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Micah! is California dreaming in their latest alt indie pop release, STAY UP

Posted on 7 October 2024

You don’t need Micah!’s bio to tell you that they’re a Cali-residing artist, you can hear it in the dreamy warmth of the hazy melodies in their latest alt-indie-pop single, STAY UP, which teases nuances of hip-hop into the mix with sharp pseudo-rap cadences in the verses.

After honing their songwriting, recording and production skills for a decade, STAY UP is a catharsis-soaked culmination of all the time invested in their unflinching dedication to carve out a niche that listeners will want to nestle into time after time.

Fans of the deliciously delirious tonal palettes alchemised by NewDad, Jibba, Just Mustard and other contemporary indie icons in the same vein will find endless appeal in STAY UP, which is yet another attestation to Micah!’s potential that has already been actualised after the artist opened for Snoop Dogg and hit the 1 million stream mark on SoundCloud.

STAY UP was officially released on September 19; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Caleb X ticked all the right dream trap boxes in ‘Ricky Hoodie’

Posted on 6 October 2024

Caleb X’s standout single, Ricky Hoodie, drawn from his third LP, Dreams of Rodeo, introduces listeners to a dreamscape where the trap genre isn’t just revisited; it’s reinvented. The track embodies a dreamy trap aesthetic that could lift the heaviest souls to ethereal heights with its light, transcendent tonality. The instrumental work is nothing short of entrancing, setting a cloud-like stage for Caleb X’s vocals.

His verses meld the sticky sweetness of pop harmonies with the sharp cadence of hip-hop, demonstrating his unique flair for bridging genres. It’s a polyphonic exploration that promises to peel back layers of the mundane and add a fresh sound to any vibe-out playlist. Ricky Hoodie ticks every proverbial box for what dream trap can aspire to be—polyphonic, innovative, and utterly mesmerising without resorting to cliché.

Caleb X, hailing from Atlanta, continually defies the ordinary, shaping sounds that refuse to be shackled by the conventional boundaries of trap music. With each new release, he distinguishes himself from his contemporaries by bending sonic boundaries towards his creative will.

Stream and purchase the 3rd LP from Caleb X on Apple Music and Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Teck-Zilla, JXXIII, Quinja, Sentence, Yada and Reespect ignited a sonic revolution of empowerment in their collaborative hit, Naija Women

Posted on 2 October 2024
Naija Women by JXXIII, Quinja, Sentence, Yada, Reespect

Teck-Zilla’s latest hit, Naija Women, is an explosive celebration of culture and empowerment that carves out space for female strength in a rap landscape often skewed against it.

Produced by Nigerian-born, UK-based Teck-Zilla, the track brings together five Nigerian rappers—JXXIII, Quinja, Sentence, Yada, and Reespect—each brings their own mesmeric energy to the mic as the beat cuts like a razor through the lush, atmospheric production, making way for the quintet’s undeniable talent to shine through.

The dynamic interplay between the artists results in a juxtaposition of soul and fiery passion, making it impossible to settle on a single emotion; instead, you’re left in awe of how these women hold their own, spitting bars with confidence and unapologetic resilience.

For every woman who has ever fought hard just to be heard, Naija Women is a powerful reminder to never stop trying to reshape oppressive narratives.

Naija Women was officially released on September 9th and is now available to stream and purchase via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ride the synth waves in Dry’s latest alt-electro hit, DON’T GO

Posted on 24 September 2024

Dry finessed the future of alt-electro with his latest single, DON’T GO. With the synths delivering a unique flavour of cybernetic hyper-pop-adjacent funk into the adrenalized installation of retro-futurism, it is impossible not to get caught up in the kinetic hype of the genre-bending track.

The single’s foundation is laid with a robust bassline that pulsates through the melody, offering a deep, resonant contrast to the sharp clarity of vintage analogue synths. These elements combine to craft a backdrop that is rich in texture and brimming with infectious energy. The breakbeats act as a homage to the classic eras of hip-hop and Drum and Bass, infused with a modern twist that keeps the listener locked in and moving.

