Alexander Grandjean “Will You Still Be There”
Danish singer-songwriter/producer Alexander Grandjean releases a new dream indie-pop inspired album Lost Minds, with the fourth track “Will You Still Be There” being the album’s lead single. Lost Minds saw a well-rounded blend of nature-inspired trance-inducing instrumental backdrops and a sensuous urban hip-hop production, evoking a melancholy, introspective feel-good vibe that seems to gently swift between genres and influences.
As the lead single, “Will You Still Be There” impresses listeners with its thematic captivity, representing the essence of Lost Minds in its short 3:40 runtime while the rest of the catalogue spreads out to explore different aspects of the album more in-depth. In “Will You Still Be There,” we could hear the meditative and groovy guitar-lead backdrops, which is consistent throughout the album with several tracks that get into a more spontaneous and complex pattern.
Grandjean’s signature falsetto, on the other hand, is a work of beauty in the lead single. The synth-wrapped, multi-layered harmonious vocal provokes a warm and sensitive feeling that engages more profoundly with the listeners. The vocal also effectively communicates the grounding spiritual aspect of the album. The bouncy beats very much represents Alexander Grandjean’s hip hop production background. The groovy, moody nature of the track then touches on R&B, while the melodies find a perfect fit between pop and folk, which Grandjean expands upon throughout different tracks in the album.
Interestingly, the way Lost Minds is held up by the nine songs can also be explored as a fun adventure. Later tracks also have a reconeptualization effects on the previous songs. “Levitate” connects to the deep calmness with a warm ocean-infused instrumental track. The track centers Grandjean’s guitar at the forefront while being supported by timbered flute and sun gazed vocals. It features a more atmospheric percussion weights in on the song’s texture. From there, “Love Back” expands on the moody, textural aspect of the music, shedding new light on Alexander Grandjean’s blend of urban modernity and nature inspired theme. With a even more sparsely arranged percussion and backdrops, the autotune rapped vocal evokes a unique sense of vulnerability.
Sons of Luther “Not To Worry”
Skeletons hardly deliver good omens, but in this case with Sons of Luther’s “Not To Worry,” they do, and they apparently do a much better job than angles or something people normally associate with positivity and good omens. “Not To Worry” is witty and charming. It revolves around the common worries and anxieties, especially around money-making, and if you want to read more into it, it could address some of the sins in the process as well (jealousy, greed, pride).
The skeletons open their mouths and tell you, “Not To Worry.”
Sons of Luther is really good at connecting visual symbols with sonic expressions. The catchy, gritty electric guitar perfectly captures the fun-being-dead skeletons. It creates a very strong impression. The distorted vocal, on the other hand, is full of personality — sarcastic, fun and relatable. The lyrics and the way they are expressed create vivid imagery in your head that makes the song a success.
Sons of Luther is a dynamic and versatile band with appealing songwriting. “Not To Worry” lean heavily towards the rock genre, however, it doesn’t represent the full picture of this band. In the past, they have tackled some very different genres and moods. For example, “Kill Your Darlings” is a dark pop with swirling emotive textures. “The Wrong Way” on the other hand ignites wicked fire with immersive heavy rock soundscapes.
Now when we look back at “Not To Worry,” it seems like the song’s likability is very much connected to their versatility and the ability to subtly add nuance from different genres and influences. Sons of Luther is a band that worth your while, so do take time to explore their releases.
In-Flight Movie “Promises”
In-Flight Movie delivers music that seems quite fitting their name. They have such a specific sonic palette that it’s impossible for it not to from visual effects, however, their music isn’t really psychedelic. It’s just tangible…like you can feel the fuzzy warmth coming from its radiating, orange light beam. All of the elements seem to contribute to a very specific and unique image.
Nostalgic 80s synth with a modern punk edge is only at the beginning of describing their sound. They have the resources and the talent and the instruments are merely the brushes to complete their masterpiece. By all means, “Promises” feels like a masterpiece. It’s stadium-filling, it’s psychedelic, it’s post-punk, it’s angsty and it’s atmospheric.
The song fully draws you into its sonic universe and engages you on a sensual and emotional level, all while evolving memories and nostalgia. There’s history in In-Flight Movie’s music. In fact, it’s quite obvious in their sound.
