Author: Marcus Adetola

Exploring new music. Explaining it shortly after. Keeping the classics close. Neon Music founder.

Miette Hope’s Bubblewrap, the third single from her self-produced and upcoming EP Crying at Restaurants, is a poignant exploration of emotional vulnerability, wrapped in a melody that’s both comforting and haunting. The song details intimate details and specifics, painting a vivid picture of a relationship that’s as much about discovering another person as it is about understanding oneself. The Berlin backdrop, with its riverside drinks and shared cigarettes, adds a cinematic quality to the song, making it feel like a scene from a coming-of-age film. At the heart of Bubblewrap is its chorus, where Hope uses the metaphor of wrapping…

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The music entrepreneur Smallgod collaborates with the multi-talented and conscious artist Black Sherif on Fallen Angel, a striking blend of Ghanaian Highlife and hip hop, a musical concoction that immediately grabs your attention. Joshua Aime Adjei and Owusu Twumasi’s production of the song creates a soundscape that is both rich and vibrant, setting the stage for a narrative that is profoundly human and relatable. The song’s narrative revolves around the struggles and aspirations of a young man likened to a ‘fallen angel,’ a metaphor that speaks volumes about the trials and tribulations of youth. The lyrics, introspective and poignant, delve into…

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In Vices, CXRRXNT delves into the gritty reality of grappling with inner demons, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s society. This track is a raw, unfiltered journey through the mind of an artist, confronting his darkest impulses with thoughtful and catchy verses littered with gems. The bridge sets the tone with its vivid imagery: “I see a hundred miles on the dash / Staying focused cause you know I might crash.” These lines are a metaphor for life on the edge, a constant battle between control and chaos. CXRRXNT’s voice carries a sense of urgency – a man racing…

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In her latest song, Patterns, Luna Keller captures the essence of internal struggle with a blend of simplicity and sincerity. This song, a poignant chapter in a larger narrative, showcases Keller’s ability to convey complex emotions through her art. Keller’s voice, both confident and evocative, serves as the perfect vehicle for the song’s emotional journey. It intertwines seamlessly with the instrumentation – a delicate balance of accordion and distorted guitar. This unique combination crafts a soundscape that oscillates between playful and sinister, mirroring the song’s exploration of internal conflict. The lyrics of Patterns resonate with the frustration of repeating destructive…

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In Symbols, Maple Bee and Zac Kuzmanov, collectively known as Moontwin, present a musical piece that resonates with a unique charm. This song is an experience of a journey into introspection and emotion. From the very beginning, with lines like “High on denial / And running on empty,” Maple Bee’s voice carries a richness that draws you in, making every word come alive as she navigates through the melody to create a picture that’s both vivid and haunting. The instrumentals in Symbols play a crucial role. They are intricate yet subtle, forming a backdrop that complements Maple Bee’s vocals perfectly.…

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Vacant, the latest track from Simona Shao, flows like a faint whisper that moves the soul in bounds. It’s like a quiet conversation on a moonlit night, where every word matters and silence speaks volumes. Shao, with her roots in Los Angeles and a journey through the realms of classical music, brings something raw yet refined to the table. Her voice fills the room, making the song feel intimate and close. It’s like the gentlest touch, intertwining effortlessly with the guitar that doesn’t just strum; it murmurs, at the same time mingling with the piano melody that sighs. The beats…

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Every so often, as you scroll through Instagram, a hidden musical gem catches your attention in an instant. It’s in these unexpected moments that you stumble upon tracks like Kang’s Day 5—a song that grips you from the first note and refuses to let go. Kang’s Day 5 carves its own niche in the Afropop genre, marking a significant chapter in his evolution from a business major to an artist adept at fusing varied sounds. More than just a melody, this track is a narrative, intricately spun from Kang’s rich musical experiences, where hip-hop meets Afrobeats in a harmonious blend. The Sound: A Rhythmic…

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On his latest single, Stuck, singer-songwriter I Shiver makes emotional authenticity his cornerstone. It is a poignant narrative set against a backdrop of soft guitar strums and layered synth choirs. This track is a confession, a journey through the depths of anxiety and depression, narrated with a vulnerability that’s as raw as it is relatable. The opening verse, “Words of doubt all in my path/Wasting my time on the wrong days,” immediately sets the tone. It’s a reflection of internal turmoil, a struggle with the self that’s often harder than any external conflict. The lyrics don’t just tell a story;…

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Brandin Jay’s This Year is a poignant and stirring R&B track that delves deep into the artist’s personal journey and aspirations. The song opens with a warm piano melody, immediately enveloping the listener in a blanket of introspection. This musical choice is not just an auditory pleasure but a clever narrative device, setting the stage for the deeply personal lyrics that follow. The lyrics of This Year are a candid reflection of Brandin Jay’s experiences and struggles in the past year. He speaks of highs and lows, love and heartbreak, and the challenges of finding oneself amidst life’s tumultuous journey.…

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UK rapper J Swave’s latest offering, This Year Is My Year, stands out not for its flamboyance but for its raw, unfiltered introspection. It’s a gritty, no-holds-barred narrative that delves deep into the psyche of an artist at a crossroads, balancing ambition with the stark realities of the music industry. Swave’s lyrical prowess is evident from the outset. The opening lines, “Magic Tricks and clowns the rap game is a circus / Rap is just the surface I gotta higher purpose,” immediately set the tone. Here is an artist acutely aware of the industry’s superficiality yet undeterred in his quest…

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