Browsing Tag

Alt RnB

PASHA is en-route to RnB royalty with her latest single, Paper Route

Posted on 29 September 2024

‘Paper Route’ by PASHA reaches the epitome of RnB sublimity, marking her as a distinct force in the genre. Far from being a mere fusionist, PASHA is an alchemist of sensual soul, using hypnotic house beats as the conduit for her seraphic sonic sensuality.

The smooth production of the track is as timeless as it is tantalising, with its syncopated trip-hop-esque beats blending seamlessly with evocative piano keys, creating one of the most comforting and mesmerising dynamics in contemporary RnB.

As her vocals transcend traditional harmonics, they venture into a plateau of soulfully arcane reverie, showcasing an ethereal and evocatively resonant vocal range. It’s this rare combination of elements that positions PASHA as a potential new icon in the music industry. If there’s any artist powerful enough to rival the originality of The Weeknd, it’s her.

PASHA’s journey began in Queens, though her sound is a testament to her upbringing between East Atlanta and Haiti. Her musical roots were nurtured by the diverse artistic influences around her, leading her to pick up the classical guitar at just ten years old. Since her debut in January 2024, she has ensnared audiences with a string of bittersweet singles that explore the nuances of young womanhood, love, and self-reflection.

Paper Route was officially released on September 27; stream the single on YouTube and Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

JJORDAN serenaded his fans out of the scarcity mindset with his exotic RnB release, Abundance

Posted on 17 September 2024

With his latest single, ‘Abundance’, the independent West-London artist, JJORDAN, ushers his listeners into a world where love transcends scarcity and thrives in luxuriant harmony. Infusing R&B with Afrobeat rhythms, JJORDAN has cultivated an exotic sonic aura that’s difficult to find elsewhere in the genre, resulting in a track bordering on celestial through the synthesis of sensuality and a grounded sense of spiritual enlightenment.

Serenading his fans with smooth vocals, JJORDAN celebrates love as a rich, fulfilling experience, encouraging listeners to embrace the right partner when the time comes. His narrative weaves seamlessly through the dynamic rhythms, which evoke an irresistible urge to dance while soaking in the sentiment. A pivotal moment in the track arrives when ‘Abundance’ veers into jazz fusion territory with smoky horn stabs that billow into lush, reverb-heavy production.

With Abundance on your playlists, you can carry the sound of summer into the colder months; the days may get dark, but your playlists don’t need to if you keep JJORDAN, who has been on an upward trajectory ever since his debut release, on your radar.

Abundance sank soul into the airwaves on September 5th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

From Berlin with Flavour: WRY’s ‘Sweet n Salty’ Mixes Up Alt-RnB

Posted on 15 September 2024

The Berlin-based artist WRY doesn’t just fit into the contemporary alt-RnB dynamic, she has reached the zenith of it with her debut EP, Sweet n Salty, which she has been gearing up towards since she hit the airwaves running with her first single, Anywhere, in 2021.

The title track drenches the senses in the sublimity of the downtempo soul which harnesses the quintessence of RnB while pushing the genre forward through rhythmically eloquent innovation. The reverb-drenched melodies seamlessly float above perfectly syncopated beats which mimic the rapid thumping of a heartfelt emotion, crafting an atmosphere thick with anticipation and serenity.

WRY’s vocal delivery is a fiery cascade, yet it possesses a sensuous lightness that whispers secrets only the most attentive listeners will discern. With influences from iconic figures like Amy Winehouse, Banks, and Charlotte Cardin, WRY constructed a solid foundation of inspiration to construct her own authentic aural aura.

Each track in her growing discography is a shift away from the predictable, and Sweet n Salty is no exception. The emotional discourse, articulated through a minimalist yet powerful arrangement solidifies WRY’s position as one of the most promising names in the Berlin alt-RnB scene.

Stream the Sweet n Salty EP on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get high with the Dancehall rhythms in Yugí’s RnB release, CHEMSEX

Posted on 10 September 2024

Stan Smith, known artistically as Yugí, intoxicated through his fluid fusion of RnB, Dancehall, and trap in his latest single CHEMSEX. The Melbourne-based, French-English artist weaved his cross-continental influences into the track that locks you into its groove and gets you in the mood. Yugí’s unique sonic identity in CHEMSEX is imbued with the salacious magnetism you would expect from a track so provocatively named; it’s a red-hot escapade into the sensory depths of Dancehall.

At just 25 years old, Yugí, who began his musical journey in Le Chesnay, France, has evolved from a casual experimentationist into a defining voice within the modern music landscape. CHEMSEX encapsulates Yugí’s daringness to defy and his ability to synthesise a sound unmistakably his own. This track is not merely a nod to influential giants like The Weeknd; it’s a bold statement of individuality and artistic sovereignty.

Yugí’s artistic palette is broad, drawing inspiration from a spectrum of genres and icons—from the emotive power of Billie Eilish to the raw intensity of XXXTentacion. Yet, with CHEMSEX, he firmly establishes himself not just as a follower of trends but as a pioneer of modern soul with infectious rhythms to literally and metaphorically move his audience.

CHEMSEX was officially released on August 23rd and is now available to stream on Spotify and Soundcloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Addenium synthesised the intimate heat of ‘Summer Nights’ in her futuristically finessed debut single ft Rowa

Posted on 12 August 2024

Addenium has officially arrived with her debut single, Summer Nights, created in collaboration with Rowa, to prove how far you can push the boundaries of RnB while never losing grip of its soul essence.

The vibe-heavy indietronica edge oscillates through the influence of icons in the vein of Flume, FKJ, and Masego. Yet, Addenium conjured a sonic vision that could only have been rendered by her tender volition.

This track invites you to experience the heat and intimacy of its thematic nature, perfectly accentuated by hints of stylishly executed indie elements. The expressively artistic motifs gave Addenium a significant advantage as she charts her career to the top of the charts as a curator of vibes and an innovator of sound. The trip-hop textures within the release amplify the mysticism, while the seraphic vocal layers ensure that soul envelops the track, casting an addictively scintillating aura.

Lyrically, the song reflects on the finite nature of summer situationships, yet the release pulsates with an enlightened undercurrent, which alludes to the sanctity of knowing there is always something greater to gravitate around, as it ripples through the polished production.

Summer Nights was officially released on August 2nd; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: The LA Prog RnB supercluster of creatives, No False Ego, is all about the vibes in their authenticity-advocating debut single, We Are the Soul

Posted on 7 August 2024

In their debut single, We Are the Soul, LA’s Prog RnB collective No False Ego introduces themselves with a resonant proclamation of authenticity, amplified through an exploratively diverse sonic expanse. The blend of jazzy saxophones, indie guitar licks, and fluid genre transitions are undeniable attestations to how No False Ego is leading by example with their unique vision.

Fronted by the ethereal vocals of Kassandra, the track weaves through groove pockets of dreamy reverie, underpinned by a rich tapestry of sounds that reflect the band’s ethos of genuine self-expression. The production, crafted in the Big Bad Band Studios and finely tuned by Camilo Cedeno and Ronnie Silos, underscores a polished, heartfelt debut that promises so much for the future of the collective.

With a backbone of seasoned musicians including Steve Murillo on sax and keys, Carter on bass, Corey Scimenes on guitar, and Roach on drums, No False Ego is a veritable supercluster of creative minds with a clear message everyone should heed: embrace your authentic self, ditch the façade, and revel in the power of unfeigned originality.

As they prepare to broaden their horizons beyond the LA scene with upcoming releases, including the anticipated single Sunshine and a forthcoming EP, No False Ego is poised to uplift and empower a wider audience with their heartfelt vibrations and innovative sonic signature.

Stream We Are the Soul on Spotify now.

Stay up to date with news of the sophomore release by following No False Ego on Instagram and TikTok.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sink into the solace of Nesta Stephan’s future-forward neo-soul single, (don’t) Call me

Posted on 6 August 2024

Gabon-born, London-based artist, Nesta Stephan, didn’t just reach the crowning point of her career (so far) with her latest single, (don’t) Call me; she set a new reflectively candid standard while constructing a new trajectory in the evolution of RnB.

The half-French, half-Gabonese artist’s journey from global traveller to singer-songwriter shines through her work; her latest single, which is no exception, initiates with arcane gospel choir-esque harmonies that set a reverent tone, which is quickly juxtaposed with the intimacy of a voicemail message playing in the celestial outro.

