Five tracks that hit us hard. A dedicated Spotify playlist here.
Gabrielle Ornate - ‘The Undying Sleep’
It is frankly quite irresistible. The London-based talent manages to deliver a tune that sounds incredibly contemporary in its aesthetic, yet classically infused in its songwriting forms. Featuring fuzzy soundscapes layered on top of groovy, breakbeat-style drums, the track moves into chillwave and hypnagogic pop territories, creating the perfect backdrop for Gabrielle Ornate’s evocative, precise vocals. Seasoning everything with a healthy dose of guitars, ‘The Undying Sleep’ is sure to grab your attention, but most importantly your time! (Written By)
MOA - ‘Cry Wolf’
The first in a series of releases that will eventually shape MOA’s debut EP, ‘Cry Wolf’ contains the staples of what ‘Bipolar Pop’ stands for: murky, fuzzy bass layered with hefty electronic beats, recalling the twisting logic and haunting sensations of a panic attack. In this instance we also get served distorted guitars on the chorus, making for an interesting blend between organic and artificial. Eventually, it’s the songwriting that blows us away every time. Drenched in sombre and reflective vibes, the song dances around melancholia, delivering an introspective slice of its author’s inner thinking. (Written By)
Fearn - ‘August Skies (feat. Holly Brooke)’
Sussex-based producer, Fearn, has released the single, ‘August Skies’, featuring Holly Brooke. Brooke is a Cumbia-based musician, so I imagine this track was worked on remotely. With this being the case, the pair have held onto the sense of magic through human connection in the single. It is lavished in illuminating textures, bringing a peaceful, harmonious soundscape. As a Brighton resident, I can hear that Fearn has organically captured the surrounding natural environment of the Sussex Downs. A feeling rushes through me as I listen through my headphones - I can only describe this as simply omnipresent. The colourful textures are weaved together to create an intertwined, tranquil piece of art. (Written By Callum Pearce)
Ainsley Costello - ‘Someone’s Someone’
Championing an alternative pop brand, Costello has been experimenting with a more guitar-heavy sonic reference, recalling certain pop-punk aesthetics while keeping to her signature heartfelt, focused lyrical themes. The project’s latest release takes the shape of ‘Someone’s Someone’, perhaps the best example of that pop-punk imprint we were discussing of. Channelling her inner Avril Lavigne, the young talent serves euphoric poignancy in an intelligible package, on a record set to appeal to a wide variety of listeners. (Written By)
SamKing - ‘close 2 you’
Championing a fierce DIY aesthetic, indie newcomer SamKing possesses one of the freshest sounds we have heard in a while. What’s more impressive, his artistic output is relatively young, with the American artist teaching himself how to produce and experiment in his home studio only a year ago. Having reached 5 releases to date, the talented singer and songwriter returned to the scenes last week, offering a nostalgic, poignant gem with a fuzzy character and a snappy attitude. ‘close 2 you’ is a perfect listen, nurturing the listener into blissful glory. Anticipating an EP release in August, the project is firmly developing into a solid reality, and we are confident it will be able to draw in more and more listeners. (Written By)