“Promises” is the first single from their upcoming self-record album, scheduled to release in August. It’s pretty unbelievable that they achieve this level of work all by themselves. Speaking about what “Promises” is about, the band commented that they generally don’t put specifics in the lyrics, but the song was in fact inspired by the partygate scandal in the UK.
Rye Catchers “Ordinary”
Spanish songstress Nekane’s sultry and moody vocal gives “Ordinary” a sensational, extraordinary flavor that evokes the summertime wildness and sexiness. Nigerian DJ duo Maze X Mxtreme boosts the song with their unique, beaming electrifying beats, layered with a mysterious metallic sonic palette. Each pulsation feels refreshing and exotic as if a journey to the source in between dazzling skyscrapers.
“Ordinary” doesn’t give the listeners exactly what they expect from electropop or EDM. It’s more sensational and it’s more atmopheric. It changes the light and color around you with a psychedelic effect, although there was nothing psyche-induced. It’s the natural chemistry between duo Maze X Mxtreme and Nekane that feels so intoxicating. The melodies add depth to the sultry gaze with fruity captivity. It haunts you like a dream, surreal and dizzy.
The dynamics between Maze X Mxtreme and Nekane are quite fascinating. On one hand, we those chilling, masculine beats with silvery speed and night-club booming vibe. On the other hand, Nekane’s vocal universe is ethereal and melodic oriented. Together, they somehow transform each other into something more translucent and fluid-like. It’s hard to describe “Ordinary” because it covers too much ground and it’s constantly taking you to new and intriguing places. It’s curious, this track.
Rye Catchers is definitely a unique identity. It doesn’t narrow itself down into a box or a genre, but it allows itself to be where it wants to be in the moment. “Ordinary” is definitely not ordinary, and it gives the feeling of even more possibilities. Rye Catchers is a group that makes you feel limitless, both about their music and about yourself. That’s the beauty of their art.
Sam Crowe “Sinners Blood”
The cinematic touch of “Sinners Bond” gives out an immediate feeling. It’s so easy to get lost in the song with rich emotions and surreal yet grounding atmospheric soundscapes. Sam Crowe wrote about the resemblance that passes down the bloodline, sometimes, for the worst. “Sinners Bond” is in a way about his father, but the earthiness and dazzling expedition take you on a spin in the wood. The image of trees, winds and river keeps on flowing as the beautiful mystic guitar drifts into the background, while Sam Crowe’s vocals blossom in a dark warmth.
Crowe’s vocal has a very special tone that balances the moodiness and brightness in “Sinners Bond.” It has a darkened, wooden tonality that gives out a rich texture. It takes the melancholy melodies where they need to go and seems to be guiding them into the new untamed territory. Aside from the epicness and flourishing vocal harmonies, there’s the element of experimentation and art that still seem to expand and explore.
“Sinners Bond” doesn’t feel like an ending, but a journey itself. Like the beautiful force of nature, it guides you in and leads you in a direction that’s full of surprise and wonderfulness. At the same time, the song is so immersive as if it’s establishing its own cinematic universe, one that’s deeply sensational and connected.
Sprawling visuals and brilliant guitar work usually go really well together. “Sinners Bond” feels less angsty than post-rock, which the group decided on “post-folk” — it seems to be the perfect definition of its epicness and mood-filling journey. It’s clear that the texture and the atmosphere are the theme rather than the lyrics. Words have lost their meanings in front of Sam Crowe and the band’s beautifully orchestrated odes.
Donny Draco “MY MIND”
Art work by Donny Draco
Captivating guitar melodies flow through your mind with the beauty of the countryside and the wind. Donny Draco’s vocal, on the other hand, is fully immersed with an urban sensation. “My Mind” speaks more from the heart, but not without an introspective filter. Like the flash and the blood with all the emotions and thoughts offered right in front of you, Draco’s music is brutally honest and raw. It hits instantly different from the others.
The sonic arrangement is even more interesting. The beginning is a refreshing guitar intrigue, but leading forward, the concretes and the walls seem to close up to urban nightlife, layered with trap beats and unique production. It has nostalgia in it — something that reminds you of the early aughts’ rhythm and heartbeats, but it seems to be reminiscent of childhood as well, on a personal level, or at least, it gives out that vibe that seems to surpass the 2000s year loop.
Modernity is more or less a natural glow that can’t be shaken off. It’s the collective sound in the background that no matter how hard to you to be somewhere else, you just can’t. Donny Draco didn’t fight it. He embraces modernity and even pushes it further in his music, but “My Mind” sounds more like a personal aesthetic that is awakening and is ready to establish its own style and rhythm. It doesn’t respond to what’s already there, but it aims to pave new ways.
With all the glitches and thorns, “My Mind” is a very special existence. Every inch of the song is ready to leave you with a strong impression or something hard to forget. It leaves out a feeling that you’d like to revisit. A touch that transforms into taste. Something that’s evocative and close to heart.
Red Skies Mourning “Where You Been?”
“Where You Been?” Wins you over with anthemic chorus that easily locks into your head. Red Skies Mourning’s fantastic electronic pop cocktail always has a few extra secret ingredients that makes the sound stand out in the crowd.
“Where You Been?” Is about being emotionally unavailable and the realization of how it could hurt someone you deeply care about. The song is emotionally vulnerable and doesn’t lack the depth of contemplation. Sonically, it poses a question and journey to search for answers and healing through the sensuous, ever-emerging soundscapes.
Red Skies Mourning’s emotive vocal opens up the door for the mind and heart. There’s loneliness and desires in the melodies, a mixture of ice and fire, conflicting but complex. He channels the experience through both music arrangement and performance so well that the song itself feels immersive.
Introspection and cosmo makes a fascinating combination in Red Skies Mourning’s music. The quietness of deep thought and the sparks of creativity is what makes his music so appealing.
Frankie Crea “Plateaus”
It’s probably not everyday when you hear a musician sounds a lot like Axl Rose. Frankie Crea has a very unique vocal tone that delivers electricity and wildness. His guitar work shows vast knowledge of the rock genre (it’s obvious that he probably practices a lot). Crea comes back after a three-year hiatus but not without surprise.
His guitar work is really interesting. He’s in possess of those familiar yet refreshing, soaring guitar licks that have walked a glorious past, sharing a moment here and not without a tear or two. It reminds you of a lot different things but at the same time nothing.
“Plateaus” travels between classic rock repertoire and the 90s grunge scene with its moody nostalgia. It’s about facing the challenges in life and trying to overcome them with strength and adversity. The song has a lot of sweat and blood behind it. It’s in the sound, which makes it perfect, echoing the theme.
Frankie Crea own taste of art in the song is weaved into the details. The tearing distortion in the very end is a trait, and so is the delicately designed change of guitar tones in the process. “Plateaus” makes a glorious comeback for Frankie Crea after “Warzone” in 2019. His sound has matured but his heart remained the same.
Briana Piedra “CRAVE”
Photo credit: Silent Solution
“CRAVE” is definitely a desert themed song where the heat is turned fully on and the colors are fiery and flamboyant. The tension in the song has craving in it, at the same time, there’s the freeing energy as if being on the open road across a desert.
Briana Piedra’s vocal has the warmth and the versatile deliciousness that feels hard to resist. The natural naked color has electricities that give you goosebumps. The way she uses her voice has certain laziness that feels effortless, as if just relaxing on a chill Sunday afternoon. It’s intensely charming but it’s simply the way it is.
“CRAVE” is an abstract pop song that gives really strong impression to listeners. It has strong personality and the feelings in it that Piedra is trying to express feels almost tangible. It evokes a side of you that’s sassy, hot, and a little nasty.
Of course, it’s about sex and relationship but it has such a bright and energetic vibe to it that makes it more of an art expression than a song about sex. As an independent artist, “CRAVE” is the prove that Briana Piedra deserves your attention and a place in the music scene.
Al Mur “Duende”
The lo-if instrumental track “Duende” from Al Mur creates such a beautifully relaxing vibe that takes all your stresses and worries off, as if there’s a switch on the back of your head and once the music starts, it just turns all the troubling thoughts off and invites you for a danceable moment.
“Duende” is the perfect music that you can listen to at bedtime because you know the dreamland will be colorful and illuminating. It has such a positive and beautiful vibe, upbeat but calm at the same time. It’s the kind of music that puts a smile on your face.
The track opens with an atmospheric piano at a distance, gradually approaching, adding layers of instrumentation. Expressive saxophone melodies weave their free-form ideas into fantastic colors like butterflies tip toeing on your happy nerves.
The surreal dream-like quality of “Duende” is gifted by electronics. The laid-back beats and fascinating effects are the final touch that put life and spirit into the live elements. Al Mur balanced these elements really well, creating an imaginative and relaxing atmosphere that everyone could enjoy.
The only thing that felt lacking, though, was the wish that this piece could be longer, like an hour long so listeners could be fully immersed in its magical dreamland.
Prudns “WYSML (What You Say My Love)”
Prudns’ unique aesthetic again blossoms in “WYSML (What You Say My Love,” their first single after the release of their debut EP Tinka in 2021. Prudns took the creative liberty to execute their creative vision as the composer, performer, and producer of this single.
Filtered through a vintage elegance, “WYSML” takes on a conceptual, abstract form, weaving sonic elements into a glitchy, artistic arrangement that feels obscure yet highly relatable.
“WYSML” was written during a period of depression when the feelings aren’t always describable through words. However, even in a time when the world looked grey, there were people who stood by their side. The track is a mood-filled impression that seems to be the perfect expression for this topic.
A traceless touch of melancholy but at the same time, sensitive and upbeat. The saxophone drenched intro and bridges feel like the familiar, blossoming wind with a jazz-infused urban warmth. The Melbourne artist blends 80s-style beats and soaring synth into the musical cocktail.
“WYSML” offers a glance into the Melbourne artist’s flourishing inner world, filled with daring imaginations and vibrant colors, symbols, and nature-bond images that provide an inspired form of life and energy that radiates and refreshes your understanding of music.
Head of Clay “Until Tomorrow”
“Until Tomorrow" is a track that slowly gets under your skin. The wailing guitar feels like a Guns N Roses’ cry in the wind, while the haunting vocals deliver an epic chorus hard to forget. Head of Clay revisited the moody grunge of the 90s, blending in their own elements of modernity.
There’s glaring eerieness in the sound, around the unresolved, concealed cases, of which Head of Clay decided to take a critical look under the “glorious” act when individuals try to expose a criminal, sometimes at the expense of their career, family, and lives.
Society tends to encourage people to do “the right thing” for the benefit of others, while downplaying the risk involved, however, whether it was ethical for an innocent to pay the extreme price is a conversation that deserves to happen more often, especially when the person involved isn’t aware of the danger and without access to the resources that could protect themselves and the people around them.
“Until Tomorrow” is the seventh single from the Melbourne band Head of Clay. With a love for the classic rock sound, they adapt an authentic-sounding of rawness and dirtiness in the last century’s rock scene. Clashing percussions and psychopathic thrilling guitar backdrop accompany a moody vocal that questions the normality.
Estación Sub_Trópico “Contacto”
In Estación Sub_Trópico’s new single “Contacto,” symmetrical intervals and intuitive glitches create a satisfying, revitalizing soniverse, addressing the need to connect with the entire cosmos. The Dominican duo creates an ever-unraveling cocktail, mixing tech/house with the “tumbao” of the Dominican Tambora.
“Contacto” is visually hypnotic, journeying through the symmetrical visions created by the sky and surrounding buildings. Musically, the piece remains a minimalistic form, evoking a sense of peace while tackling those cosmic coincidences and chaos that disturb and rearrange the orders. It’s predictable at the same time unpredictable, that is both true about Estación Sub_Trópico and their newly released single.
“We define this track as a Cosmic MamboTechHouse where various musical genres and subgenres converge, such as Merengue de Calle or Mambo, the TechHouse, a subgenre where the best of techno is combined with the best of house, these at the same time intertwined with elements of the Minimal,” said the band.
With the collaboration of visual artist Marcos Cabrera, the cover art of “Contacto” contains a vibrant mandala that expresses the vitality of life and love. The cosmic reflection isn’t exactly a new topic for the band, however, their expedition has come a long way since their debut single in 2018.
Their sound has solidified with effectiveness and introspection that communicate their vision on a deeper emotional level. Although some elements stay the same, for example, the sense of constant change and intensity remains a storming factor despite their minimalistic approach.
Justin Curran “Strange Kind of Blue”
“It draws on the lightness of a hazy, frosty, spring morning. It’s been 25 years in the making – I first started writing it in my folks’ house overlooking the city of Belfast in my 'room with a view'.” — Justin Curran
Jangling guitar and silvery percussive texture make a sultry country blues. Hearing Justin Curran’s splash of harmonica on top of echoing organs, while his hollers come from the bottom of his heart complete a hazy blue vision. The photographer turned musician, Justin Curran has an intriguing way to transform visual ideas into musical proses.
The Northern Irish singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist takes the liberty to craft his “Strange Kind of Blues” from scratch, out of his home studio in Belfast. Taking inspiration from artists such as Paul Weller, The Style Council and The Jam, and various Britpop bands throughout the 90s and early 2000s in Ireland and the UK, Curran’s music shares a refreshing outlook of a sentimental retro style, infusing it with his unique take on blues, country, and rock n roll.
It’s exciting to hear a folk revival style harmonica and Dylan-esque lyricism in such confrontational and intense manner with all other instruments competitively ringing while forming a collectively vibrant symphony. There’s so much life in Curran’s performance and so much contrast in his vocal delivery.
You simply can’t find another artist with the same level of authenticity and keenness to express his visual vision the way Justin Curran does. As the same strength and vibration are shared across all his musical projects, it definitely makes a well-deserved adventure to dive further into the musician’s catalogues.
Drops of indigo “The old town bar”
Photo credit: Robin Fritzson
What makes a piece of music meaningful? The answer lies in their ability to influence and heal. Drops of Indigo isn’t the type of band that only aims for a commercial sound. They put heart and soul into the music-making, like brewing a brilliant beer, every taste has a small taste of the artist’s unique touch and mood.
Written in a bar in the old town of Stockholm, “The Old Town Bar” creates a warm and wholesome feeling that wraps around you like a cloud hug. It was inspired by Linda’s experience observing and listening to stories from different walks of life in the bar, and music was the connection that transferred the sorrow and negativity to light and gold.
“The Old Town Bar” recalls these experiences and shares the spirit of uplift. Mattias Söderberg’s smooth guitar sound echoes like raindrops, deliberately spreading across the song. Linda Kokaas’ vocal is both charming and soothing. Dabbe Karlsson’s backing layers it with heartwarming textures that blend so perfectly with the rich mood of the song.
Drops of Indigo have such a charm with one another that their collective sound reflects the concentration and creativity that they inspire each other. Their journey traces back to 2018, when the duo of Linda Kokaas and Dabbe Karlsson released their first track. Since then, they have put together a full band, further exploring and enriching their musical journey, bringing meaningful music to global audiene.
Ozz Gold “Unknown”
The world of music never lacks fresh blood, but for a newcomer to make music right at the same level as known names surely isn’t something that we get to see everyday. Ozz Gold, the veteran pilot turned solo producer makes a strong impression with his debut release “Unknown,” documenting his journey of taking a leap of faith with music.
Ozz Gold started his production journey in Las Vegas after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Inspired by tropical and progressive house sounds, “Unknown” is a mood-lifter and a room-filler.
The track calls for adventure and joy, radiating with creativity and energy. Gold explores a brilliant sonic palette in the track, where the mood is infectious and the beat permeates every inch of your skin. The smooth transitions and multi-layered soundscapes make up for a natural maturity in sound and structure, while the sweet, indie vocal captures the captivating melodies between the lips, channeling nuance into the song’s texture.
“Unknown” shares both a starry-eyed swirling dreamscape and the racing heartbeat of a dream within touch. There are moments of stillness and moments of full immersion. Ozz Gold’s music has more aspects to it than being just an EDM. It engages with listeners on an emotional level as well as a physical level, which makes it great.
Jamythyst “Wild Baby”
Photo credit: Jamythyst
“Wild Baby” is a song that lights a fire under a bad breakup. Powered with sweeping bass and restless dance beat, Jamythyst travels between the cathartic emo, sensuous trap, and infectious pop, delving into the newfound freedom of a new self.
She didn’t forget to pay a visit to the 90s club vibe. Filled with a sentimental glare of retro sonic, “Wild Baby” is both reckless and sexy — good for the heart that once was broken. Although the song is heavily cathartic, Jamythyst encrypts an empowering message in her lyrics to always choose yourself and choose to be happy.
As the sole writer, producer, and performer, she effortlessly draws influences from artists such as Peaches and Paula Abdul into the mix of her own musical cocktails. “Wild Baby” is the perfect soundtrack for a rock-infused dance party, glistening with the swirling nightlife. Even the darkness seems less heavy at times.
But there are moments of truth in the song where the past still manages to catch up. Traveling between the past and the current, Jamythyst’s vocal is versatile and full of strength as she spills out the pain that she has been through and puts on the brave hat, pushing herself out of toxicity.
A.b. Violet “EQUINOX”
The battle between the heaviness of life and the light and hope is a constant struggle in our human experiences. Delving into the matters of overwhelm, pessimism, and regret, A. b. Violet navigates the conflicting nature of life through EQUINOX.
The EP finds a perfect blend of house, electronic pop, ambient, and storytelling, driving down the road towards freedom. Infectious beats make you want to lose yourself in it, but A. b. Violet’s angelic voice grasps your breath and guides you through this artistic transformation.
Two opposite elements confront each other, brutally without holding back — that’s the aesthetic of EQUINOX, however, there is another layer to it. Holding onto either side would make life miserable, but the true living of life holds the key to the journey.
EQUINOX sets its scene on a dark, driving road. It’s wild and a little dangerous, at times, it can be overwhelming, but just as the tracks make it so danceable and cathartic, there’s beauty in the journey itself.
It may have been unintentional, but A. b. Violet transforms life’s battlefield into a butterfly. Its road may not always be easy, but it’s graceful and breathtaking, even in the darkest moments.
RED “Expensive Taste”
RED’s music is just as mysterious as the artist himself, but that one tiny drop of magic is what makes his music so great. It’s specific but vague enough, echoing in autotune, distancing while revealing the true emotions.
“Expensive Taste” walks the fine line between two worlds, but at the same time, it creates a completely immersive experience where you just fully relate to the feeling in the music. It provides a sensual sonic experience. It’s intangible but deep-reaching.
At points in the music, it feels like RED has literally ripped your heart out of your chest. The topic, originally written in 2019 when RED found himself lost in chasing the materialistic dream, is one that stays true and too dear to many hearts.
The music video, directed by one of Toronto’s greatest and most famed directors Samureye utilizes neon strips and swirling scenes. It amplifies the surreal sonic experience in “Expensive Taste” while concretizing its color palettes, stimulating, and visualizing sound effects. RED’s captivating melodies float above space and time and become intoxicatingly unforgettable as the track continues to unravel.
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Anna Starlight “HEY YOU”
Photo credit: Anna Starlight
The debut single from London-based singer-songwriter Anna Starlight strikes you as a surprise. As a DIY project, the track doesn’t have the kind of rawness that most newcomers share, instead, it effortlessly swings between genres, communicating Anna Starlight’s daring thoughts and flowing musical ideas
Laced in the rocker’s spirit and industrial glitchiness, Anna Starlight is not afraid to be loud and edgy on “HEY YOU.” The track takes on a fully evolved form of the 80s electro-pop, dubbing into a retro aesthetic while adding a fresh take into the mix. It messes with neon-gazed dance elements, igniting the atmosphere with ground-shaking beats.
“HEY YOU” takes you to a night of wildness and freedom, where you can let go and let it be. It has such a wild vibe where you’d feel safe to be and embrace who you truly are. Body and mind here are completely aligned and in control in this process.
The listening experience of this track feels cathartic and a little addictive. It’s exactly what you need after a long day and even more so when you’re in a good mood. Created out of the idea of having a perfect dance night, Anna Starlight has convincingly delivered an experience that resembles and surpasses it.