Browsing Tag

south africa

Duality resounds in Touch By Mirror’s cultivation of ethereal visceralism, ‘Send Flowers’

Touch by Mirror’s latest single ‘Send Flowers‘ from the EP ‘A Fox is a Wolf Who Sends Flowers‘ is definitive proof that there are always new intersections to explore in alt-rock. This 6-minute track transcends far beyond the ordinary bounds of sound; the genius lies in its masterful contrast: the raw, overdriven guitars clash and harmonise with ethereal electronica melodies, crafting a visceral and delicate atmosphere in the same progressive breath.

Juxtapositions in the same vein resound in the vocal chameleonic finesse as the vocals oscillate between the grungy rawness of Kurt Cobain and the haunting, melancholic harmonies that echo the legendary Ian Curtis of Joy Division and Ian McCulloch of Echo and the Bunnymen. This vocal duality adds layers of emotional depth, making each listen a compelling discovery through the corridors of Touch By Mirror’s creativity.

The South African artist’s rapidly growing discography is a haven for true music aficionados. His experimental soundscapes are not just heard; they take listeners on a journey through varied sonic landscapes.

Remarkably prolific, Touch by Mirror has already graced 2024 with an EP and an LP within the first three months; most artists would kill to know the secret to his unfaltering creativity and alchemically affecting ingenuity.

Stream Send Flowers on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Look Better In Person: 3smuni prays for those close locked up in the system with Overseas

Showing us so much re-energized enthusiasm and compelling dynamite, 3smuni displays a compelling verve and shall drain away all doubts in the sink with Overseas.

3smuni is a South Africa-born London-based indie hip-hop artist & multi-instrumentalist who fuses drill, US and grime soundscapes into his own transcendent way.

Exhibiting to us what the youngsters are listening to as we speak, 3smuni is that young new school artist who seems to possess a rare insight into what is going to define the next generation. Absorbed in quality and always progressive, this is a thunderous display which will please many who love to hear what tomorrow is bringing.

Overseas from London-based indie hip-hop artist 3smuni is a magnificent track which will take our minds away from any current stresses and mould our minds into the future. Launched with a rather illumination-filled fragrance and never losing its shine for a second, we find a rather remarkable effort when the world needed it most.

Turn this up loud on Spotify. See more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Alt-Hip Hop artist Kai Thursday steers us inside his psychedelics-loaded mind on ‘350blows’

With an astute harmonious pencil streaming deeply from his visionary mind and featuring a Dennis Rodman reference, Kai Thursday shows us that he is prepared for the next step as he dreams his way into that manifestation that he knows is possible on ‘350blows‘.

Kai Thursday is a Cape Town, South Africa/Canada-based indie neo-psychedelia alt-Hip hop artist, skateboarder and music producer.

The record is produced by longtime collaborator Hashi, formerly known as Andrew James. The music video for 350 Blows was shot, edited and directed by ingenious filmmaker, Jacob Webster.” ~ Kai Thursday

Showing us that he is headed in the right direction as he closes his eyes and visualizes where exactly he wishes to land when his intellect is back into reality after this important expedition, Kai Thursday might be one of the most fascinating artists on planet earth right now.

350 Blows is an immersive outlook on his day to days during spring of 2021, travelling across South Africa with his skate team. A day in the life of a creative twenty-two-year-old street-fashion aficionado, experimenting with psychedelics and finding inspiration in Spielberg classics.” ~ Kai Thursday

350blows‘ from Cape Town, South Africa/Canada-based indie neo-psychedelia alt-Hip hop artist/music producer Kai Thursday, is a highly innovative single from a sharp mind who is floating right now as he works out what is real and what isn’t. After seeing the world for what it is – this feels like a statement track that is opening up a whole new path – from an underground artist who wants that success so badly but will never sell his soul for the sake of his priceless art.

See his innovative new music video on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Paranoid I Might Die: Wildly creative New Zealand/South African rapper HAZLE feels that heavy head brewing on ‘warped walls’

Inspired greatly by Tyler The Creator and Kanye West, HAZLE brings that money and greens vibes with a little taste of that classic Oros Orange Squash too on ‘warped walls‘.

Jordan aka HAZLE is a New Zealand-born, South Africa-raised indie hip-hop artist. He is a youthful artist with big dreams, and raps with an abundance of enthusiasm that has you listening so closely to his authentic vibe.

Growing up my ears were open to all genres of music, I just never realized until last year that music was my calling.” ~ HAZLE

His quick on the mic style is so extremely likable, he flows like a man possessed to find the true path that he seeks without fuss. The genuine rap style is rather breathless at times, his lyrics are supremely intricate and made with so much excellent creativity. This is a man on a mission to reach the top as he climbs up the music mountain without any clips attached, his mind is alert and ready for anything presented for him to conquer.

warped walls‘ from the highly motivated New Zealand-born rapper HAZLE, is a unique track featuring his distinctive South African accent at times – as he tells us the story of feeling so paranoid at the moment – in this rather weird world that doesn’t feel real. The walls are closing in and he doesn’t know what the future holds, but is going to smoke up and let life guide him through the blade-filled clouds, to find that true self-enlightenment.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more news via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

All Of Me Or None Of Me: Perth-based RnB artist Tyler Wade only follows his true ‘Instincts’

As he wonders if they want him for the real person or just the idea of what he is when the lights are bright, Tyler Wade realizes that he is on the right journey via his fresh new track about keeping it genuine on ‘Instincts‘.

Tyler Wade is a Bulawayo, Zimbabwe-born, Cape Town, South Africa-raised, Perth, Australia-based indie RnB/hip-hop artist.

Although new to the music scene, I write and release every song with true intention and the ambition to make it to the global stage.” ~ Tyler Wade

This is the striking story of seeing fake love wherever you go, as you look into peoples eyes and wonder why they just can’t keep it real. Former friends only want to hear about your latest track and potential lovers seem to want something else, rather than the actual person you are.

Made with smartly penned lyrics which clearly come from the deepest part of his heart – he sings with such meaning here with crystal clear pure vocals –  that gives you shivers of absolute euphoria at times.

Instincts‘ from the Australian-based, Zimbabwe-born indie RnB/hip hop artist Tyler Wade, is a terrific track that shows us his talented for both rapping and singing. He has a Drake-type vibe going for him and brings his own flavor into the mix too, as his worldly travels have him in enlightened mood. This is a quality artist who it feels like is only going to get better, as he soothes our speakers with a top performance here, with a relevant subject which we all need to know about.

Following your inner intuition, is the only way to sift through the fake and real in this strange world.

Hear this new track on Spotify and see more on the IG music channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Eyes Lock For The First Time: Flow-Key, Sappho and Daydreamer bring that South African energy to life on ‘Talowame’

Produced by Daydreamer and powered by indie label Third World Order, Flow-Key is in top form with a quality new single about being free called ‘Talowame‘ (feat. Sappho).

Flow-Key and Sappho are two promising South Africa-based indie singers/rappers. They are joined by experienced producer Daydreamer, on a tremendously enjoyable track that feels rather special due to its authentic vibe and joyful atmosphere.

Talowame is a neologism. The crew made it up to encapsulate the concept of “experiencing ultimate freedom” or simply put “to be free.” ~ Daydreamer

This is the story about meeting someone who you lock eyes with quickly. You smile at each other and you just know that the energy is just right, as you are clearly meant for each other.

Made with a beach freshness and featuring some catchy Amapiano (a style of house music that emerged in South Africa in 2012) with Kris Swartbooi (a.k.a “Krissidance”) and Alex Karantges (a.k.a “Piros”), at the helm, this is a head-bobbing track you just can’t help but love.

Produced, recorded and released independently by young creatives from the friendly city of Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The song was released with a music video also made by the artists of the song with the assistance from fellow young aspiring creatives of the bay.” ~ Daydreamer

Talowame‘ from Flow-Key (feat. Sappho), is a smooth energy release which is a bright experience to savor from one of the more genuine areas in the world you will ever visit. Made with a pure innocent vibe, local dancing at its best, and a breathtaking beat which will take you to happy places, this is one of the most freedom-inducing tracks you will hear all year.

See this new music video on YouTube and see more on the IG channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

They Taking My Money: Superlative South African artist Evida fights bravely on to dust off those cash-grabbing ‘Demons’ (feat. Luna Florentino)

With his much-anticipated new album ‘Mirror For A Miracle‘ on the way soon and after moving into the solo universe lately, Evida returns with his latest hit single that eloquently sums up the current climate in his troubled homeland of South Africa called ‘Demons(feat. Luna Florentino).

Evida is a highly skilled Johannesburg-based Afro-pop/Euro-dance solo project from the multi-talented and award-winning music producer, singer-songwriter, and much-respected South African artist Liam Jones.

Originally a group project, Liam is now striking out on his own as his brother and partner, chose to focus on their personal lives.” ~ Evida

With a sensationally striking beat that brightly lights up your sluggish mood like a match on petrol, you feel the rare quality swirling into your curious mind as you take a step back to immerse yourself in such a high class single. The vocals are crisp and pure, with supremely articulate lyrics that are so honest – and let you into the mindset of self-aware souls – who know where they are headed in this strange rat race.

Demons(feat. Luna Florentino) from the excellent Johannesburg, South Africa-based music producer/singer-songwriter and two-time SAMA (South African Music Awards) nominated artist Evida, is a treasure chest of truth that opens up with an unlatching of lyrical and beat-making skills, that captures your imagination so vividly. These are two quality artists who know that the demons are hunting them, but choose to rise up consummately above it all, to find their true path instead of finding the easy way out like so many weakly do.

This is one of those true summer classics that needs much more love as we all fight through the darkness inside our easy to-grow selfish souls – to find that self-enlightening light within – to be better in all aspects of our life.

Stream this world class new single on Spotify and see more of his gold-finding adventures via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Good Enough: Superb South African singer Asah M inspires the ladies in Barkly East with ‘Sophumelela’ (feat. Dumisani Uyehova)

As she sings gloriously to give us much-needed hope and light where there is unwanted anxiousness and darkness at every corner, Asah M is at her absolute best with her new heartwarming single called ‘Sophumelela(feat. Dumisani Uyehova).

Asanda Masawe aka Asah M, is a sensationally talented South African Afro-pop singer-songwriter. She is so inspired by her hometown — as she wants to be a leading figure — to be an uplifting role model to all those who want to do something special with their lives.

After the success of her debut single ‘Fak’imali‘ from 2020, we are treated to a quality verse from Dumisani Uyehova and we are witness to a glorious song, that brushes away all the dusty doubts, to fill you up with positive energy. The beat is so welcoming and you can’t help but jive along, as you get wrapped eagerly into this catchy song with a real message.

“As the only female aspiring musician in my hometown, I wanted to inspire all the talented young people and show them nothing is impossible.” – Asah M

Sophumelela(feat. Dumisani Uyehova) from the Barkly East, Eastern Cape, South Africa Afro-pop singer-songwriter Asah M, is that call to unite and to put all doubts away to never be seen again. She sings with a grace and determination that you can feel from the pure soundscape, that is seamless in delivery.

This is a hungry talent who is flying free to do what she has wanted to do since she was a little girl. Her time is now.

Stream this gloriously created single on Spotify and see more with her IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Where Will We Go: Moonlight Rhythm Society show us that soulfully sultry jazz on ‘Allison’

With 2020 shutting the world down into mask-filled darkness, Moonlight Rhythm Society used this opportunity to make beautifully crafted music and ‘Allison‘, is the first of seven much-anticipated releases from true underground legends of their craft.

Austrian Expats Marcus Oberlecher and Andreas Oberlechner started working with Peter Gaylord back in the early 80’s in Johannesburg, South Africa, where their bond grew close and the three-piece jazz trio have been working together ever since.

”The uncertainties and inherent difficulties in making a living out of the music industry led to Andreas and Marcus obtaining university qualifications in law and science respectively with Peter active in the running of the medieval themed restaurant that also provided an outlet to perform his music.”- Moonlight Rhythm Society

With their soulful tone streaming through your curious speakers, they lift through all the current climates to expertly simmer in a song that has you smiling again. They are so delightful and you can’t help but smile broadly while tapping your feet to a wonderful melody that has you in a joyful mood to embrace the new possibilities, that are there if you want them enough.

Allison‘ from Johannesburg-based jazz three-piece Moonlight Rhythm Society, is a terrific single from true musicians who do this for the love, as they let us into that old school feeling that is hard to find these days.

Stream this jazzy wonderland of sounds for the mind to heal with on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Taking us to a special place: Cape Town’s EMERGER dazzle brightly on the exquisite ‘Round We Go’

Back with the follow-up to ‘State of Mind‘ and oozing original creativity laced into their lovable fabric, EMERGER, take us on a colorful journey into your curious inner soul, with their excellent new single ‘Round We Go‘.

EMERGER are an ever-evolving Cape Town, South Africa-based alt-pop duo, formed by Gerry Matthee and Emma de Goede, who together make that special type of music that fills you up tenderly with hope, as you gaze happily into their carefully created sonic soundscapes, with a calm mind intertwined into your consciousnesses, breaking free after from being over-stimulated and rushed, in this fast-paced world of madness and hooting cars at every corner you cross.

”Being immersed within a tank of thousands of lights, the video portrays how the creative process can be all-encompassing”.- Emma de Goede

With consistently quality content on a regular basis, you feel like they are truly emerging on the world stage with their aesthetically pleasing music videos, crisp production and honey-tipped vocal delivery, which together fills your hungry palate with a scrumptious experience that feels outer-worldly at times.

Directed by Emma herself and with the renowned South African cinematographer Hugo Brand recruited to add his vast experience to this project, this is a marvelous music video that fills your mind up with positive energy and lets you soar into the clouds of creativity above, boosting your senses and opening your eyes to those possibilities you thought unfathomable before.

This is the story about how art can imitate a romantic relationship, with the first creative thought taking a life of its own and the different layers of complexities is something special, sometime happy, sometimes challenging, but must never be taken for granted. Learning about yourself and your chosen partner is a wondrous journey, that is meant to be discovered together through all the good and bad days.

Round We Go‘ from Cape Town, South Africa’s enticing alt-pop duo EMERGER, is an eager look into the present and future with an 80’s synth-pop feel, alluring your heart with luscious vocals and a beat that will make you blush in exhilaration.

See this wonderful video on YouTube, hear their Spotify music and see more visuals on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen