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rnb

Ethan Martin created an open line of communication with passion in his latest dreamy RnB single, Okay, Love

Posted on 26 January 2024

Ethan Martin’s latest single, ‘Okay, Love’, is a soulfully realistic exploration of love’s complexities. This Las Vegas-based R&B artist, reminiscent of Daniel Caesar and Frank Ocean, delved into the intricate emotions of love, fear, and vulnerability in a way that deeply resonates.

The track is a masterful blend of soothing vocals and stirringly ethereal instrumentals, showcasing Martin’s skill in self-producing, mixing, and mastering his work. His unique style draws you into a world where love’s idyllic image is gently unravelled to reveal its more profound, often challenging reality.

‘Okay, Love’ navigates the nuanced terrains of the heart with a rare authenticity. The bassline pulsates through the song, setting a rhythm that complements the dual vocals. These elements together create a dynamic soundscape that reflects the song’s thematic exploration of love’s dual nature – its joys and fears, its light and shadows.

Martin’s lyrical ability is a highlight of the track as he speaks to those who feel the scars of previous relationships, are haunted by their anxious attachments, or simply feel the dread of loss when falling into the arms of another.

As Ethan Martin continues to attract a dedicated fanbase, ‘Okay, Love’ stands as a powerful example of his artistry. For those yet to discover his music, ‘Okay, Love’ is the perfect introduction to Ethan Martin’s world – a world where the soul’s deepest echoes are beautifully brought to life.

Okay, Love will drop on January 26. Stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jones pushed the boundaries of RnB with his latest serenade, Rush

Posted on 26 January 2024
Jones

Jones, an artist who needs only one name to make an impact, went where no RnB artist had ventured before with his latest bold declaration of individuality, ‘Rush’. From the deep south’s heartlands to the pinnacle of musical innovation, Jones has come a long way from the early days of sparking his passion for soulful sonics.

Rush is a masterclass in balancing the old and the new. The track is imbued with echoes of 90s RnB, a nod to the classics that shaped Jones’ early love for music. Yet, the way he weaves these influences into his experimental, pulsating melodies to create an almost discordant backdrop which harmonises perfectly with the smooth, flowing cadence of his vocals is visionary. It’s this juxtaposition that makes Rush a standout track that will capture your consciousness for long after the final note has faded.

Jones’ voice is a revelation as it soulfully pays homage to his church choir days while inscribing sensuously soulful poetry that nods to his determination and passion. His ability to stay true to his roots while pushing the boundaries of RnB will see him go far in 2024 and beyond.

Rush will hit the airwaves on January 26; stream it on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Suli Hyuga orchestrated the ultimate soundtrack for seances with the soul with the luxe ambient garage house grooves in his seminal track, +24. BLEED+

Posted on 22 January 2024

The timbres and textures within Suli Hyuga’s latest release, +24. BLEED+, may feel comfortingly familiar, but the London-based artist’s approach to synthesising UK Garage with House and Rap pushes the sonic flavours into arenas that few other artists have seen the potential within.

Perfect for late-night seances with the soul, this seminal release is a reverberation of pure incandescent hypnotism, with every progression, a new subjugation to its luxe atmosphere. With Suli leaving no one else’s imprint on his work as the sole architect of his soundscapes, the mark he will leave on the UK Garage landscape will be definitively his distinctive own.

+24. BLEED+ is the title single pulled from Suli Hyuga’s 5-track EP, which promises to dive deep into a cavern of cathartic dance-influence hip-hop. With rich resonance set to spill from the atmospheric synths between his smooth vocal flows as they groove through dynamic bars and around alchemic arrangements of raw basslines and intuitive percussion, the EP is primed to become an aural phenomenon in its own right.

Stream +24. BLEED+ on all major platforms, including SoundCloud, from January 19th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Embrace the Chaos of the Soul with Wayne Wei’s Instant RnB Classic, Out of Control

Posted on 21 January 2024

Wayne Wei’s single Out of Control is a timelessly engrossing neo-pop masterpiece. With its staccato chords that luminously shimmer and pop and the enrichment of Wei’s vocal lines which draw you into a world where romanticism and retro timbres coalesce, the track is a testament to Wei’s organic magnetism as a sonic expressionist. The bluesy waltzing melodies lift the spirit beyond any known construct, embodying the essence of Wei’s unique musical vision.

Each element of Out of Control contributes to its overarching allure. The song is a standout track from Wei’s debut EP Cloud Chaser, which encapsulates the beauty found in life’s chaotic moments. Wei’s role as a multi-instrumentalist and producer shines through in this self-produced triumph, highlighting his ability to craft a sound that is both intricate and emotionally resonant.

Describing Out of Control as perfect might seem like hyperbole, but its impact on the mind, soul, body, and rhythmic pulses is undeniable. It’s a track that transcends the boundaries of conventional music, leaving the listener in a state of awe and admiration. Wei’s skill in blending high-calibre production with organic musical elements results in a piece that resonates with the listener long after the final note has played.

Rich in texture and depth, Out of Control promises a bright future for the NY-based Chinese artist. His ability to stay true to his romanticism of retro sounds, while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music, makes this track a must-listen for anyone seeking a truly unique musical journey.

Stream Out of Control as part of the Cloud Chaser EP, which hit the airwaves on January 5th on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

London’s Immy Odon gave us the live lounge-y version we never knew we needed of Nelly Furtado’s Say It Right

Posted on 20 January 2024
https://open.spotify.com/track/1HcYPEjnMq0lAb2Xj3dLBL?si=c74e37383c344992

Stripped-back and soulfully reimagined, Immy Odon’s acoustic RnB pop version of Nelly Furtado’s ‘Say It Right‘ is a revelation; the previously keyboard-driven single, now infused with the warmth of acoustic guitar chords, is elevated to new heights of emotional profoundness. Odon’s rendition is more than a mere cover; it’s a visceral reinvention of every harmony, showcasing her outstanding vocal performance.

Odon achieves what seems impossible: her version of ‘Say It Right’ outshines even the idea of Furtado herself performing it in a BBC Live Lounge setting. The success of Odon’s most popular single to date, ‘Unfreezing’, with over 384,000 streams on Spotify, speaks volumes about her talent and the impact of her music. Her rendition of ‘Say It Right’ is a testament to her unique ability to transform a well-known track into something entirely her own, and something that deeply connects with the listener.

Immy Odon is clearly an artist on an upward trajectory. Her upcoming releases, including several dance tracks, are eagerly anticipated. If they contain even a fraction of the magic found in her version of ‘Say It Right’, they are sure to elevate her status even further in the music world.

Stream the acoustic rendition of Say It Right on Spotify, which was first transmitted on the airwaves on January 12th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get lost in the twilight reverberations of TayFiinesse’s RnB-trap heartbreak anthem, The Party’s Over

Posted on 15 January 2024
TayFiinesse

The sun set on the conventional boundaries of RnB, pop, and trap as TayFiinesse emerged with ‘The Party’s Over’, a track that doesn’t just ride the wave of genre fusion but creates its own tsunami. This 18-year-old prodigy from Memphis, Tennessee, who grew up absorbing the rhythms of Soul Train and the genius of Michael Jackson, now channels his eclectic influences into a sound that’s uniquely his own.

‘The Party’s Over’ is a journey through the labyrinth of heartbreak, where each turn is a new shade of emotional depth. TayFiinesse doesn’t just sing about heartache; he makes you feel the shards of a shattered heart with every beat. The track is a bold foray into the realm of experimental sound, where the artist’s raw, unfiltered emotions are laid bare against a backdrop of innovative beats and rhythms.

The genius of TayFiinesse lies in his ability to blend the familiar with the unexpected. His influences, ranging from The Weeknd to Andre 3000, Dua Lipa to Prince, are woven seamlessly into his music. ‘The Party’s Over’ is a testament to this, with its smooth grooves and sudden, jarring transitions that mimic the unpredictable nature of love and loss.

Perhaps the most striking element of the track is its closing, where TayFiinesse daringly samples a monologue from ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’. This unexpected twist adds layers of complexity to the song, turning it into a crafty, multifaceted soundscape that lingers in the mind.

As TayFiinesse prepares to take on New York and beyond, one thing is clear: the party may be over, but for this trailblazing artist, the celebration of music has only just begun.

The Party’s Over will call time on serotonin on January 15. stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ilustrado painted in love’s luminous tones in his latest soul single, Incognito

Posted on 14 January 2024

Illustrado became a conduit of soul as he tapped into the tendency of cupid’s arrows to bathe your world in luminous colour in his latest release, Incognito; every note resonates with the genre’s rich heritage. Slip into the single and find yourself in a world where gratitude is as tangible as the air you breathe and the coffee which slips past your lips.

Incognito is a masterful blend of classic soul and contemporary flair; Illustrado’s roots in opera and musical theatre shine through, lending a unique depth and sophistication to the track which subtly evolves by bringing in staccato guitar chords, reminiscent of Nile Rodgers’ iconic funk, to create a rhythm that pulsates with life. By the time the outro rolls around, the vocal harmonies reach skyward to touch the sweet spot and lift the listener to new emotional heights.

Even though the world may be more divided than ever, this personal narrative speaks to the universally transformative power of love and inspiration, resonating across borders and cultures. As Illustrado continues to chart his course in the realms of rock, soul, and dance, one thing is certain: his future is as bright as the melodies he crafts.

Stream Incognito on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lust oscillates through Peter Stone’s alt-RnB earworm, Living Room Flows

Posted on 13 January 2024

Peter Stone’s latest single, Living Room Flows, is a strikingly soulful synthesis of contemporary RnB and classic pop nostalgia. Stone, a deft songwriter and producer, crafted a soundscape that resonates with echoes of The Weeknd’s instrumental genius and asserts his authenticity via the vocal lines, which act as a time portal to the classic 90s pop timbre.

The track is an intricate dance of melody and emotion, where desire’s tumultuous waves are captured in lyrical resonance. Stone’s words, a fervid stream of poetic consciousness, explore the theme of desire leading to a loss of control. This narrative of seduction and surrender is skilfully interwoven with melodies that pulse with an irresistible magnetism. The result is an earworm that is both hot and heavy, yet undeniably elegant in its execution.

The instrumentation is a lush, multi-layered affair that supports Stone’s vocal prowess without overshadowing it. Each note, each beat, is placed with precision, creating an auditory journey that is as thrilling as it is emotive. The track’s production quality shines, showcasing Stone’s meticulous attention to detail and his understanding of what makes a song linger with you after every listen.

Living Room Flows will officially release on January 13; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jaonere – See Me: A Soulfully Disquet Journey Through the Labyrinth of Love

Posted on 7 January 2024

Imagine a horror score meeting a serene naturescape; this is the backdrop Jaonere uses to invite his listeners into his latest experimentally elevated and candour-driven release, See Me. The track walks you through the corridors of a relationship that has morphed from harmonious to discordant, echoing the unpredictable nature of love after opening with a fusion of elements that may seem at odds, but euphonically coalesce to create a unique auditory experience.

While blending soulful melodiousness with haunting effects, the London-based alt-RnB sensation boldly explored the complex dynamics of love via his rich and emotive vocals which lay bare the soul of the song. The lyrics are a candid reflection of a love turned sour, a scathing yet honest portrayal of the pain and scars left behind.

The track is underpinned by a rhythm that brings in just enough funk and groove to set a sultry mood. It’s this blend of smooth grooves and poignant lyrics that makes See Me a standout track. Jaonere’s ability to infuse his music with a devil-may-care honesty while keeping it melodically appealing is a testament to his artistry.

From his early days performing covers in Central London to his introspective and soulful releases like Dotted Line and Pray, Jaonere has consistently evolved as an artist. See Me is a continuation of this journey, showcasing his growth and depth as a songwriter and performer.

Stream See Me on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Abeni embarked on a soulful journey between past and present with her seminal single, Better Days

Posted on 19 December 2023

Abeni tapped into the collective distaste for the present through the heartfelt expression in her single, Better Days, from the debut EP, Lesson Learned. The track is a poignant narrative that encapsulates the essence of nostalgia, introspection, and the deeply human tendency to yearn for days gone by.

Abeni, whose journey from a shy, music-averse child to a multifaceted artist, infuses Better Days with a depth that is both personal and universally relatable. The song is a lament on the present, a reflection of fear towards an uncertain future, and a longing to recapture the bliss of the past.

Sonically, Better Days is a masterful blend of genres. Abeni’s background, spanning from classical to jazz and pop, is evident in the way she weaves these influences into a soulful tapestry. The track is underpinned by grooves reminiscent of 90s R&B, yet it feels utterly contemporary. Her voice, rich and emotive, acts as a guiding light through the layers of sound, ensuring that the listener feels every ounce of the song’s emotional weight.

The song traverses the personal and the universal, touching on the collective desire to find solace in the past as we navigate an often-tumultuous present. It’s a testament to her skill as a songwriter and her sensitivity as an artist.

Abeni Mason-Draffen is not just a singer; she’s a storyteller, and her stories need to be heard. As she continues on her musical journey, one thing is certain: the future is bright for this talented artist.

Stream Abeni’s debut EP on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast