Author: Marcus Adetola

Arjuna Oakes’ Motel is a swirling vortex of neo-soul and psychedelic funk that ensnares you from the first intoxicating beat. The profoundly hypnotic groove pulsates with an illicit, fever-dream vitality, its relentless rhythm draped in the illusory opulence of shimmering Fender Rhodes and kaleidoscopic synths. Yet, swirling beneath the entrancing surface, lurks a murkier undercurrent. Arjuna Oakes’ unvarnished, impassioned vocals draw you into the song’s visceral core, his intimate delivery encapsulating the feeling of entrapment—of being marooned in stasis, feverishly seeking escape. “The imagery of being stuck in a shitty motel room just felt like it resonated well,” he divulges. “I wanted…

Singer-songwriter Frankie Bird’s closing track, 23, from her debut album Twenty Something, stands as a poignant centrepiece, a sonic memoir that navigates the complexities of longing for the past while embracing the present. From the outset, Bird’s endearing vocals and delicate guitar strums transport you to a place of familiarity, a warm embrace reminiscent of cherished memories. Yet, as the song unfolds, a haunting quality emerges, punctuated by twinkling synth embellishments that crescendo into a cathartic climax. The seamless fusion of folk and indie-pop elements crafts an anthem that resonates with the universal desire to recapture the magic of bygone eras.…

Warren Hue’s Rodeo gallops into uncharted sonic territory, a wild stallion of a track. Jakarta-born, Los Angeles-bred, this rising star’s latest offering from his TUNA mixtape is a genre-blurring odyssey, synthy-rock colliding with twinkling keys in an exhilarating fusion of sound. Don’t mistake this for some trite romantic jaunt down Rodeo Drive; Rodeo is a nuanced exploration of success’s double-edged sword. As Warren Hue croons about impressing his partner with his newfound LA lifestyle over weed smoke and red cups, his swaggering bravado conceals nagging self-doubt. “Do you still like this high?” he ponders, the thrill of conquest tinged with uncertainty…

Welcome to “Beyond The Charts: June’s Eclectic Playlist For Music Discovery,” where we dive into the sounds of summer with a selection that’s as diverse as the season itself. As the days grow longer and the nights invite adventure, music becomes the soundtrack to our memories. This month, we’re stepping off the beaten path to bring you a handpicked collection of tracks that promise to be the hidden gems in your playlist. From the sun-soaked strums of an indie guitar to the pulsating beats of underground dance floors, June’s playlist is a celebration of the artists and songs that thrive…

With her latest mid-tempo offering, She’s For The Streets, Olah Bliss proves once again why she’s one of the most captivating voices in R&B. This slinky, spacious jam walks a tightrope of inventiveness, spinning a compelling tale over a rich tapestry of instrumentation. Crafted by Bliss alongside CHYLD and Damian Jagroop, the production bathes you in lush keyboard pads, punchy beats, and seductive bass lines that seamlessly intertwine with Bliss’ ethereal vocals. Her distinct, whispery delivery dances around the groove with rhythmic precision, expressing raw emotion through masterful variations in pitch and tempo. On the surface, She’s For The Streets…

Love’s bittersweet ache courses through the veins of Arliston’s latest offering, Monks of Lindisfarne. The South London duo, Jack Ratcliffe and George Hasbury, have crafted a haunting ballad that will resonate with anyone who has felt the sting of unrequited love. With raw emotion and artful storytelling, this song takes listeners on an intimate journey through the turbulent waters of desire and acceptance. Enveloping you in a warm, analogue embrace, Monks of Lindisfarne invites you into a world where storytelling is as heartfelt as it is melodic. The lyrics, delivered with composed vulnerability, paint a vivid portrait of unrequited desire, finding tranquilly amidst…

A melancholic piano melody gently ushers us into aslongas, where a slow, deep bassline and a groovy drum pattern establish a relaxed rhythm. The track, taken from mynameisntjmack’s debut album “mynameisnt,” released on May 29th, features the distinctive talents of talented artists Wakai and Tommy Richman. The track’s alternating soundscapes serve as the backdrop for introspective lyrics and mellow bars that create an engaging atmosphere. The song, a blend of emotions, explores the complexities of pushing someone away and immediately regretting it. Each artist contributes a unique perspective on the theme, detailing their experiences with a nondescript “her.” Tommy Richman offers insight into intimate family…

Aley’s Arrab Aktar unveils a kaleidoscopic tapestry meticulously woven with melodic arabesques and rhythmic intricacies that transport listeners into a realm where the ancient and modern intertwine. This Arabic-language offering taken from Aley’s latest album of the same name challenges the boundaries of what we perceive as “Middle Eastern music.” The instrumentation, a rich amalgam of traditional and contemporary elements, is a revelation in and of itself. Rhythms sway and undulate, captivating the soul with their syncopated complexity, while melodies soar and swirl, evoking a sense of timeless wonder. Aley’s magnetic vocals, adorned with ornate flourishes, glide effortlessly atop this dynamic sonic…

When it comes to capturing the thrilling rush of desire, few artists nail it quite like Tora Woloshin on her latest offering, Swayin’. This sonic seductress knows how to crank up the heat, delivering a tantalising R&B jam that oozes sensuality from every pore. Right from the opening bars, Swayin’ lures you in with its irresistible groove, a hypnotic blend of retro vibes and silky-smooth rhythms that transport you to a world of unbridled passion. Woloshin’s vocals are pure liquid fire, her soul-stirring delivery igniting a blaze of want that scorches through the speakers. But it’s the lyrics that truly…

An ethereal violin draws you into the lush sonic realm of Like No One Could by Flora Cash, immediately enveloping you in an atmosphere rife with raw emotion and vulnerability. As Cole Randall’s tender vocals drift in over a delicate piano melody, there’s an unmistakable sense of intimacy that pervades the track—as if you’re an inadvertent eavesdropper on the most private of conversations. Randall’s opening lines cut straight to the core: “You’ve been talking to me like you never had before / Asking, ‘What if one of us gets bored?'” It’s a disarmingly frank exploration of the insecurities that plague even the most steadfast…