Browsing Tag

TripHop

R34L dawned a fresh era of alt-electronica with ‘NEW WAYS’

Posted on 18 May 2024

Trippy, transcendent, and rhythmically compulsive, the latest artfully orchestrated installation of alt-electronica, NEW WAYS, from the producer duo, R34L, comprising Sarah Hartman and Cason Trager is a cultivated vessel to spiritual ascension, wrapped in the aura of Lynchian reverie.

Hartman’s vocal lines harmonise with the divine high above the leftfield mix of electronica that will heighten any Portishead and Caroline Polachek-orientated playlists. The sense of soul that Hartman brings to the release in synergy with the lighter textures of the luxe track allows tides of catharsis to wash over you as the strong glitchy backbeat juxtaposes the lush layers with a sense of gravity that you’ll want to anchor yourself to time after time.

Whether you find your body beat to it or use it to slip into a sense of serenity by following the dreamlike progressions as they exit material reality, NEW WAYS defies ambivalence with its potent alchemy, which is likely to be extended through R34L’s upcoming 13-track LP, Falling in Place, which promises to place the listener in the unchartered middle-ground of indie-pop & club music.

NEW WAYS was officially released on May 10th; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Hopefully By Then: Justin Shalitis lets the stars above guide his path on ‘I’ll See You In A Million Years’

Posted on 1 November 2021

With a super mellow vibe that has you feeling his eloquent energy fields wrap all over your soul and featuring kind vocals that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, Justin Shalitis tells us the story of knowing where you need to be with his latest peacefully transfixing single named ‘I’ll See You In A Million Years‘.

Justin Shalitis is a thoughtful Canadian solo artist and music producer who proficiently blends in triphop, ambient, psychedelia and folk music into his tremendous soundscape, that is inspiringly clear from any social media distractions.

‘‘I’m inspired by the likes of Nick Cave, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Talking Heads, Can, Radiohead, The National, Massive Attack and Elliott Smith.” ~ Justin Shalitis

He sings with such a pacifying soul-healing style that takes you places you know are obstainable if you search hard enough. The beat is so gentle and sooths all previous worries away, as you start to imagine getting away from it all to find yourself again.

‘I’ll See You In A Million Years‘ from the Canadian indie solo artist and music producer Justin Shalitis, is a super chilled story about just letting everything you do be totally natural. In a world that is so full of that hustle and bustle which can quite easily burn out your precious soul into smithereens on the sun-drenched floor, this is a much-needed reminder to stay rooted where you belong in nature. As he deleted social media to regain his highly important mental health from the clutches of an endless pit which never stops, you might feel inspired to do the same too.

Hear this fresh new single on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Toronto’s The Silk Demise stalk in with seductively haunting single ‘’Professor’s Lake’’

Posted on 22 May 2020

Wrapped in a promise, under stars. I set our feet as we melt in the dark.

Founded in 2006, this is the ultimately dark ambient electronic, trip-hop, and chillout music for the soul- to be enjoyed with the lights ideally off. 

‘The Silk Demise’ are highly influenced by trip-hop legends Massive Attack and Portishead and they expertly conjure their own smooth brand of the genre, relying on samples, synths, and melodic drones. Their music is a bit scary but enjoyable and this is a quality outfit.

Let’s enjoy this top act from Toronto, Canada and hope for more quality release while they create that one massive hit to propel them to the front of the queue. 

Stream more from ‘The Silk Demise’ here on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

A REAL CHILLOUT HIT: TALI LEDA’S NEW SINGLE ‘FREE FREE’

Posted on 27 April 2020

Tali Leda has dropped her new single ‘Free Free’, a real chillout hit.

‘Free Free’ is a product of pop music and chillout lo-fi beats coming together, rolling around in a sensual and captivating melody that creates sweet and addictive harmonies you’d like to listen to ad libitum.

Partly recalling the likes of renowned British singer Sade’s vocals, Tali discovered that music was in her DNA after she learned that her birth mother was a singer and her father a pianist and bass player.

With her many songs being featured on TV shows and Indie films, Tali Leda classifies as an all-around artist who’ll find her way to a wonderful career.

You can listen to ‘Free Free’ for yourself on SoundCloud.

Review by Jim Esposito.

Arson (Prod by Highmanways) by Faustoe: TripHop to make your jaw drop!

Posted on 25 April 2020

It’s not often you hear a distinctive, clean voice that you could recognise anywhere but Faustoe is just such a talent. His tone is reminiscent of a young Luda but the flow is faster, harder, and he is lyrically succinct in a way that West Coast rappers excel. The HipHop audience is sophisticated and can spot a perpetrator from a mile a way, but Faustoe keeps it one hundred, rides the track effortlessly and presents his life through his art with authentic and well timed verbosity.

The production by Highmanways is clean and flawless. His beats are not at odds with Faustoe but rather there is a symbiotic relationship that makes for a match made in heaven. The musical hook is cultivated in such a way that it almost feels like a religious chant – reverent, hypnotic, and respectful of its place in the story. Damn, these guys can build a track and the finished product is legendary. ‘Arson’ by Faustoe pushes the boundaries like all great music should and will establish this artist as someone deserving of a seat at the head of table.

Have a listen to ‘Arson’ by Faustoe (Prod: Highmanways) here, on Soundcloud. Enjoy.

Review by Susan Harriott