As the track progresses, minor key melodies emerge under Stephan’s meditatively ethereal vocals, which paint a vivid portrait of isolation and abandonment. Stephan’s lyrics are a raw exposition of her inner world, addressing the tough theme of finding faith after maternal abandonment. Rather than succumbing to despair, the track radiates hope and compassion through its future-forward blend of afrobeat and neo-soul RnB, signalling a journey of reaching the other side of pain.

(don’t) Call me is the ultimate attestation of how plausible it is to reinvent yourself, regardless of what you’ve been through if you look outwards with empathy and inwards with self-regard.

(don’t) Call me was officially released on July 19; stream the single on Spotify now.

Follow Nesta Stephan on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with her latest releases.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

J Cass subverted RnB with the neon-lit melancholy in ‘In Da Club’

Posted on 21 July 2024

In Da Club by J Cass unleashes itself from the parameters of the typical RnB anthem by subverting expectations with its Weeknd-esque pensiveness layered beneath the shimmering, neon-lit instrumentals.

The follow-up to his debut, What We Gon’ Do, showcases J Cass’s scintillating ability to blend visceral colour and melancholy within smooth, minor key melodies. His vocals, heavy with gravitas, sweep across the trap-infused beats, marking this track as a profound exploration of emotional depth and artistic maturity.

In Da Club tears down the barriers to the soul, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys while dancing to its rhythm. As J Cass continues to navigate and reshape the R&B landscape, his tracks invite us to submerge into our own introspective experiences.

Joseph Castro, the man behind J Cass, hails from Tampa, Florida, and brings a rich background in music and life philosophy to his work. As a graduate of Berklee with a BA in Music Business, he is deeply committed to influencing the music scene through his soul-stirring sonics and educating young minds as a teacher at the Bach to Rock Music School, where he is fostering the next generation of musical talent.

In Da Club is available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Indie synths drive the soul in ‘Our Story’, the latest chapter in the organically originated artistry of iinz

Posted on 19 July 2024

‘Our Story’ is yet another chapter in the organically originated chronicle of the Alt-RnB trailblazer, iinz. With an innate ability to traverse the lesser-explored corners of RnB and the human experience alike, iinz introduces a fresh, experimental approach to her euphoniously stylised narratives.

Born from a visceral moment of heartbreak, Our Story is a profoundly personal vignette which epitomises the authentic and introspective essence of the independent artist. The single touches on how even if you share the most intimate parts of yourself, that doesn’t guarantee that you’ll share the same reality.

The loungey, pseudo-jazzy rhythms interspersed with indie synthwave touches create a lush, immersive soundscape which testifies to the nuanced sophistication within the artistry of iinz. Her collaboration with producer Taiina elevated the sonic complexity and evocative resonance to the nth degree.

With iinz on your playlists, you’re never short of a refuge of solace and understanding. The LA-hailing Israeli-American soulstress’ ability to find the alchemic intersections between old-school soul and alt-pop is beyond compare. Yet, there’s an aching sense that when it comes to iinz, expression will always be prioritised over competition.

Our Story will be officially released on July 19; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jazz Meets Dreamy RnB in No False Ego’s Irridescent Debut, We are the Soul

Posted on 26 June 2024

No False Ego came to iridescent light with their sublime-on-the-senses debut single, We are the Soul. The devilishly clever arcane reprise of “here we are” is the epitome of a statement of intent from the LA-based unreckonable outfit who, true to their name, riff, harmonise, and groove straight from the heart.

The track is an intoxicating blend of free-form jazz expressionism and dreamy RnB vocals, creating a sublime contrast that is as unpredictable as it is cathartically consuming. The time signatures pulse with an unpredictable fervour, giving the track a lively, spontaneous feel while the hazy-with-soul RnB vocals and loungey keys act as a pure, diaphonic anchor, grounding the listener in the midst of intuitively impromptu drum fills, warm yet wild sax lines, and chameleonic guitars which switch from chopping funk through the progressions to injecting nuances of indie blues rock.

No False Ego’s ability to weave together these diverse elements with superlative ease showcases their impressive musicianship and commitment to authenticity. Each component contributes to a cohesively rich soundscape which triumphs on a technical level while connecting with the listener emotionally.

Now they’ve made their introduction on the airwaves, it is time for No False Ego to hold soulful dominion over them; we can’t wait to watch their ascent.

We are the Soul is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast