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Funk

MEVS sent a surge of funk-riding euphoria through the airwaves with his feel-good disco-pop anthem, Groovin’

Posted on 17 November 2022

Carving his own untrodden path back to the 70s, the Puerto Rican trailblazer, MEVS, unleashed the soul-stirring slice of euphoric funk-riding disco-pop, Groovin’.

While artists will tune in with envy of his capacity to release such a blazing debut, fans of funk, alt-RnB and authentic old-school soul will surrender to the danceable electricity in the progressively dynamic release, which paints across the brighter corners of the tonal spectrum.

Starting with the sultry rolling basslines in the smoky prelude before exploding into a riot of flavour with Nile Rodgers guitar chops and a strong brass section, immersing yourself in this intrinsically rhythmic earworm which uses ‘never give up, never give in’ as an enlivening reprise will always send a flood of dopamine through your synapses.

Groovin’ is the first single from MEVS’ debut album, Sentient Beings in the Streets, which is set to release in 2023. Even if you don’t stay tuned, something tells me his enlivening soul will be coming to a dance floor near you anyway.

Groovin’ is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Punk rap pioneers Mort City gave a lesson in funk, rhythm and groove in their single, Teacher Teacher

Posted on 15 October 2022

The US punk rap pioneers Mort City brought the riffy funk in their latest single, Teacher Teacher, which will school you in Afrobeat rhythms, Primus-Esque melodies, and Ty Segal-style fuzz.

The cheeky semi-spoken word verses easily gel with the off-kilter progressive guitars that always keep the tonal palate sunny while delving into groove pockets before bringing Tom Morello veracious licks. If there was ever a 21st-century equivalent to Frank Zappa, I’m pretty sure I’ve just experienced it.

The bi-coastal duo ticks every conceivable box in the realms of experimentalism, while keeping the centre of gravity the good vibes that effortlessly exude from Teacher Teacher, which is just one of the singles from their debut album, On The Scene, which dropped across all streaming platforms on October 7th.

Teacher Teacher is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

Funk-Rock supergroup Cash Machine have made their raunchily groove-deep debut with Promises

Posted on 27 September 2022

‘Promises’ is the debut feat of filthy prog funk rock from the supergroup Cash Machine, which comprises artists from several of Upstate SC’s most successful bands. Members of The Consumers, The Grateful Brothers and Buffalohead all converged to throw back to the raucous era of funk-rock in one of the grittiest time-hops you could sink into in 2022.

With the ragged vocal timbre of Joe Power raucously grating across the smoky groove pockets carved by guitarists Daniel Collins and Zach Thigpen, Promises oozes raunchy swagger that is slick enough to leave you hot under the collar.

Promises was unleashed on September 9th ahead of their debut self-titled album, which is set to release on October 14th. Funk-rock aficionados will want to head to Spotify to indulge and make radar room accordingly.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tommy Trull – Citizen Freak: The Only Synth Rock Breakup Track You Will Need on Your Playlists

Posted on 25 August 2022
Nobody Else in the World by Tommy Trull

With guitars that wouldn’t be out of place in The Cure’s earlier records, rock n roll synthetics oozing from the synths and the funk-chopped basslines, Tommy Trull’s standout single, Citizen Freak, from his sophomore album, Nobody Else in the World, gorgeously drips with unapologetic autonomy.

The North Carolina-hailing multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter is known to hop between genres. With his second album, he paid a genre-fluid ode to the transformations we undergo when separations force our hands into parting ways with co-creators of our worlds that weren’t cut out for perpetuity.

Expression runs at the core of Citizen Freak; the experimental alchemy unfolds as refreshingly as Bowie’s did in his funk pop prime (that will sound hyperbolic until you delve in yourselves).

Citizen Freak is now available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dante Beverley lets the good times roll in his latest funk pop earworm The Party Never Dies

Posted on 10 August 2022

After garnering tens of thousands of streams with his feel-good grooves released since his 2019 debut, the euphorically provocative pop sensation, Dante Beverley has declared The Party Never Dies with his latest single.

The 80s-inspired rhythmic riot exhibits a brand-new sonic signature that you’re going to want scribbled across your playlists; it also sets the tone for his forthcoming EP, due for release in early 2023.

The 22-year-old Rotterdam-hailing singer-songwriter takes influence from the likes of Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Michael Jackson; notably, his inclination to enliven through disco and funk textures led the way in The Party Never Dies. Oscar Wilde would be proud of his revival of 80s synthy hedonistic pop.

The Party Never Dies is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Shades On: LAKRITS feels like he is floating on air with the Hot Boy Summer

Posted on 8 August 2022

Cueing up his next theme song with his rather stylish ways, LAKRITS feels like the sun is heating his imagination up beyond what was possible before on Hot Boy Summer.

LAKRITS aka Alain Gholmi is a Stockholm, Sweden-based, Copenhagen, Denmark-born indie funk/pop solo singer-songwriter and model who is known as one of the most charismatic figures around.

”LAKRITS adopts a larger-than-life personality, delivering even larger hooks that encourage listeners to have a good time no matter who tries to stop them.” ~ LAKRITS

Impressing with a fantastic new single that will have you lathering that sunblock all over your body, LAKRITS is feeling hot and wants the world to know about it. Letting the steam in is the mission here, from an artist who is only interested in having the best time imaginable.

Hot Boy Summer from Stockholm, Sweden-based indie funk/pop solo singer-songwriter/model LAKRITS is a hot new release about keeping your shine burning bright. He’s in love with this moment as the stars seem perfectly in line to where he is headed. Flying rather high and taking the rest of us with on this important mission, as we are swept into a movie-like dream of a single you’re hardly likely to forget quickly.

Listen up this new single on Spotify and see more via the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The Royal Leisure – Pastries: Get Your Indie Funk Pop Sugar Rush

Posted on 1 August 2022

Connoisseur of melodic indie funk pop hooks, The Royal Leisure has tackled the human tendency of indecision with his latest nostalgically sweet single, Pastries. It will groove you right back to the synth-driven culture of the 80s, only after taking a pitstop in 90s noise rock.

The Hong Kong-based singer-songwriter (AKA Horace Tam), started the project with the inclination to offer a reflection point to listeners looking for a sense of perspective on themselves, the world, and all the connections we make along the way.

One thing is for sure; Pastries is a refreshing reprieve from the contemporary sonic trends. Its playful approach to aural nostalgia and even more affable inclination to drip some colour into your psyche while it forces you to question your tendency to want your cake and eat it won’t fail to stir your soul. The reprise of “this could be the only thing I want” around the endlessly ascending melodies makes for one hell of an oxytocin rush.

Take a bite for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Steve Hensby Band checks where they are stepping on the groovy journey to ‘Jamtown In Mukinbudin’ (feat. General Justice)

Posted on 15 July 2022

Sending our moods into an enlightened marvel to behold, Steve Hensby Band shows us their world class quality that uplifts the vibe that rockets in the night on ‘Jamtown In Mukinbudin‘ (feat. General Justice).

Steve Hensby Band is a Perth, Western Australia-based indie 9-piece band who fuses in various elements of funk, soul, ska, with their delicious sprinkle of folk.

”Steve Hensby is a Berklee College of Music graduate and WAMI nominated musician who also works as a session player in the Perth area. He has played with the likes of Tim Minchin, Steve Poltz, Randy Feltface, WASO, Perth Symphony Orchestra and Taasha Cootes.” ~ Steve Hensby Band

Warming up our hearts with an honest release that represents our time just right, Steve Hensby Band is the type of band that will get your feet tapping in delight with a terrific blend of soothing vibrations to get your whole body moving all night.

‘Jamtown In Mukinbudin‘ (feat. General Justice) from Perth, Western Australia-based indie 9-piece band Steve Hensby Band is a tasty track to stimulate the appetites of those who love that extra groove in their morning coffee. Filled with an unreal amount of quality that has horns aplenty, this is a song to get wrapped naturally inside for hours on end.

When you find that real jam inside your soul that uplifts you, there is no turning back.

Listen up to this new track on SoundCloud and see more on the IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Minimo Trevize takes us on an incredibly vivid journey with ‘Transmutation’

Posted on 12 July 2022

Taken off the sublime 5-track EP called ‘Side A‘, Minimo Trevize shows us a rare ability to time travel into your awaiting ears with a translucent performance via their fascinating new release ‘Transmutation‘.

Minimo Trevize is a Honolulu, Hawaii-born composer, alternative musician and multi-instrumentalist who fused in various elements of rock, funk, hip-hop, jazz and psychedelic brilliance to remember.

”The first in a two-part release from Minimo Trevize. Side A features dense arrangements and strong grooves. Its a mix of indie-rock, funk, and atmospheric sounds.” ~ Minimo Trevize

With vital help from their passionate indie label Phantasmagram, Minimo Trevize floats our consciousness into warmer climates rather radiantly with a groovy single to take you into a whole new world that shall set you free from any previous pain.

“The interesting elements of my music are often the changes in mood and musical juxtapositions throughout the song. That style can manifest as unusual harmonic content, changes in groove or unorthodox production and mixing techniques. I make music that feels comfortable to me, but I know it often feels outside of any particular genre. The song’s meaning is up to the listener. It tells a specific story about my life as well as being abstract. Hopefully, the music is evocative enough for the listener to create their own meaning as mood morphs throughout the song.” ~ Minimo Trevize

‘Transmutation‘ from the inspired composer, alternative artist and multi-instrumentalist Minimo Trevize is a wondrous gem made with natural fibres that shall inspire you to probably turn this all the way up. There is a harmonious outlook intrenched inside here that will make you close your eyes, and imagine being in a different galaxy altogether.

Music with a timeless aura is the order of the day here, which shall spark the innocent soul inside you.

Listen up on Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Get your summer funk-pop fix with Monté’s red-hot bubblegum earworm, Heart2heart

Posted on 1 July 2022

The electro funk-pop trio, Monté, has been feeding the airwaves sticky-sweet euphoria since forming in 2019. They brought out their sharpest arsenal of pop hooks yet with their summer 2022 release, Heart2heart.

Far from your average fawny proclamation of passion, the track was written for those who deserve better. With the vibrant energy in the Disco-Esque crescendos, the seductively smoky horn stabs, and the sheer soul oozing through Leah’s vocals, with Heart2heart on your playlists, you’d be hard-pressed to forget to have self-worth. There’s something subversively genius about the lyrics “you’re a piece of shit” versed through butter wouldn’t melt vocals.

Heart2heart is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast