Undoubtedly, the highlight of this week’s R&B content has already been delivered, with the hugely-anticipated release of The Weeknd’s second project, Thursday. There’s also new music from upcoming UK singer Chrome, dropping off an energetic single for his latest video.
Very diverse episode this week, with some mainstream pop, old-school style soul and the usual R&B fare all made available for your listening pleasure, and plenty of big names providing that content. Click below to fill yourself with R&B nourishment.
Another very diverse episode this week, with some mainstream folk sitting alongside a couple of old-school favourites to provide a little bit of everything.
“DEVolution – Consisting of Artful Dodger founder Pete Devereux and former Size Records artist Tom Devos – will release their debut single ‘Good Love’ on September 12th on One More Tune / Warner Bros. Records.
Pushing the genre boundaries of dubstep into bold new territory, ‘Good Love’ has already become an underground hit after continued support courtesy of MistaJam, Trevor Nelson & Target at 1Xtra/Radio 1. MistaJam has selected the track to be his Jam Hot Record of the Week to kick-start Dubstep Week.
Propelled by an intensely heavy bass line, ‘Good Love’ builds to anthemic status with the addition of an infectious hook courtesy of the Birmingham-born, Australian-based vocalist Amy Pearson who has previously worked with the likes of Klaus Derendorf and Tom Nichols.”
You’ve heard the remixes, now check out the glorious original and its official video. Nice bit of eye candy to keep you captivated to an already addictive song.
“DEVolution will preview the release of their hotly-tipped debut single ‘Good Love’ (out August 29th) with the launch of a major competition powered by SoundCloud. Aspiring remixers are invited to participate in the ‘Bad Love’ remix competition in order to win an enviable collection of prizes: the winner will see their mix released by One More Tune / Warner Bros. Records and will also receive £500 and a year’s SoundCloud Pro account worth over £200.
All you need to do to enter the competition is to download the a cappella track from http://badlove.wearedevolution.com, create your own winning remix and upload it to the site.”
You can vote for your favourite remixes on the site and the winner will be chosen by DEVolution themselves! Competition closes August the 29th, so get cracking.
Fierce yet accessible, ‘Sunlight’ combines the rugged elements of dubstep with the energetic power of the hardcore rock acts that the band grew up on. A rather good description, as Modestep not only risk blending two very seperate genres, but in doing so add a structure and an organic quality to dubstep that has been missing from the genre’s largely repetitive and chaotic catalogue.
Thudding, winding bass and razor-sharp synths blend seamlessly with pounding live drums and licks of guitar for a busy production, whilst the vocals are simple and catchy, ensuring the audio satisfies the hardcore dubstep fans alongside those of us looking for something with more regularity in the genre. Top all that off with a video of old people going to a rave and generally having shenanigans, and you’ve got an all-round package that’s likely to be a widespread success. Available everywhere on 15th August.
“Cinematic keep up the quality control with this remix, retaining the soulful vibe of the original while adding tight percussion and a deep sliding bass line. This collaboration between Context MC and Cinematic looks set to be an anthemic addition to the summer. It was uploaded to Drum and Bass powerhouse UKF last week, and earned over 35,000 hits in its first day! The remix has also been supported by MTV!”
Loved the original to this, which has been supported heavily by BBC Radio1 and BBC Radio 1xtra. A tale of walking home after a night out, the original which was produced by Slof Man and is a slow and very reflective track, so it’s interesting to hear this Drum & Bass twist to it. Rather skilfully, it still manages to capture the reflective vibe as well as being something you could listen to in a club, offering the best of both worlds. Top stuff.
My first exposure to Lucy Love’s music (shouts to Sam), and I’m massively impressed. I’m told ‘the MC is already a superstar in her native country‘, and with pulsating, energetic tracks like this it’s only a matter of time before that appeal is considerably more universal.
The production is fantastic, being almost divided into two entirely seperate sections, each fusing together influences from dance, dubstep, alternative and hip-hop. The track opens with a set of dark synths and haunting vocals that are soon joined by a pounding percussion and thudding bassline, suggesting the song will remain as a slow paced head-nodder. Instead however, the ‘second act’ arrives with high-tempo percussion and synths/bass boasting a heavy British influence, with the two combining to take the dark vibe of the synths and vocals and infusing them with a powerful intensity and energy.
The video serves to enhance that moody, uneasy atmosphere, with a somewhat eerie storyline being cleverly shot in a dim, hazy light that makes for unusual and extremely well-produced viewing. Fantastic track, and will be available here on August 8th.
“DEVolution – Consisting of Artful Dodger founder Pete Devereux and former Size Records artist Tom Devos – will release their debut single ‘Good Love’ on August 22nd on One More Tune / Warner Bros. Records.
Pushing the genre boundaries of dubstep into bold new territory, ‘Good Love’ has already become an underground hit after continued support courtesy of MistaJam, Trevor Nelson & Target at 1Xtra/Radio 1. MistaJam has selected the track to be his Jam Hot Record of the Week to kick-start Dubstep Week.
Propelled by an intensely heavy bass line, ‘Good Love’ builds to anthemic status with the addition of an infectious hook courtesy of the Birmingham-born, Australian-based vocalist Amy Pearson who has previously worked with the likes of Klaus Derendorf and Tom Nichols.”
Really good remix this, you can go download it (and also preview it) for free by popping your email on the left here. A 30 minute mix is also available for free download over at their Facebook page.
Known as ‘a mysterious quartet who with their metallic and melancholy avant-garde rock references are defining a new and exciting direction for Scandinavian electro pop‘, Battlekat’s material is new to me but the refinement in their sound that suggests their buzz is entirely warranted. This track boasts an unsettling and haunting production composed primarily of lengthened, moody synths and minimal percussion hits, giving this track a dark, addictive quality. The sketchy, filtered vocals have an eerie quality of their own, adding a wintery and isolated vibe to the production that finishes things off nicely. Worth a listen for sure, and one of those that will really impress the electronic fans.
Some really interesting remixes this week, with the works of R&B poster boys Drake and Frank Ocean undergoing treatment from their peers. Of course, there’s a sprinkling of original material too with a range of styles represented.
Being on time is the new being late. Or something like that. Gone with a slightly different approach for this week’s episode, as I sympathise with the mainstream folk who come looking for some party/chart tracks, and leave empty handed. I’ve chucked in a few artists/tracks I don’t particularly like, but will certainly go down well with the mainstreamers, and of course there’s still a healthy dose of music that’s actually good too.
I’ve publicly stated my dislike for dubstep etc., but my word can this boy serve up some beats. He’s about the only guy I’ll give a go in that genre, and here he comes through with an intense, pulsating effort that really displays his skills.
Opening up with a slow build, the track builds atmosphere with various isolated hits, from a haunting vocal snippet to a single tribal drum hit, heightening the anticipation for the thick, winding synth that explodes the track into life. Crucially, the synth is backed by a relatively slow tempo percussion that serves to emphasise that hypnotising synth work further, both highlighting the track’s anchor point and adding a somewhat ominous, darker vibe.
Video is very fitting, with the monochrome colour scheme playing off that dark feel, whilst the high-octane breakdancers utilise that powerful synth work nicely, all tied together with an underground theme created by the industrial setting, flashes of graffiti and the general isolation of the dance-off. Strong all-round effort that you can pick up for free here.
“Chase & Status return with the release of their new single ‘Hitz’ featuring Tinie Tempah on the 18 July, out through Mercury Records. The ‘Hitz’ digital bundle, available on iTunes, will include the official single, an exclusive remix featuring Wretch 32 and additional remixes by 16Bit and Delta Heavy. ‘Hitz’ follows the release of ‘Time’ featuring Delilah and top 5 single ‘Blind Faith’ feat. Liam Bailey, all from their second studio album ‘No More Idols’, which hit the shops on Jan 31st and has been storming the charts ever since. Debuting at #2, behind Adele, No More Idols is still flying high in the top 10 of the Official UK Album Chart having sold over 200,000 albums to date.”
If this is your type of thing, then you can buy No More Idols here.
I’m no expert on dance/electro, but one man I’ve certainly kept an appreciation for over the years is SebastiAn. He’s got the ability to craft some fantastically unique electro productions (with this being a highlight), and he’s come through again with a roaring track that will get the adrenaline flowing. Coming in at a little over 2 minutes, the track wastes no time with a boring, lengthy wait for ‘the drop’ and steams right in with a high-tempo medley of sharp, jagged synths and a thumping percussion, creating a buzz and an energy that makes for quick and addictive listening. You can grab the track for free below, but be sure to support good music and buy the track too.
Assuming you have good headphones, prepare your eardrums for a bit of a battering. Benga comes through with a thudding, pulsating production that will seriously get your head moving, whilst slowly decimating your hearing. Menacingly slow paced and incredibly hypnotising, the thick bass has a pounding, driving vibe that makes for enjoyable, albeit somewhat repetitive listening. Definitely worth a listen.
Brilliant track from the supremely talented Cassettes Won’t Listen. His recent collaborative work with Bisco Smith as The Freeze Tag has been superb, and prior to that his remixes were extremely enjoyable, in particular his phenomenal remix of Daft Punk’s Derezzed. Here we’ve got a track from his upcoming EVINSPACEY album (previously named KEVINSPACEY, but renamed due to legal issues!), and it’s another huge winner. Combining electronica with alternative/pop, the production blends a sharp percussion with electro melodies to create an easygoing progressive vibe, all supplemented nicely by mellow pop-style vocals. Hugely enjoyable track, and hopefully there’s more to come. Preview and download below.
“It’s been a whirlwind 2011 for Context MC already. He has been: named one the top 5 UK underground acts by massive US website The Huffington Post; invited to Abbey Road by BBC Introducing; playlisted by MTV; had press support from MTV, SB.TV, RWD, Semtex (BBC 1Xtra) and K Mag; performed at I Luv Live; been shortlisted for Glastonbury; and was a featured artist on myspace’s homepage alongside Lady Gaga, Kings of Leon and Britney Spears!”
The video compliments the lonely audio superbly, with Context MC alone outside in his own zone, whilst the party is going on indoors. The song itself, produced by Slof Man, is one for you to listen to alone, it’s slow and it makes you think. Exactly the type of music I like.
Context MC hit us with a winner with Off With Their Heads and it’s safe to say that song was not a fluke. Listening To Burial should be on iTunes soon, don’t sleep on this.
A little something from Barcelona for you today. This has been doing the rounds in the clubs here and will no doubt dominate the summer UK scene once the DJ’s get their hands on it.
Catalonian DJ, Sak Noel not only produces the audio, but directs the video too (which is shot in the streets of Barcelona itself and I’m pretty sure I see my bank in one of the shots). The visuals were intended to poke fun at the numerous ‘Guiris’ (tourists) which flock to Barcelona each summer. Famous street La Rambla and Plaza De Catalonia make brief cameos before the rest of the visuals play out demonstrating the crazy nightlife Barcelona has to offer. And yes, it is this crazy. Oh, and this video is probably a little bit NSFW.
Listen out for this across the world guys as I’m sure it will be on heavy rotation.
Surely a song set to dominate the summer, Calvin drops off his latest club stomper in preparation for his upcoming album. I wasn’t overly keen on Awooga, as it was just a little uninteresting on the whole, but this track certainly has a lot more going for it.
Harris serves up a very diverse and dynamic production, with a mellowed series of synth hits alongside midtempo percussion working nicely for the verses, and building to a big, explosive hook that typifies Calvin’s mainstream singles. It’s certainly a lot more electro/house influenced than some of his more pop-oriented work, a vibe helped by Kelis’ relatively relaxed yet uplifting vocal work. Pleased to see he hasn’t tried to marry a famous feature with a pop-dance beat, Gueeta style!
Video is actually quite enjoyable too, following a general miscreant/degenerate/rebel around as he causes a bit of havoc, and seems to just be having a bit of free-spirited fun. An easy watch, and certain to be a big single for Calvin.
This track comes courtesy of a collection of Jack Davey produced songs (yes, Jack Davey produced!). An interesting song for sure, and one that leans more towards electronica, as opposed to the R&B influence they often exhibit. There’s an enjoyable offbeat quality about the track, and whilst it is a raw, refreshing listen, it’s not on the level of the more sultry, smoothed out stuff she is/they are capable of.
I’ve turned up late to the party once again, so I’m not going to mess you around with a long intro here. That’s helped by only having one relevant and noteworthy post from the week gone by, that being Erin Christine’s latest single.
Click below to fill your empty stomachs with R&B/pop/soul nourishment.
Some mighty fine chillout electronic music right here. Not a genre I know a great deal about, but there’s no question that a good bit of chillout house/electronic is difficult to dislike, regardless of your taste.
Diskjokke serves up a wonderful blend of airy synths, frolicky key notes, and soft percussion to produce an atmospheric, progressive piece that will prove both incredibly addictive and hugely relaxing. The progressive aspect is very subtle throughout, and doesn’t inexplicably burst into life, rather adding extra layers piece-by-piece and creating an uplifting middle portion. For those of you looking for some easygoing background music, you could do a lot worse than grab this.
I’m aware the video/short audio review for this was already posted, but having got my hands on the audio, I felt it worth giving this a little more shine (plus, I can throw the Hamster Kid EP artwork up!).
I have a theory about ‘dedicated’ music fans: if you’re really excited about a mixtape/album/EP that no-one you know will have heard of, you know you genuinely love music. It’s a great feeling when the music truly delivers too, and the forthcoming EP from Cassettes Won’t Listen and Bisco Smith (as The Freeze Tag) is definitely my current ‘pet project’.
Blending thoughtful, slickly-delivered raps from Bisco with a superb production comprised of soft guitar licks and heavy percussion, the track offers a mellow aspect alongside a head-nodding vibe, finished off with a melodic, melancholy hook. There’s a crossover style here, with an alternative feel seeping in amongst the hip-hop sensibility, and it makes for very enjoyable listening. Don’t sleep on this. The Freeze Tag-The Hustle
“The electrifying L.A. based pop duo known as Girls Love Shoes teams up with Dave Raps for this amazingly inspiring track. This is where genre lines get smashed, and overflowing with invention, “Stars” delivers unexpected lyrical depth, shimmering synths and a sonic spirit that makes you move as much as it makes you dream. With edgy verses from Dave Raps alongside the soulful and alluring vocals of Nadia Fay, this track will insight a riot in your imagination.”
Cannot say I know too much about either Girls Love Shoes or Dave Raps but based solely on this track, I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for both acts. Dave Raps does no harm to his burgeoning reputation with a pair of solid verses delivered with hunger and fire that feels at home on a synth heavy electro beat. Stars is an atmospheric, chilled and infectious song that I’m certain will clock up numerous plays in my Itunes; it’s not a song you interrupt. A stream and download of the audio is available below.
Although it’s already getting a lot of airtime on the radio and television, I felt the need to post the latest Chase & Status single from their (hit and miss) sophomore album No More Idols.
The video is hugely engrossing and depicts a realistic view of domestic violence, showing the complexity of man and the damaging effects of such obscene actions: The events of the video reflect that there is hope and that there is help for those who are trapped in abusive relationships. In this case, the abuser is jailed before the situation worsens, but in real life, many victims are not so lucky and this needs to change.
The backdrop to all of this is a solid Chase & Status drum and bass production featuring the vocals of the relatively unknown Delilah. Both the vocals and the beat entwine, creating a sound that tugs at the heartstrings in the way that only Liquid drum and bass can.
5 weeks away from the 100th episode, and the ‘new format’ rolls on with another easy-to-digest and concise edition. Not too much to catch up on in terms of different posts, but I’m sure anyone with even a sprinkling of good taste will be interested in grabbing 64 Frank Ocean tracks.
An interesting blend of mainstream stuff and more refined soul-oriented material this week, as well as chucking in the now customary throwback R&B track of the week. Click below to be happy. → Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 95
Got no problem with it though, especially when their upcoming project Hamster Kid promises to be great. A five-track concept EP and animated musical collaboration, they’ve enlisted the help of world-renowned street artist Bishop 203 and director Mike Vidoli.
The result is a slick and captivating animation that’s ably supported by a rather good bit of music: ‘a track that that incorporates slick, reverberating guitar plucks, synths, driving distorted bass, and heavy drums, as Bisco weaves the story, verse by verse, of Hamster Kid‘. Really couldn’t put it better myself, and this is an eclectic slice of hip-hop that blends video and audio to great effect. Don’t sleep on this.
To my less-dance centric ears, Skream can be very hit and miss with his beats. Here, he’s pretty much hit turned up to the absolute max. Grabbing the enchanting vocal stylings of Alpines, Skream attacks the track head on with a pulsating, energetic production that progresses superbly throughout the song.
Thudding along for the first section, Skream briefly switches things up around 50 seconds with a high-octane teaser of what is yet to come in the track. That teaser comes to life around halfway in as the motivational hook is layered with that same punchy percussion and throbbing synth line to create a neck-snapping production that you’ll struggle to sit still to. The track closes out in that same intense manner, and this is by my reckoning one of Skream’s finest productions to date, aided admirably by capable vocals once again from Alpines.
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