Adding complexity to this already dynamic mix, Dry’s vocals, autotuned to the edge of synthetic distortion, serve as a bold statement on the artificiality of modern pop. This choice is a clever nod to the genre’s roots in electronic manipulation, pushing the boundaries of vocal treatment into the realm of the experimental.

Each beat in ‘DON’T GO’ reflects a deep appreciation of Dry’s influences—from the intricate jazz time signatures that defy conventional expectations to the funk-infused grooves reminiscent of Jamiroquai and Steely Dan.

Stream DON’T GO on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Skinny Blacks fired up a new wave of hip-hop with his hypersonically hot track, Getaway Bae

Posted on 20 September 2024

With roots stretching from South London to St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Skinny Blacks delivered a pulsating summer anthem with Getaway Bae. If you’re searching for a track that hits harder than a heatwave in July, this high-octane single offers everything you’d expect from an artist fusing his Jamaican heritage with trap-heavy beats.

In an era where so much hip-hop sounds formulaic, Skinny Blacks smashes through the monotony with energy levels that could power a city. The track comes with the unrelenting force of a tropical storm, combining rhythmic precision with an edge that demands a replay.

By blending melodic rap with bold trap production, Skinny Blacks crafted an adrenalised hit for the wanderlust generation. Lyrically, it’s an unapologetic testament to being in control of your destiny, and musically, it’s a blueprint for the new direction UK rap is taking. It’s clear Skinny Blacks isn’t just riding the wave – he’s creating his own tsunami in the scene.

Getaway Bae was officially released on September 1st; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Goodfellow delivered the antidote for obsessive rumination with his alt-pop hit, Think 2 Much

Posted on 15 September 2024

Goodfellow, accompanied by the honeyed harmonies of female vocalist seleen, dropped a genre-defying single that seizes the RnB Trap Pop scene with an undeniable groove. ‘Think 2 Much‘ hit the epicentre of the contemporary genre-fluid zeitgeist by weaving pop elements reminiscent of Maroon 5’s chart-dominating era with ‘Payphone’ into a foundation of trappy beats.

In ‘Think 2 Much’, the lyrics paint a chaotic whirlwind of thoughts induced by an overwhelming crush, offering listeners a sticky-sweet vignette of emotional turmoil. This perennial earworm doesn’t just narrate; it plunges you into the heart of melodious obsession where there’s no escaping the razor-sharp hooks which are embedded within the quintessential soul of RnB.

The slick production ensures that the beat remains too addictive for just one listen, and the same goes for Goodfellow’s cheeky, hedonistic charm that permeates the track, resonating through augmented summer-vibe melodies that promise to outlive the season.

For those entangled in the messy throes of romance, here’s your anthem.

Think 2 Much is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

DanFromUpstairs & Luke Matthews shifted the tides of alt-pop with ‘Love’

Posted on 13 September 2024

With his boy-next-door moniker which fully synergises with his genre-fluid sonic identity, DanFromUpstairs is easy to adore. The Brighton-based artist’s latest single, Love, featuring Luke Matthews is a veritable exposition of how much of a forte orchestrating authentic alt-pop earworms is to him. I can safely guarantee you won’t find a more deadpan love song on the airwaves, and that is just scratching the surface of the ingenuity in Love.

As the pseudo-hip-hop beat slaps, the pop melodies stroke with their lush 90s-tinged aesthetic creating an expansive contrast with the intersections of scuzzy synths and raw indie rock guitars which rough the smooth edges of the polished production that you’ll need a serious concussion to forget.

As a true conduit of sonic experimentation who knows exactly which textures, tones and stylistic elements to synthesise into his narratives to ensure innovation doesn’t deviate into obscurity and veers towards commercial potential instead, DanFromUpstairs is standing at the vanguard of the modern genre-bending trend.

The official music video for Love will premiere on September 13; stream it on YouTube.

To connect with DanFromUpstairs and keep up to date with news of his forthcoming debut album, Hopeless Fables, which promises to deliver a continuous fever dream as the track grooves between electronica, funk, hip-hop, jungle and rock, follow the artist on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tony C sonically visualised the kidcore aesthetic in his hip-hop hit, Peter Pan Man

Posted on 12 September 2024

Tony C’s latest single Peter Pan Man is a defiant, high-octane triumph of playfully devil-may-care rebellion. The Californian emcee, known for his feverish flows and razor-sharp lyrical precision, takes listeners on a journey through a kidcore aesthetic with polyphonic beats that bounce and crackle under his infectiously insolent high-vibe lyrics. Flexing against the pressures to conform and grow up, Tony C proves that being forever young isn’t just a fantasy, it’s a lifestyle.

As gripping as his visual narrative is, it’s the rhythmic precision in Tony C’s bars that truly pulls you in; it really wouldn’t matter if he was waxing lyrical from the periodic table. His animated flows are impossible to resist, hooking you with every beat. The track leaves you craving more, not just from the song itself but from his entire discography, which is as diverse and dynamic as Peter Pan Man suggests.

Tony C’s origin story took place in Roseville, California, where he initially channelled his creativity into poetry before turning to music in high school. After making waves with a 10-song album produced by Zak Diebels (Z-Rokk), Tony’s debut release, Invincible, caught major attention. With tracks appearing on E!’s Khloe and Lamar and VH1’s Black Ink Crew, the iTunes editors were quick to praise his lush hooks and hyper-enunciated verses, comparing him to heavyweights like Slug, Eminem, and Mac Miller.

With Peter Pan Man, Tony C further cements his status as a rising force in hip-hop, refusing to grow up or slow down.

Peter Pan Man is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mars Playground carried an arsenal of earworm potential in his alt-pop hit, ‘S.O.S.’

Posted on 9 September 2024

Mars Playground, helmed by Chris Dixon, embarked on a bitter-sweet alt-pop exploration of angst and existential rumination with his latest track, “S.O.S.” The South Florida native melded the nostalgic beats of mid-2000s hip-hop with the crisp innovation of modern bedroom pop, set to the pace of hyper-pop while touching the raw nerve of pop-punk to craft a boldly original sonic profile worthy of drawing comparisons to the likes of Dominic Fike and Post Malone.

The icon of genre fusion synthesised trap’s rhythmic dynamism and indie’s subtle introspection to create a masterpiece of modern sound which oozes commercial potential. After initiating with percussive breaks that nod to the likes of Alexisonfire, the song subverts expectations with its euphonic pop aesthetics which envelop an emotional upheaval wrapped in a veneer of sticky-sweet melodies that cling relentlessly to memory.

As Mars Playground continues to chart a course towards critical acclaim, S.O.S. is yet another testament to the resonance of his boldly candid sound. The universal plea for solace amidst chaos sends a lifeline, woven with the threads of his vibrant, varied influences and the unvarnished truths of his journey.

S.O.S. hit the airwaves on August 28th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Trevon Lorenz – 7 Cities: A New Vanguard in RnB

Posted on 7 September 2024
Trevon Lorenz

Trevon Lorenz’s latest single, 7 Cities, revolutionises the RnB and hip-hop intersection with its sophisticated synthesis of soulful melodies and sharp hip-hop beats.

As the track unfolds, Lorenz lays down a dreamy, reverb-heavy soundscape that swells with lush, airy harmonies, showcasing his capability to blend genres with authority. It’s more than a stellar track, it’s a sign we’re arriving at a new epoch of genre fusion where the intensity of hip-hop can live harmoniously with the smooth soul of modern RnB.

7 Cities defies expectations within its brief runtime, especially with a middle eight that introduces an innovative twist, demonstrating Lorenz’s creative acumen. The track concludes with a flair of semi-lucid innovation, reminiscent of a distorted tape winding down, leaving listeners in a reflective trance.

Inspired by a diverse range of icons, from the fashion genius of Virgil Abloh and Yohji Yamamoto to musical pioneers like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, Lorenz’s music is a testament to his dedication to pushing sonic boundaries.

7 Cities will hit the airwaves on September 27; pre-save the single on Spotify & Apple Music via this link.

Follow Trevon Lorenz on Instagram to stay up to date with future releases.

Review by Amelia Vandergast