Browsing Tag

Independent Pop

SAL delivered a ‘Bullet in the Heart’ in her latest retro pop earworm

Posted on 13 April 2022

It was only a few days ago that Amanda Palmer’s tweet “all I can handle right now is Enya” deservedly went viral; the up-and-coming artist, SAL may just be an exception to that rule with her latest 80s-inspired pop earworm, Bullet in the Heart.

The smooth release is as heavy on the nostalgia as it is on the soul as it moves through the retro synth chord progressions and endlessly cathartic melodies which fuse with SAL’s sweeter than honey vocal timbre that brings a vibrant and vital sense of warmth to Bullet in the Heart. The indie RnB pop nuances also bring yet another intimately hypnotic element to the single that deserves to be on every radio station’s A-list.

Bullet in the Heart officially launched on April 8th. You can check it out for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kassia B proves that patience is a painful virtue in her progressive dance-pop track, Waited Too Long

Posted on 6 April 2022

‘Waited Too Long’ is the latest progressive dance-pop track from Kassia B, who has been captivating audiences with her evocatively dynamic vocals and prodigal talent from an almost absurdly young age. She was 15 years old when she penned her debut single during the 2021 lockdown. If any artist can prove that artistic maturity doesn’t necessarily equate with how many years you’ve existed on the planet, it is Kassia.

With a few singles behind her, she truly came into her stride with Waited Too Long which gives the teenage perspective of the pandemic through the lyrics and liberates the listener from any sense of lingering morosity with the galvanizingly euphoric build-ups and dizzying crescendos. We can’t wait to hear what follows.

Waited Too Long is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

West London singer-songwriter and producer Kai Justine released the ultimate break-up playlist staple with Don’t Worry.

Posted on 12 March 2022

In her latest single, Don’t Worry, the West London singer, songwriter and producer Kai Justine proved that she has got exactly what it takes to be the next alt-pop icon.

The moody yet energetic beats may not be a sonic signature that you’re familiar with. Yet, with the RnB pop vocals super-charging the self-produced mix with emboldening soul, it is all too easy to get in the dancey groove with Don’t Worry. The chorus of “don’t worry about me, I ain’t thinking about you” bites into the liberation that sparks when a toxic dynamic finally becomes obsolete.

Destiny’s Child, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey are three muses that inspired Kai to tap into her talent; even though that influence rings through in Don’t Worry, it doesn’t override Kai’s autonomy. She is definitely one to watch.

Don’t Worry was officially released on February 25th. It is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

December Fades has released his ornately anticipatory pop single, Waiting

Posted on 11 February 2022

It is always a pleasure to discover an artist that has broken through their fear of expressive vulnerability, and few do it with as much panache as December Fades in his latest single, Waiting. The LA singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist always leaves us guessing what form of pop alchemy will follow the last. Waiting is an ornately passionate score of synths, keys and other ambiently minimal effects that serve as the platform for his effortlessly outreaching vocals.

Lyrically, the single goes so far past the old adage of anything worth having is worth waiting for. Waiting is a stunning reminder that life can’t always be in motion; waiting is just a part of the human experience as another verb.

Waiting will officially release on February 11th. You can check it out for yourselves here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast