Sophia Somajo – Klein Blue
Sophia Somajo has been on our radar for years and most recently surfaced on Kriget’s excellent single “OCD”. Her latest track “Klein Blue” is an absolute monster of a pop song – think Jordin Sparks’ 2009 masterpiece “Battlefield”. The track is taken from Somajo’s forthcoming EP The Freudian Slip Vol 1 which is released in February.
St. Lucia – Physical
New music from St. Lucia, aka Jean-Philip Grobler, is always very welcome. Responsible for one of the finest pop albums of the last ten years (2013’s When The Night), Grobler is back and set to release sophomore album Matter in January. “Physical”, the second single to be lifted from the LP, is described by Grobler as: “giving up control in a sexual situation and having an intimate experience that is purely carnal in nature”. However, the prudish should not be deterred from listening. “Physical”, at its core, is just an absolutely phenomenal pop anthem.
Loyal – Blue & The Green
“Blue & The Green” is the stunning debut track from Londoners Loyal. In a crowded scene Loyal really stand out. “Blue & The Green” is an elegantly produced track with delicate vocals building to a euphoric conclusion. Loyal had the following to say about the track: “Blue & The Green” questions whether it’s better to fight for something once cherished, or the decision to give up and leave this thing behind.”
Kiran Leonard – Pink Fruit
20 year old Kiran Leonard has unveiled “Pink Fruit” – a sprawling 16 minute track taken from his forthcoming LP Grapefruit. The track is expansive and unpredictable with a sense of urgency that is very rare in songs of this length. “Pink Fruit” will be released as a strictly-limited one-sided etched 12” vinyl single on 12th February. Grapefruit, the follow-up to his much lauded debut album Bowler Hat Soup, will be released on 25 March. The single and album are both released via Moshi Moshi.
Oracle North – Communion
Swedish four-piece Oracle North are currently getting ready to release their debut EP but in the meantime they’ve dropped new track “Communion” – an intense and brooding piece of synth-pop which wears its 80s influences on its sleeve. However, despite the song’s tip-of-the-hat to the likes of New Order, Gang of Four and O.M.D, “Communion” is no throwback. The band artfully channels the best of post-punk and new-wave and in doing so create a sound that is relevant and exciting – an anthem for 21st century anxiety.
Still Parade – 07:41
Still Parade, known as Niklas Kramer on all official documents, has released the second single from his upcoming debut album. “07:41” marks a sonic shift from Kramer’s first EP with more prominent guitars and a different lyrical focus but retains his characteristic dreamy charm. “07:41” has been released as limited hand-cut 7Inch by the UK label Art Is Hard Records.
Meg Mac – Known Better
A talent to watch out for in 2016, Australian singer-songwriter Meg Mac crafts captivating neo-soul and r&b and has now released her EP MEG MAC in the UK. Mac is a formidable live performer – a fact that will seem obvious seconds after hearing her voice on one of the EP’s stand-out tracks “Known Better”.
Jehnny Beth & Julian Casablancas – Boy/Girl
Savages lead singer Jehnny Beth and The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas have teamed up for a cover of Sort Sol and Lydia Lunch’s 1984 track “Boy/Girl”. Their version retains the hazy, raucous energy of the original while the accompanying video, directed by Warren Fu, is a shot-for-remake.
Kilian & Jo – Little Love ft. Conrad Sewell
“Little Love” is the debut single from Berlin-based production duo Kilian & Jo. The tropical house track, which features guest vocals from Conrad Sewell, has been making waves across Europe and it’s only a matter of time until you’re hearing this on dancefloors up and down the country.
Chairlift – Romeo
Written from the perspective of the Greek mythological figure Atalanta, the virgin huntress who was abandoned by her father and raised by bear, “Romeo” is the latest single from Brooklyn pop-auteurs Chairlift. The band’s third studio album Moth will be released in January.
Asha – Record Straight
London-based singer-songwriter Asha has returned with new song “Record Straight”. The soulful track belies the acerbic lyrics which are Asha’s “mantra for her generation growing up today”. Asha’s career is in its infancy but it’s been a joy to hear her musical progression.
Jeremih – Pass Dat
On Friday Jeremih surprised the music world by finally releasing Late Nights: The Album. Unsurprisingly, the album is packed with the perfect songs to accompany any nocturnal activities. Late Nights: The Album is Jeremih’s first official release since 2010 but it’s well worth the wait.