling stuck or in a lull on whatever it is they are doing. Lyrics aside, The deep bass and soulful backing vocal make it a pleasure to play through my speakers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9Eoxcv35Ww
Night Calls is probably my favourite track on the EP, as Henshaw’s vocal talent really shows, unveiled and accompanied by a stripped back guitar. The track is a lot slower and softer than the rest, but makes for a stunning showcase of just how talented Henshaw is. The last minute of the song picks up in tempo and Henshaw really proves that he is one of the most talented singers of recent times.
Track four, Chances, is a radio-ready song that resembles something you might hear on Triple J. Not saying that the song is a ‘type’ or any less worthy of Henshaw’s voice, but it does stand out as a little more commercial than the rest of the EP. This is followed by EP closer Easy, where Henshaw’s voice resembles John Legend’s, and Easy seems a fitting name for the final song.
Henshaw has effortlessly showcased all aspects of his talent, from hitting those high notes in These Hands to stripping back and displaying his emotions in Night Calls. He is far from type cast – his voice would be suited to anything from soul and R&B to country, and, hopefully hip-hop – we’d especially love to hear him working with rappers in future. Henshaw will be supporting Chance The Rapper on his upcoming UK and European tour, and with any luck, the two will collaborate and bring their talents to Australia.
Image: Supplied
The first time I heard Samm Henshaw was back in late 2014. It was the first single from his debut EP The Sound Experiment, titled Only Wanna Be With You, and it blew me away. I immediately knew that this was an artist who was going to mean something. Fast forward to 2016, the 22-year-old is releasing his sophomore EP next week under Columbia Records, he’s supported Tori Kelly and James Bay as well as his own headline dates and festival sets, been featured by Spotify and Beats 1 Radio, endorsed by Elton John, and has just been announced as the support for Chance the Rapper on his upcoming European and UK tour dates.
Ahead of new EP The Sound Experiment 2, Henshaw just released a spine-tingling new single, These Hands. Time and time again I’ve marvelled at how Henshaw’s voice and music epitomises soul, with elements of rich, deeply beautiful blues and uplifting gospel throughout. It’s truly exciting to have followed his path and watched as the rest of the world notices too. Ahead of his new EP, we decided it was time to get to know the music behind the man, so we asked him to share three albums that changed his life.
Michael Jackson, Off the Wall
I know Thriller is, for most, Michael’s defining artwork but for me Off the Wall was my favourite Michael album. Banger after banger, plus I think it transcended anything musically possible at the time. He is one of the most important musicians to ever live, even if this was just based on the amount of musicians he has influenced throughout the years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yURRmWtbTbo
Israel Houghton, Alive In South Africa
Having been raised in the church I’ve always loved gospel music, however this album has to be one of my favourite albums ever made! This was the album that truly opened my mind to how great live music could be, it mixed culture, instruments and genres. It’s such an uplifting body of work and it formed the basis for my live show today! The energy that can be felt on the album I try to recreate every time you come to one of our shows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QngbgkT0BrY&list=PLV_dbck7rWhlzid9qrrMZ1Iob2MNSFOUv&index=22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zAThXFOy2c
Samm Henshaw will release The Sound Experiment 2 next Friday, July 15 2016.
Image: Facebook
At just 22, South London’s Samm Henshaw has quickly gone about making a huge name for himself with only a single EP under his belt. That EP was 2015’s The Sound Experiment and with its sequel in this year’s The Sound Experiment 2 not far from being here, anticipation is high for what Henshaw can do to continue his upward trajectory.
Having already shared The Sound Experiment 2’s first single Our Love earlier in the year, today comes its second in spinetingling These Hands. Henshaw’s is one of the best young voices in the game, pure, unwavering soul power. Here he spreads its wings across a gospel-infused thumper, a beat coming thick and steady and choral backing vocals leading into a stunning vocal breakdown just past the two minute mark.
It’s outstanding tracks like These Hand, flawlessly professional but still retaining that raw and goosebump-giving soul, that have propelled Henshaw to where he is today. The release of The Sound Experiment 2 looks to be arguably one of the biggest moments of his fledgling career to date, being hand-picked to support none other than Chance The Rapper on his upcoming European tour dates is surely another.
Still getting the shivers having listened through to this track a few times over, we absolutely can’t wait for The Sound Experiment 2 and more big things from Samm Henshaw.
The Sound Experiment 2 is out July 15th via Columbia Records.
Image: Supplied
Samm Henshaw is an artist I’ve been following for nearly three years now, having first heard Only Wanna Be With You back in 2014, a song that still makes me smile every time I hear it. So it’s been really exciting to see him grow, both musically and int erms of his audience and fanbase
He’s set to release The Sound Experiment 2 on July 15, a follow-up EP to last year’s debut, you guessed it, The Sound Experiment. The first single to be released is Our Love, which now has a video clip to accompany.
At only twenty-two years old, he’s enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks of UK and international performances and festivals. This year, he’s set to feature at The Great Escape, Liverpool Sound City, Afropunk, Northside and more.
The track is about Henshaw’s upbringing with Nigerian parents in South London. “I wrote ‘Our Love,” he explains, “about a story my Dad tells from when he first started dating my Mum: his family didn’t approve, but he didn’t care.”
It’s definitely the funkiest track he’s released to date, infusing his gorgeously raspy blues sound with a pop inflection, and I feel like there’s inspiration being drawn from, say, Pharrell, as well as the usual comparisons to Leon Bridges or D’Angelo.
There’s been a huge resurgence of blues and gospel sounds in modern R&B and hip-hop over the past couple of years, meaning it couldn’t be a more perfect time for Henshaw to shine in the spotlight. I’ve loved following his career so far, and am really looking forward to seeing where it’s going. I’d love to see him feature a rapper if he ever chose to go down a slightly different musical path!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5-8dffKBoY
Image: Supplied
Another week, another week’s worth of songs to listen to. Don’t worry though, as we’ve once again narrowed it down to ten of the best songs you need to hear! Enjoy!
BUOY, Clouds & Rain
Sydney artist BUOY finally makes her return with this latest single. Following on from her astounding EP, Immersion, last year, I’ve been eagerly waiting new music from BUOY thanks to her impressive beats, incredible voice, and impossible knack for tying together elements that wouldn’t work anywhere else but under her guidance. Clouds & Rain once again sees her delve into a multitude of styles and sounds, throwing parts and fragments together to create a beautiful arrangement. From the sombre, slow opening to the garage-y, bouncy hook (I guess you could call it a hook?), BUOY is the master of controlled chaos and Clouds & Rain once again shows that off.
KUCKA, Honey (Time Pilot Remix)
Time Pilot make some of the biggest tunes in the country, but are sorely not yet receiving the cred or hype that I truly believe they deserve. However, with each release they slowly creep onto more and more radars, and soon I hope they’ll achieve the recognition they should. It helps when their releases sound as good as this latest one. Remixing fellow Perth native KUCKA, Time Pilot take her Honey and turn it into a futuristic jaunt with booming thick bass, shuddering synths and huge drops. In a time where the electronic scene is absolutely saturated in acts believing the bigger the drop, the better, Time Pilot stick to their guns and it’s this integrity that will see them through. Yet another impressive remix from these guys!
Peter Bjorn & John, Breakin’ Point (Miike Snow Remix)
Ahead of their return to Australia later this year for Splendour In The Grass, Peter Bjorn & John have now shared their second single from their forthcoming new album (their seventh), of the same name. In the same day, fellow Swedish maestros Miike Snow also released their own remix of this latest tune. The two bands are in the same artist collective, INGRID, and they were both using the same studio to make their respective new albums. A coincidence or not about this outpouring of creativity, but Miike Snow’s take on Breakin’ Point just about takes the cake for my favourite track of the week. With a moog bass line and grooves amped up more than a few levels, they take Peter Bjorn & John out of the pop environment and into alternative dance, and it sounds great.
Samm Henshaw, Our Love
Melding R&B, soul, gospel and more, Samm Henshaw gets better and better with each release. Our Love is a liberating, expressive, emotional celebration of love between two people, and will have you dancing around the room within seconds. It’s big-band feel practically guarantees it will be an outstanding number to see live, and Henshaw’s almighty voice gives it even more of a soulful feel. With a catchy riff, splashy drums, euphoric screams and good vibes a-plenty, Our Love is up there with one of the best Henshaw tracks we’ve heard, and – as always with his music – has us so excited to see what he does next!
Golden Vessel, Never Know (Ft. Lastlings)
Brisbane up-and-comers Golden Vessel and Lastlings have teamed up for this beautiful new track. Golden Vessel is a rising star as a producer/solo act, whilst Lastlings are forging their own path as an electronic duo, and both shine so bright on Never Know. With beautiful, swirling production and blooming atmospherics, oriental influences and shimmering guitar, Amy Dowdle’s voice is gentle and enticing, and matches up perfectly with Golden Vessel’s intricate production. Inspired by the drive out to the Gold Coast Hinterlands, the three make some real magic here. We’re predicting big things to come from both artists in the next few months, and if this is anything to go by, they’re sounding like they’re about to prove us right!
LUCIANBLOMJAMP, The Overman (Ft. Lower Spectrum)
Having just toured around the country together on a joint headline tour, it’s only fitting that one would remix the other when it comes to LUCIANBLOMKAMP and Lower Spectrum. The former being from Melbourne, the latter from Perth, the two are at the top of the game when it comes to left field electronic music in Australia. With their own unique brands of electronica, involving dark and brooding sounds with hypnotic tendencies, the two sound even better when on the same track with Lower Spectrum reworking LUCIANBLOMKAMP’s stand out tune, The Overman. Already serving as a highlight on Lucian’s latest album, Bad Faith, Lower Spectrum puts his own spin on it to make it a trance-inducing, break neck tune that is as unpredictable as it is impressive – just like both of these artists are. Sublime.
Elk Road, Lights (Ft. Oly)
Another Perth producer, Elk Road returns with a brand new song, this time teaming up with Oly for added vocals. The result is yet another step up for the upcoming producer as he continues his stellar run of releases. Elk Road said of the track, “I wanted to make something fun and energetic that contained all my favourite elements – soaring guitars, pounding basslines, steel drums, vocal melodies and so on. It started out as a really chilled track and as I worked on it over 6 months it progressively became more and more dance-floor.” “Dance floor” indeed. Lights is an upbeat floor filler with sensational vocals from Oly and a drop that will bring you to your knees. Elk Road works best in the big room sounds, and Lights is a perfect example not only of where he is heading, but where he belongs.
Miel, Deep Water
Brisbane alt-pop band Miel have released their latest single this week, titled Deep Water, and it takes the prize for smoothest track of the week. Drawing heavily on influences like Hiatus Kaiyote, the band lay down some succulent grooves here. Meticulous guitar, sublime vocals and jazz influences to take it over the edge, Deep Water is an impressive release from an impressive band. Front-woman Adelina describes the song as “dripping with metaphor, toying with tension and release to immerse the listener in themes of religion, loyalty and friendship,” and all is this is represented beautifully here. Quickly becoming a staple in the live scene of their hometown, it’ll be exciting to watch these guys continue to grow!
Stay At Home Son, Tired
Stay At Home Son has shared his second single, Tired, this week via Japanese Wallpaper‘s own label, Neat Lawn. Following on from the success of Bluffs and Blocks, Tired coincides with Stay At Home Son’s self titled, debut EP (which also serves as the first release from the Neat Lawn label), and sees real name Jesse Martin-Allan delve even further into the emotional side of electronic music, with intimate lyrics and gentle arrangements that carry his vocals. A really beautiful song, Tired is a calculated and considered song that Martin-Allan has clearly spent some time working on and honing. It’s an impressive song, not just from an upcoming artist, but from an upcoming label too, and should serve both parties very well for the near future.
Loyle Carner, Stars & Shards
Loyle Carner fuses a lot of genres together to get his own, unique and fresh sound and it works so well every time that he makes it all sound easy. Stars & Shards once again shows off his storytelling lyrics and his amalgamation of East Coast hip-hop and South London jazz, tied together with his soulful influences. Raw and honest, he keeps it light whilst discussing dark topics over a breezy guitar riff and drum beat. Debuting on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show as her Hottest Record, Carner is set to have an even bigger year this year, even though last year saw him embark on two sold out tours and acquiring a loyal and rapidly-growing fan base. It’s no surprise though, as his real rhymes and easy-going flow would do it for just about anyone – us included.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGNMTGh6JZY
Another Friday, another playlist. Once again, we have searched high and low to bring you 10 new tracks you should have on your radar from this week. We’ve got some soul-pop, some sugary-sweet electro, some Courtney Barnett-esque story telling, collabs, debuts and more. Enjoy!
Jodie Abacus, Hot Kitchen
Soul-pop at it’s finest, Jodie Abacus take the award for “Most Fun Track of the Week” with Hot Kitchen. That bassline, that voice, those lyrics – this is almost too good. It’s almost impossible not to move to this song, with it’s nostalgic yet modern approach and a hook that won’t quit. Hot Kitchen is so damn funky, but still encompasses that pop style that makes it extremely accessible as well. It really is the best of both worlds with this bad boy.
Cameron Avery, We’re Just Making It Worse (Ft. Alexandra Savior)
Tame Impala bassist Cam Avery used to make music under the moniker The Growl, and whilst he may have retired that name for the time being, he certainly hasn’t retired his burgeoning talent as a solo artist in general. Teaming up with good mate Alexandra Savior, he has now released the following to his very successful last single, You Can Leave Me On Boxing Day, with this brooding, dramatic, and really enjoyable new track. Let’s hope there is more where this came from!
GRRL PAL, Caught By The Light
Perth duo GRRL PAL win the award for most consistent act of the year, as they wrap up their busiest and best year yet. Pumping out a song a month for the best part of 2015, the duo return for one last track for the year with Caught By The Light – a sugary sweet number that pairs Jay LeKat’s pop vocals with Danny K’s thick production. Don’t let the PC Music influence fool you, there is defiance and power in LeKat’s lyrics. 2016 looks REALLY good for these two!
Charlie Hilton, 100 Million
Teaming up with none other than Mac DeMarco for this track, Charlie Hilton is readying herself and the world for her solo album out early next year. Normally a member of Blouse, 100 Million is a truly beautiful song. Like a summer breeze gently blowing through your backyard on a lazy summer afternoon, Hilton and DeMarco are a match made in heaven with this nostalgic tune, and it is the perfect soundtrack for Australia’s incoming summer. The heat isn’t so bad when this is playing.
Slow Turismo, Falter
Slow Turismo continue to fight the good fight against generic indie pop/rock, and they have once again released an absolute ripper with Falter. Dynamic, refined and a lot of fun, the band have once again bettered themselves for this latest release and are sounding the best they ever have. It’s upbeat, it’s catchy and it’s rocking enough to really get you going, and it’s also really exciting to think about what they might have in store for us in the new year.
Moonbase Commander, Mirror Mirror (Ft. Cakes Da Killa)
Sydney bass producer Nick Luke, aka Moonbase Commander, has finally shared his latest EP this week. Titled Southpaw, it’s a four-track release that is almost tailormade for throwing down at a party. Sounding like what TNGHT could have been if they were still making music together in 2015, Luke has really outdone himself with this EP and Mirror Mirror is a particular highlight. Teaming up with NYC rapper Cakes Da Killa (the pair have also worked together on another previously released track which is also on Southpaw), Cakes’ sassy flow and MBC’s filthy beats complement each other perfectly. Not wanting to go out tonight? Put this on and try to resist.
Fraser A. Gorman, Skyscraper Skyline Blues
Signed to Courtney Barnett‘s Milk! Recordings, Fraser A. Gorman has been quick to catch the attention of new fans and critics alike with his incomparable songwriting skills and folky nature that sits perfectly alongside his label mates. This latest track is taken from a Milk! Recordings compilation titled Good For You, and whilst the actual release won’t be out until February next year, we have Skyscraper Skyline Blues to tide us over until we can have the full thing – and that certainly isn’t a bad thing.
Samm Henshaw, Autonomy (Slave) (Ft. Bonkaz)
One of this year’s most hyped artists has to be Samm Henshaw. Touring with international acts, being picked by tastemakers as an artist to watch for 2016, signing to Colombia (Sony) and many more accolades, Samm Henshaw is enjoying some great success right now – and rightly so. His voice is one that sticks with you long after you’ve heard one of his songs, and this latest release is no exception. Teaming up with MOBO Award nominee Bonkaz, Autonomy (Slave) is yet another stunning release from the artist, and is the type of song that sets your insides on metaphorical fire with his burning passion. We just can’t get enough of Samm Henshaw, and something tells us he’s only getting started.
Yuma X, Smoke Trails
Mysterious Sydney duo Yuma X seemingly appeared out of nowhere earlier this year, but we are REALLY glad they did. They make stunning songs, and although their catalogue is rather limited, what they do have on offer makes up for it. Smoke Trails is their third release from their forthcoming EP Home Recordings, and whilst it sits at just below 2 minutes, it’s also their most alluring and captivating. Truly beautiful, we can’t get enough of this duo.
Charles Murdoch, Back To It (Ft. Oscar Key Sung and Banoffee)
Finally releasing his eagerly awaited debut album today, Brisbane producer and Future Classic signee Charles Murdoch looks set to wrap up the year in style now. Becoming known as one of the most innovative and ambitious producers on the local and national scene, he has been hard at work on his debut, and now – along with a new single – we can finally hear it. Teaming up with Oscar Key Sung and Banoffee for this one, his sparse but controlled beats are on full display here as he takes you on a journey with his music. Teaming up with two of the country’s most promising artists for vocal duties also comes in handy too, and Murdoch executes this to full effect.
I’ve been championing UK singer Samm Henshaw since first discovering him last year – and I’m delighted to share his phenomenal new single, Better. The track follows on from Only Wanna Be With You and Redemption, both of which I’ve probably listened to a hundred times by now.
His deeply rich voice and warm melodies create stunning tracks that nod to bygone eras of blues, soul and gospel, without ever falling into the ‘nostalgia’ category. He will be releasing his debut EP The Sound Experiment on July 13 – so mark that date in your calendar right now.
Only Wanna Be With You exuded a romantic vibe akin to John Legend, while Redemption was stripped back and raw, with a bluesy twang that takes a gospel turn. Meanwhile, Better is fuller than the first two tracks. Playing around with extra instrumental layers, this is ambrosia for the ears. A timeless melody leads the slow jam, embellished with dazzling harmonies, all the while dancing above gorgeous guitar licks and a finger-clicked rhythm.
Enveloping the listener from the very first phrase, the track just builds and builds. After about 2:25, the track unleashes an instrumental swell of Phil Collins proportions – and yes, I’ll admit, there is some serious chair dancing happening right now.
Without doubt one of my favourite discoveries of the past year, I cannot wait for the world to embrace Samm Henshaw.
Check out Samm Henshaw’s Soundcloud for more music, and click here for a breathtaking unplugged rendition of Only Wanna Be With You
Video clips galore! Some pretty amazing clips have been coming out recently, including this brilliant interactive one by Jack White. Here’s some more of the best local and international video clips to come out over the past week or so!
OOFJ, I Forgive You
Husband-and-wife duo OOFJ have been dazzling me with their unique and beautiful theatrical electronic tracks, and their latest, I Forgive You, is a sweeping, melodramatic masterpiece. Considering the pair met while working on a Lars Von Trier film together, it’s no surprise that their visual aesthetics are as impressive as their musical. Check out their latest clip here:
Samm Henshaw, Only Wanna Be With You
UK blues artist Samm Henshaw was easily one of my favourite new discoveries of last year. Only Wanna Be With You was probably one of my most played tracks of 2014, as this clip is simple and intimate, perfectly complementing the organic and emotional feel of the track.
Brodinski, US ft. Bloody Jay
Set to release his hip-hop infused album Brava in less than two weeks, French techno-legend Brodinski’s video for US ft. Bloody Jay is a tripped-out, psychedelic-induced romp through the frantic Shanghai lights and nightlife. Super high production quality and mesmerising direction have come together to create a visually stunning clip for this excellent track.
Glass Animals, Black Mambo
UK four-piece Glass Animals have a knack for sultry, understated electro-trip-hop tunes, and one of my favourites is Black Mambo. The mysterious video clip follows a man going through some kind of shamanic ritual involving snakes and snakeskin. Watch as he trips (real of hallucinatory, who knows?) through eerie forestland on a snake-filled journey.
Odesza, All We Need ft. Shy Girls
As you all know I’m a big Odesza fan (and had the pleasure of chatting with them while they visited Aus last month.) Their clip for All We Need is intimate and dark, adding snippets of a short story into the music throughout. It’s highly personal and somehow confronting – and while the track is honestly one of my least favourites on In Return, the clip is really beautiful.
Eleanor Dunlop, Rollin’ On
Sydney’s Eleanor Dunlop made waves last year with the husky, understated synth-pop-rock Rollin’ On, and she’s just released a strange, funny and highly enjoyable video clip. It’s actually really hard to describe the kind of miscellaneous super-8 and retro-shot scenarios throughout – so it’s really just worth a watch.
Rosie Lowe, Who’s That Girl
UK artist Rosie Lowe has really caught our attention lately, with her smooth vocals and sultry electro-pop. (We also discovered she has excellent taste in music in our Q&A). Her latest clip is simple, strange and beautiful, featuring her, alone in a bare space, gracefully moving about with a transparent sheet covering her body.
Laura Marling, False Hope
Ah, Laura Marling. One of the few folk-inclined artist that I still love. Her upcoming album Short Movie is set for a March 20 release date, and latest single False Hope has a video clip recorded live in the studio. Simple and raw, it’s the kind of song that doesn’t need to look toward huge production of a detailed story to really capture you.
Here we go again! A weekly playlist of the best new songs I’ve heard all week. We start off today with a couple of headier rock tracks before toning it down into some serious smooth electro-soul. We’ll hang there for a while before ending on a serious bang.
- Art of Sleeping, Crazy
One of the best bluesy rock tracks I’ve heard in ages, this Brisbane five-piece know exactly how to get you going. Gorgeous vocals, incredible riffs, billowing builds. You don’t get better than this. - Bernaccia, Darkness Walks
Opening with feedback and growly guitars, this is one for the doom-y grunge lovers out there. Catchy riffs and a great voice. What it lacks in excitement, it makes up for in the satisfying crunch of distortion. - North Arm, Sometimes New
Let’s tone it down a tad. Sydney’s North Arm have a new single out, and it’s a jingly, fuzzed out semi-psychedelic beauty. The melody is simple yet enchanting, with the guitar and vocals dancing around each other throughout. - Samm Henshaw, Only Wanna Be With You
Samm Henshaw has a really wonderful voice and this song, simple as it may be, is one of those songs that just make me really happy. Catchy, clap-along and fantastically soulful. Not electro-soul, not future-soul, just good ol’ fashioned soul. - Snoh Aalegra, Bad Things (ft. Common)
Another favourite discovery of mine. Snoh’s beautiful voice really stands out among other upcoming soul/R&B singers – it’s rich but crisp, demanding yet dulcet. Plus a bonus riff from Common. So. Good. - Alta, Hold Your Fire
Subtle and seductive, this track by the Melbourne duo has me drawing instant Little Dragon comparisons. A gorgeous flow and a huge range of musical layers, there’s so much going on behind the melody. - Raye, Bet U Wish
17-year-old Raye’s new single has an intriguing electronic basis, topped off with a great pop/R&B melody. It really kicks off in the chorus – big beats, big vocals, interesting samples and catchy as hell. - Adria, Pull Me Under
Ohhh, that syncopation. This is one sexy track. Follows on from the Raye track, only brimming with sensuality. I love how intricate the percussion rhythms here, and the contrast between the driving bass and those occasional piano notes. - Natalie McCool, Wind Blows Harder (THUMPERS rework)
We go further once again – heavy beats, choir-sounding vocals, flittering beats lead the way to a passionate melody. Some brilliant synth action at play here. It’s basically a combination of psychedelic haze with biiig trappy beats. - Slumberjack, Horus
You’ve probably heard Horus by now, considering it’s already topped Hype Machine. The Perth duo go all out with the new single. That rhythm, man. Reminds me of Tipper. I just want to play this one over and over and over again!
That’s it for this week! Here’s ya playlist: