Browsing Tag

Funk Pop

‘Just Can’t Take It’: A Heartbreak Antidote Drenched in Disco Grooves

Posted on 4 February 2025

 Ray Ramon and Elisha Solomon turned heartache into a high-energy anthem with Just Can’t Take It, a track that transcends the power ballad formula and ventures into uncharted sonic territory with its off-the-scale energy.

The Nigerian-born Australian artist and his soulful collaborator deliver an emotional tug-of-war that fuses euphoric house beats, sleek disco grooves, and funk-laden guitar chops, crafting an achingly electrifying dance-pop storm

Set against the narrative of a relationship on the verge of collapse, Just Can’t Take It juxtaposes visceral pain with a liberating dancefloor energy. The dualistic vocals amplify the emotional weight, offering a striking dialogue of conflict and longing. Solomon’s soulful tone soars alongside Ramon’s impassioned delivery, creating a chemistry that ignites the hit.

With piercing pop hooks and climactic crescendos, the track beckons listeners to lose their heads on the dancefloor while processing the raw realities of love on the brink. It’s a bittersweet triumph, perfectly balanced between introspection and escapism

Ramon, who has carved a reputation as a genre-blending powerhouse since relocating to Australia in 2002, continues to showcase his artistry with this release. Known for his work across dance-pop and R&B, and celebrated with a string of international accolades, Ramon proves once again why he’s a mainstay in contemporary music.

Just Can’t Take It was officially released on January 24th; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify, now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get into the groove with Ryan Alexander’s funk-chopped disco pop earworm, Stay the Night

Posted on 31 July 2024

Ryan Alexander’s latest single, Stay the Night, featuring pop vocalist Michael, is more disco than a disco ball with its funk chops which cut through the kinetic grooves to ignite dancefloors and send sparks of serotonin flooding through the psyche of anyone who encounters this synthesis of sonic nostalgia and salaciously amplified contemporary innovation.

The hit mainlines the guitar rhythms of Nile Rodgers with the beats of Daft Punk, while the infectiously euphoric pop vocals from Michael turn up the heat in this magnetic earworm, resulting in a track that showcases the immense potential of this independent producer’s talents.

Although Alexander is currently reverberating through the underground, it is only a matter of time before he breaks major ground and storms the mainstream with his flair for expansively fusionistic songwriting and producing.

Hailing from Glasgow, Ryan Alexander’s passion for music is evident in every beat of his rapidly growing discography, which is picking up major traction through his local performances in October Café and other revered venues around his hometown. There’s no doubt that a big break is around the corner.

Stay the Night was officially released on July 22; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get into the vibe-heavy groove of Jboz’s Cali pop hit, California

Posted on 27 July 2024

Cali pop has an irreplicable sonic flavour and after Jboz debuted his latest single, California, the geographical genre became immensely sweeter. With his vibe-driven approach to production, the earworm fills the soul as much as it commands the senses.

California is a flood of feel-good fervour which ripples through the funk-heightened, bass-heavy electro-pop beats which provide the perfect soundtrack to sun-kissed hedonic escapades. The luxuriantly paced release cuts across the contemporary curve, propelled by the San Diego-hailing singer-songwriter’s mellow with iconic style vocal lines that cruise across the hip-hop-adjacent beats.

In just a few days since its release, California has shot to the top of Jboz’s list of biggest hits which are on repeat for his 7.5k monthly Spotify listeners who know that following Jboz invites them into so much more than a fandom; they become a part of his community, knitted together with his profound love and connection to his followers.

California arrived on the airwaves on July 19; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jeffrey A. Meyer became the superlative savant of soul with his reggae-rock hit, L.O.V.E., featuring G. Love & Special Sauce

Posted on 11 June 2024

By merging talents with G. Love & Special Sauce, best known for his single, Rainbow, created in collaboration with the soulful one and only, Jack Johnson, the accomplished fusionist, Jeffrey A. Meyer, orchestrated the ultimate source of sonic serotonin with his funk-spliced, pop-hooked and reggae-wrapped roots rock hit, L.O.V.E.

The vibe-heavy sun-bleached hit keeps you ensnared with every chameleonic shift as Jeffrey A. Meyer exhibits his dynamic vocal talent and delivers everything from funked-up soul to evidence of his command over rhythm in the revved-up with rapture rap verses.

The North Dakota-born, Cali-based artist’s creative ambition with L.O.V.E paid off in spades; you can’t help but catch the self-love fever and forge a spiritual connection to the euphonically rugged in all the right places single that proves you’re never outside of love if you project adulation inwards.

Between the wind in the harmonica blows, the staccato rhythms pulsing through vintage tubes and the delicious grooves, L.O.V.E is as authentic as euphoric earworms come; each instrumental vividly paints the radiance of the track’s emotional underpinnings.

With more fresh, feel-good, funky jams ready to drop through Jeffrey A. Meyer’s sophomore album in 2024, there has never been a better time to affix the orchestrator of tonal transcendence to your radar.

L.O.V.E. was officially released on May 24; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Candy Rush debuted with her quirky pop revelation, Don’t Even Wanna Know

Posted on 5 June 2024

Don’t Even Wanna Know is the satirically sweet quirky pop debut from the Romanian London-based artist, songwriter and producer, Candy Rush (Elena Ilie). Play it loud and amplify the voice of this generation that is becoming increasingly tired of plastic pop protagonists who shirk autonomy while rattling a begging bowl for commercial success.

The debut is stylistically saccharine enough to implant a voracious sweet tooth in anyone who swims in its honeyed tides of the single which allows idiosyncrasy and autonomy to ebb and flow throughout the avant-garde mix of alt-pop, neo-jazz, funk and soul.

“It feels like an infection to deal with your perfection” is just one of the introspectively enlightening lyrics which embody the lyricist’s ability to move far past the tired tropes and deliver lines that catch you off-guard with the resonant obscurity. Her playful approach to vocal arrangement and unorthodox grooves resulted in a ground-breaking debut which embodied her desire to exhibit the quirks and contradictions of modern life.

With the accessibility of the proverbial girl next door and a talent that could rival HONEYMOAN, Candy Rush will prove to be a force to be reckoned with as she rises up from the alt-pop underground.

Don’t Even Wanna Know was officially released on May 24; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

NASRUS has unleashed their fearlessly unfiltered funked-up debut, Neurotic Goddess

Posted on 27 May 2024

The pop/R&B duo NASRUS, comprised of Grammy-nominated artist Shawn Rivera and acclaimed singer-songwriter Norm Adams, exhibited a testament to their fearlessly unfiltered lyrical approach by unleashing their genre-fluid debut single, Neurotic Goddess,

Eschewing the typical ilk of funked-up, synth-laden hits, Neurotic Goddess dives deep into the psyche of the kind of narcissistic nightmare that you’d hope to only encounter in your subconscious and not the streets.

The audaciously infectious anthem leaves over-explored female archetypes behind, opting instead to explore the chaotic magnetism of neurotic femme fatales. The playful, devil-may-care narrative spills swathes of catharsis for anyone who has ever tangled with such a personality, providing a vindicating outlet for their pain.

The funk guitar chops against the rhythmically compelling beats, 90s aesthetics and synth-pop melodies paired with the augmented dualling vocals positioned NASRUS as one of the hottest duos since Daft Punk brought the funk.

Stream Neurotic Goddess on Spotify now and let NASRUS take you on a wild ride through the depths of neurotic euphoria.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

London’s Forsylver became indie royalty with their latest release, Promethazine Queen

Posted on 3 May 2024

Launched to a capacity crowd at 93 Feet East in Shoreditch, the latest single, Promethazine Queen, from London’s hottest breakthrough indie outfit, Forsylver, is the perfect introduction to the expansively influenced outfit who have hit the ground running straight out of the gate.

With a vocal style that shifts between invokes the sticky-sweet euphonic magnetism of The Feeling harmonising atop the flares of funk in the eclectic indie-pop-rock tapestry to Arctic Monkeys-reminiscent cutting commentaries Forsylver’s distinctive style emboldens the sincerity within Promethazine Queen. From the Daft Punk-esque riot of a middle eight to the jangle pop guitars to the complex time signatures in the rhythm section, Promethazine Queen is a perfect circle of expression and innovation.

Instead of following trends, the fourpiece, fronted by Joe Ewer with Will Farrow carving out the funk-pop guitar chops, Alex McKenzie feeding the rhythms on bass and Shunya Matsumoto giving the percussion a Radiohead-art-rock flair, are etching their innovation into the tapestry of the future of indie.

Forsylver may have only been on the scene since late 2023, but they’re already an unreckonable force. With plenty more planned for 2024, they should be the epicentre of every indie fan’s radar.

Promethazine Queen was officially released on May 3rd; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Bruj pushed funk into psychedelically interstellar waters with ‘The Edge’

Posted on 30 April 2024

Bruj’s latest single, The Edge, is an interstellar escapade that melds funk, electro, soul, and pop into an exhilarating synthesis which will juxtaposingly sink your senses into catharsis.

From the energetic pulse of choppy funky staccato guitars to the unwavering force of steady percussion and snaking basslines, this track offers more than just sound—it crafts a visceral experience. Listeners are whisked away into a psychedelic nirvana, enveloped in the hypnotically exotic warmth that distinguishes Bruj’s sonic approach.

Originating from Brussels, the trio—Antoine, Simon, and Raphaël—have honed their collective expertise since 2014, refining their influences into scintillating, soul-affirming auditory narratives. Since their transformation in 2022 into original composers, their music has assumed a fresh dimension of creative freedom, evidently showcased in this release.

The Edge excels in its ability to transport its audience far beyond the constraints of material reality. When immersed in rich pools of tonal bliss, you’ll instantly succumb to the grooves which testify to Bruj’s ability to craft experiences beyond the borders most artists are willing to take their sound.

The Edge dropped on April 15th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Hannah Johnson pioneered a new path through 90s nostalgia-wrapped alt-pop with her sophomore release, Mine

Posted on 22 April 2024

Hannah Johnson’s sophomore hit ‘Mine‘ blew all expectations out of the water following her 2023 debut, ‘Slow Motion‘. Mine is a kaleidoscope of sound that catapults listeners into the past and the promising future of pop music. The masterclass in genre fusion blends the rhythmic bounce of funk, the raw edge of pop-punk, and the lush textures of R&B into a compelling pop synthesis.

From the outset, ‘Mine’ pulses with a life of its own, driven by Johnson’s rich vibrato that dances over layers of funky guitar riffs and a solid dance-y backbeat. The production, with its lo-fi charm, accentuates the authenticity of her musical exploration, allowing her distinctive voice to guide the narrative through this densely woven sonic landscape.

Johnson’s journey from the quiet suburbs of Coppell, Texas, to an emerging pop sensation is reflected in her music’s ambitious reach. With her roots in diverse musical disciplines, from drum beats to lyrical piano melodies, Johnson channels this extensive background into a sound that recontextualises the sonic past and builds the future of pop.

With ‘Mine’, she not only secures her spot as a trailblazer in the pop genre but also invites her growing audience of nearly 30,000 monthly Spotify listeners to join her in a vibrant exploration of musical boundaries. This single is less a step and more a stride towards the zenith of pop charts, promising that Hannah Johnson’s trajectory in the music world will be as intriguing as the melodies she creates.

Mine was officially released on March 15th; stream the single on Spotify.  

Review by Amelia Vandergast

J. Jeaux wore his heart on his polyphonic sleeve in his alt-RnB single, Overflow

Posted on 10 December 2023

J. Jeaux’s sophomore single Overflow exhibits his unique approach to music, combining lo-fi RnB elements with touches of pop, blues, and funk, creating a sound that is both innovative and nostalgically resonant.

The track’s gravitational pull is undeniable, drawing listeners into a world of eclecticism. The polyphonic synth lines are a highlight, weaving a complex yet harmonious tapestry of sound that feels timelessly modern. This, coupled with minimalist percussion, sets a backdrop that allows J. Jeaux’s vocal talents to shine. The vocal effects are far from typical, adding an intriguing layer to the track and solidifying his distinct style.

J. Jeaux’s ability to channel his emotions into his music is evident. The song discusses the turmoil of overthinking during heartbreak against an energetic backdrop. This juxtaposition is not just a creative choice; it’s a representation of healing, layering sadness with boogie vibes to create a therapeutic musical experience.

As a multi-instrumentalist and composer, J. Jeaux’s expertise extends beyond traditional singer-songwriter boundaries. His experience in composing for video games and media adds a unique dimension to his music that you will want to get lost in time after time.

This track is a clear indication of his potential to leave a lasting impact on the music industry, especially for those who appreciate the blending of traditional soulful rhythms with innovative experimental sounds.

Overflow poured onto the airwaves on November 24. Stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast