Browsing Tag

Electronic Soul

Take a seat in Astrels’ latest alternatively soulful synthscape, Kings Table

Posted on 10 December 2023

Kings Table, a standout track from Astrels’ LP The Velvet Sea and the Afterglow, showcases a masterful blend of style and influence, marking it as a significant entry into the world of alternative electronica.

The single begins with an introduction that subtly nods to Grandaddy, skilfully weaving echoes of classic rock elements into a modern synthscape. As the track progresses, it transforms into a soulful orchestration, reminiscent of the emotional depth and vocal prowess of artists like Seal. This transition showcases Astrels’ versatility and their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining firmly rooted in contemporary sound.

Astrels’ talent for creating a progressive and dynamic sonic journey is evident throughout the Tour De Force which reflects a deep understanding of musical structure and progression, moving seamlessly from one theme to another while maintaining a cohesive overall sound.

As the track builds towards its climax, it incorporates trance-like elements of EBM, infusing the composition with a rhythmic energy that is both dance-worthy and emotionally engaging. The fusion of melodic and rhythmic elements ensures that Kings Table is not just a song to be heard but an experience to be felt, making it a standout addition to any electronic soul playlist.

The debut LP, from which Kings Table is taken, continues the spiritual and electrifying journey that Astrels began with their debut EP, Metropolis Psychosis. Take a deep dive, you won’t regret it.

Take a seat at the Kings Table on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

J.MYSTERY granted the permission to ‘Breakdown’ in the ethereal catharsis of his artfully raw alt-electronica score.

Posted on 9 November 2023

‘Breakdown’ is the latest innovatively polished and artfully raw electronica score by the Portuguese virtuoso and genre-melding alchemist, J.MYSTERY, who has garnered an accoladed reputation over the last few years with his command over ethereal ingenuity.

After a strong yet wavy reminiscence of John Grant in the intro which puts J.MYSTERY’s honey-timbered croons atop oscillating synthesised turbulence, echoes of the darkest Arctic Monkeys album start to manifest in the reverberance before the single veers into intersections of atmospheric soul, which will captivate any fans of Hozier and George Ezra.

Given the strength of his discography, crafting his most powerful single to date was no easy feat, but inspired by the grief shared with his wife following the sorrow of a miscarriage, J.MYSTERY found the necessity to extol the virtues of breaking down and refusing to listen to ‘be strong’ commands. Unless your soul is cast in stone, you’ll find tears to shed over this overwhelmingly vulnerable release.

Breakdown was officially released on September 29; sink into the soulful avant-garde electronica by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get your summer soul-fix with the electronica producer, Nathan Maurice’s baby I need your love

Posted on 14 June 2022

Nathan Maurice lay down a tapestry of old-school soul in his latest single, baby I need (your love). The vibe-driven mix starts with the sample of archaic soul vocals before building a buzzing summer anthem, slickened with lush reverb, vibrant beats, and crescendos you would understand if your heart stopped for.

When his classical work isn’t on repeat on Classical FM, the Birmingham, UK-based composer and producer is featured on Radio 1 with his electronic project, Lorenz System. If that doesn’t tell you all that you need to know about Maurice’s luminary presence in the electronica world, I’ll assume you are past the point of comprehension.

Hear baby I need your love for yourselves via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: You’ve gotta ‘Feel It’ for yourselves in MDMelo & Francis’ standout electronic soul single.

Posted on 7 June 2022

With its kicking beat, shimmering sonics and the effortless resonance of Francis’ vocals, MDMelo’s title single from his collaborative album, Feel It, rhythmically commands you into an evocative appreciation for the aural delivery of oxytocin.

It has been a while since we have heard funk-riding electronic beats with such deep seductive grooves; the euphoric aesthetic of the collaboration is nothing short of electrifying. The zealously infectious track marries old school soul with new-age electronica to achieve an uplifting effect that can scarcely be put into words; you just have to feel the disco synthetics up against the funk, soul and RnB textures for yourselves.

Here is what MDMelo had to say on his latest collaboration with vocalist, Francis

“Feel It, featuring Francis, is a breakthrough for me; it was a long-term project which focuses on production, composition, harmony, groove and sonics. My main objective is to make sure that Francis gets the notoriety he deserves; he transformed my music world.”

Watch the official music video for Feel It, which dropped on the 20th of May 2022, via YouTube.

Before the release of the 11-track soul album, Feel It, in May 2022, MDMelo & Francis caught up with A&R Factory. Check out the A&R Video Interview with MDMelo and Francis here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Connor Jon has released a series of summer chill RnB staples with ‘The Love Connect, Vol 1’.

Posted on 7 April 2021

Before curating Summer chill playlists, you’ll want to give UK RnB artist Connor Jon’s new EP, ‘The Love Connect, Vol 1’, some serious attention.

From his eclectic music taste transpired a smooth dynamic sound, encompassing everything from electronic soul to house to UK hip hop. The singer-songwriter and producer kicked off their latest release with the single, ‘Big Love’, that packs in sensual grooves and an even more potent dose of amorous affection through the vocals which is where you’ll find Connor Jon’s Afrobeat influences. It’s pure mellow soul and a sound that plenty of RnB innovation-seekers will appreciate.

The Love Connect, Vol 1 is now available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

LA Alt Indie duo Tricks have made their debut with the genre-crumbling EP “The Epic Preview”

Posted on 26 May 2020

Up and coming LA Alt Indie Electronica duo Tricks have made their dreamily entrancing debut with the EP “The Epic Preview”. Given the title of the EP and the resonant magnetism which the release contains, we’re already excited to hear what will follow.

Each of the 7 tracks on the EP offers plenty of affable aural indulgence. Yet, the best introduction to Tricks’ urbanely nuanced production style is “2squares”. With the Mike Patton-levels of sublime experimental ingenuity, you’ll be transfixed to the ever-evolving progressions which flirt with downtempo Hip Hop, Indie and Soul. Each progression and shift in tone is as seamless as the last in this medley of grooving which follows just the right tempo for the track to be as cathartic as it is captivating.

You can check out 2squares along with the rest of Tricks’ debut EP for yourselves by heading over to Spotify now.

To keep up to date with new releases, follow Tricks via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast