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Put Material Reality in the Rearview Mirror with Zac Zhan’s Alt-Pop Ear Unicorn, Fantasy Fantasy

Posted on 27 February 2024

Zac Zhan is in his euphoric element in Fantasy Fantasy, a track that defies convention and carries you to a new realm by taking you on a vibrational voyage that you’ll want to embark on time after time. If you want to be transported beyond the confines of the ordinary and the chaos of reality, hit play on the mesmerising blend of dance-pop, alt-pop, house and hip-hop, which pulsates with infectiously kinetic energy.

The artist and producer meticulously crafted Fantasy Fantasy from its lyrically intimate inception to its exhilarant production climax. It’s a hyper-pop masterpiece that not only showcases Zac’s vibrant approach to music but also cements his commitment to providing a haven for an ever-expanding fanbase.

The track’s 8bit-esque instrumentals weave a captivating fantasyscape, engulfing the listener from the outset. Zac’s vocals, both electrifying and eccentric, enhance the track’s wildly exhilarating aura with a sense of playful, unbridled enthusiasm. For those who find solace in the sounds of Charli XCX, Grimes, or Carly Rae Jepsen, Zac Zhan’s Fantasy Fantasy is a must-listen and a vibrant echo of freedom in the realm of hyper-pop.

Zac Zhan said:  

“To create Fantasy Fantasy, I embarked on a deeply personal and introspective journey, one that mirrors the complexities of the human condition and the perennial quest for solace in a world brimming with chaos. The lyrics, steeped in vivid imagery and raw emotion express a universal longing for escape, a utopia amidst the trials of life.

I wanted to invite listeners to envision a world where they are the architects of their happiness. It’s a call to embrace the beauty of creation and the freedom that comes from releasing the burdens of the past.”

Fantasy Fantasy was officially released on January 18th; stream the single on Spotify.

Stay up to date with all the latest releases from Zac Zhan via Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The celestial architects, Terrestrial Soulz, led prog-rock and hip-hop through an orchestral maze in ‘Slipping Away’

Posted on 27 February 2024

Salt Lake City’s Terrestrial Soulz reached the pinnacle of genre-fluid experimentalism with their standout single, Slipping Away, taken from their debut album, Crash Landed.

After an extended orchestrally-laced prog-esque intro that licks funk into the groove pockets, the track that will give you 90s melodic rock nostalgia kicks into full gear through the introduction of the sleek and sharp spoken-word rap bars that deliver a sobering exposition of grief, oppression, and our inescapable relationship with fear that are facades can hide, but deep down, it’s always gnawing away at our psyche as ‘time slips away’.

As the single progresses, there are even more transitions in the interstellar pioneering transmission as soul spills in from the vocal harmonies and orchestral strings join guitar strings to relay the riffs. Between the distinction in their sonic signature and the weight in their bars, the outfit that is renowned for their explosive live performances is fated to make waves in an era when so many of us are searching for meaning. What it means to be human is stitched right through this cinematically avant-garde hit.

As Terrestrial Soulz is currently hard at work on their upcoming LP, Third Rock from the Sun, and priming for a state-wide tour, they’re more than worth a space in your playlists and on your radar.

Slipping Away is now available to stream with the debut Crash Landed LP on Spotify and SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Slim Piccins preached to the streets in his cinematic old-school hip-hop track, Legal Dope

Posted on 27 February 2024

Slim Piccins’ latest single, ‘Legal Dope‘, is a refreshing divergence from contemporary hip-hop which almost feels like a parody compared to the hits from the golden era. The Charlotte, NC native brings a unique blend of raw, husky vocals reminiscent of Tyler, The Creator and Rick Ross, yet Slim Piccins stands distinct in his lyrical prowess. The track is a luxe fusion of orchestral strings and traditional hip-hop beats, creating a soundscape that is grounded and filmic in equal measure.

The narrative of resilience is a gritty testament to overcoming adversity without resorting to the typical glorification of material wealth. Piccins’ bars resonate, echoing the struggles and triumphs of a life that most can relate to.

His voice, deep and textured, weaves through the melody, adding a layer of authenticity. The production deserves equal acclaim for the way the orchestral elements elevate the song into a cinematic domain.

In ‘Legal Dope’, Slim Piccins doesn’t just perform; he narrates, he educates, and he inspires. This track is a bold statement in the hip-hop genre, proving that true motivational music doesn’t need the crutches of luxury and excess. It’s a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the soul of an artist who is not afraid to bare his scars and share his story.

Stream Legal Dope on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

River Bandit exhibited his electrifying versatility in his high-octane rap track, Work Night

Posted on 26 February 2024

River Bandit’s latest single, ‘Work Night’, is a high-voltage journey through the avenues of alt-hip-hop, showcasing an artist unafraid to push boundaries and force constraints to erupt. River Bandit’s tumultuous journey from a challenging childhood to a firebrand of musical innovation is palpable in every beat of this energised to-the-nines track, which is relentlessly fuelled by retro synths and a rhythm that pulsates with life.

‘Work Night’ is a masterclass in stylistic versatility, blending elements of boom bap and trap into a seamless, electrifying experience. The track refuses to let the listener settle into complacency; instead, it demands attention with its rapid-fire bars and unexpected twists. River Bandit’s rhyme scheme is anything but typical, delivering each mic drop with refreshing intensity, candour and introspective gold.

River Bandit’s lyrical prowess is on full display, offering not just entertainment but also wisdom and insights, a reflection of his own life experiences and struggles. It’s this authenticity that elevates ‘Work Night’ from a mere song to a narrative of resilience and determination.

For fans of alt-hip-hop, ‘Work Night’ is a revelation that showcases River Bandit’s unique ability to blend his Southern and West Coast hip-hop influences into a sound that’s distinctly his own.

Stream Work Night and River Bandit’s other blazingly innovative rap tracks via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

FLIPPIN’ GOTHIC FABP unleashed urban surrealism with ‘JUST HOW OPEN MIC’

Posted on 25 February 2024

FLIPPIN’ GOTHIC FABP’s latest single, ‘JUST HOW OPEN MIC‘, is a feat of unorthodox brilliance. Hailing from, New York, this artist, formerly known as Fabp aka Fabpz the Freelancer, makes a habit of defying convention by merging the gritty essence of urban life with surreal, almost otherworldly dimensions.

The track is an audacious leap into the avant-garde, where spacey, experimental beats collide with a hypnotic rap cadence. FLIPPIN’ GOTHIC FABP’s lyrical prowess is akin to a cosmic navigator, guiding listeners through a sci-fi cinematic universe, yet firmly rooted in the raw, undiluted essence that has been his hallmark. His voice, a blend of rhythmic precision and melodic undertones, weaves through the beats with an almost ethereal quality.

This is not your typical hip-hop fare. ‘JUST HOW OPEN MIC’ challenges the listener, demanding attention and contemplation. It’s a bold statement from an artist who has worked over 2,000 tracks into his discography; a testament to his relentless creativity and dedication to his craft.

Watch the official music video for JUST HOW OPEN MIC by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tom Hutchcraft illuminated the stains on our systematically oppressive social fabric with ‘Venting’, featuring Dizzy Wright

Posted on 23 February 2024

Tom Hutchcraft’s entry into the hip-hop sphere with his single ‘Venting‘, featuring the accoladed flow king Dizzy Wright, is nothing short of a revelation. The Cambridge-based artist, previously known for his piano covers and classical prowess, has taken a bold leap, landing squarely in the realm of rap with a track that resonates with both rhyme and reason.

‘Venting’ is a striking blend of Hutchcraft’s sharpened with acerbic wit spoken word cadence and Wright’s seasoned Blackalicious-esque flow. The track stands out not just for its musicality but for its socially conscious heartbeat. Hutchcraft’s lyricism delves deep into themes of racial prejudice and systematic oppression, offering a narrative that’s as observationally astute as it is emotionally charged.

The beats in ‘Venting’ are a rhythmic catalyst, inducing listeners into a heightened state of awareness. It’s a call to consciousness that will stick with you for long after the outro. For a first venture into hip-hop, this track sets a high bar, not just for Hutchcraft but for the genre as a whole. It’s a testament to the power of music as a tool for reflection and change, and a sign that Hutchcraft is an artist to watch in the evolving landscape of rap music.

Venting will reach the airwaves on March 23rd; stream it here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lost Gold grooved soul into old-school hip-hop instrumentals in ‘FILE.0016’

Posted on 20 February 2024
lostgold.file.0016 by lost gold

With ‘FILE.0016′, Lost Gold, the moniker of Minneapolis-based multi-instrumentalist Dylan Heidt, crafted an instrumental odyssey that resonates with the warmth and soul of old-school hip-hop. This track, part of Heidt’s ambitious solo project, is a testament to his versatility and deep-rooted appreciation for diverse musical genres.

The track opens with a beat that could easily be mistaken for an Alabama Shakes number, immediately setting a tone of nostalgic familiarity. It’s a rich, soulful foundation that harks back to the golden era of hip-hop, yet feels refreshingly contemporary. The warmth of the beat is palpable as the track progresses and the impossible-to-resist grooves take centre stage.

The keys cascade with a melodiousness that’s both playful and profound, while the guitars add a shimmering layer of complexity around the robustly funk-infused basslines that are meticulous when carving pockets of rhythm.

As Lost Gold continues to release more music through Bandcamp, ‘FILE.0016’ stands as a shining example of his talent and vision. It’s a piece that connects with listeners globally, proving that true artistry lies in the ability to blend the familiar with the new, creating something uniquely resonant and timeless.

FILE.0016 was officially released on January 3rd; stream or purchase the single on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

SmokeFace Player – The Best Food In the World: Grab an Old School Hip-Hop Bite

Posted on 18 February 2024

SmokeFace Player’s latest single, ‘The Best Food in the World‘, is a gritty homage to old-school hip-hop, infused with a modern twist that is resonating with the new generation of rap fans.

The track, a standout from his LP ‘Whatever Happened to Making Demos’, showcases the artist’s deep-rooted connection to the genre’s golden era, while simultaneously sharpening his sound with a contemporary edge. With a voice that echoes the depth of Biggie, the rawness of DMX, and the uniqueness of Tyler, The Creator, SmokeFace Player’s conviction is only matched by the volition of his rhythmic precision.

The track is a lyrical journey through popular culture references and pains, delivered with a salacious wit that has compelled thousands of rap fans to continue turning to SmokeFace Player’s untraditional approach to lyricism. Eschewing the typical thematic constraints, he opts for a stream-of-consciousness style, weaving together disparate elements with an ingenious coherence. This lyrical tapestry is not just a display of his skill as a wordsmith, but also a nod to the improvisational roots of hip-hop. He’s clearly an artist on the rise; watch this space as he continues to make his indomitable mark on it.

Stream The Best Food in the World on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ola Beto flowed right back to ‘Old School’ with his latest rhythmically rendered hip-hop release

Posted on 15 February 2024

Ola Beto has dropped a track that’s nothing short of a rhythmic revelation. ‘Old School’ is a melodious trip through the annals of hip-hop via a route never taken. This single firmly establishes Ola Beto as the undisputed king of retro luxe flows in the modern hip-hop scene.

From the get-go, ‘Old School’ commands attention. The cadence in Ola Beto’s bars makes it impossible to remain indifferent. His flow is a rhythmic force that demands your rhythmic pulses to stand to attention while the use of nostalgic samples adds a layer of authenticity. Yet, it’s in the beats and analogue synths where Ola Beto truly shines, offering a contemporary twist that you’ll want to relentlessly ride the waves of.

Ola Beto’s emotional lyrics, combined with his rhythmic production and catchy flows, create a sonic vision that’s beyond measure.  ‘Old School’ is a statement of Ola Beto’s trajectory that’s set to redefine the West Coast hip-hop domain. If he continues on his grind, it won’t be long before he’s revered as a major player in the genre. For fans of retro pop and hip-hop alike, ‘Old School’ is a track that resonates with the past, thrives in the present, and hints at a future where Ola Beto holds the keys to the kingdom.

Stream the official music video for Old School by heading over to YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ArkAngel47 flowed into the heart of memory in his alt-hip-hop track, nostalgia

Posted on 13 February 2024

ArkAngel47’s latest single, nostalgia, crashed into the alt-rap scene like a rogue wave, unapologetically dismantling the boundaries of the genre on February 8th. The raw, unfiltered plunge into the depths of memory, wrapped in a soundscape that defies easy categorisation, is an unconventional fusion that grips you from the first beat.

Imagine grime’s gritty pulse, new wave’s introspective echo, and alt-hip-hop’s rebellious spirit colliding around lyricism that balances candour and volition. Hit play and feel the push and pull of time as North West London’s grittiest poet waxes lyrical with melancholic wisdom. Nostalgia is beyond reminiscence; it is the dissection of the essence of the psychological phenomenon; an exposition of its sweet allure and sharp bite.

Musically, the track is a beast of its own making. The beats morph and twist before flooding into a melodious flow and glitching like a dream half-remembered as the backing vocals resonate as ethereal whispers from bygone days, adding layers of haunting depth to the track.

Mixed and mastered with the sharp ear of Kult Eviction at Kabin Studios, nostalgia is a testament to ArkAngel47’s raw talent and vision. With plenty more genre-fluid releases locked, loaded, and ready to drop throughout 2024, ArkAngel47 is one to watch.

Watch the official music video for nostalgia on YouTube, or add the single to your Spotify playlists.

Review by Amelia Vandergast