Author: Marcus Adetola

When one first listens to Causeway by Nina, featuring Ricky Wilde, it’s like stepping into a room where the past and present coexist in harmony. This track, taken from Nina’s third album, Scala Hearts, captures an experience—a journey through emotions and eras. Nina, or Nina Boldt’s voice, is akin to a whisper from the heart, a call from a soul that’s seen love and loss. Each note seems to carry the weight of longing—a yearning for something or someone lost. The way she sings “I just hadn’t realised how much I miss you still” flows like a confession, a revelation.…

Australia’s Lawson Hull, fresh off the heels of his ethereal collaboration with Laura Lucas, returns with Strange, a track that is as introspective as it is intimate. From the first delicate strum of the guitar, Strange envelops the listener in a cocoon of melancholy. Hull’s evocative vocals, set against a backdrop of gentle instrumentals, tell a tale of personal growth, fear of failure, and the ever-present spectre of COVID-19. It’s a song that speaks to the collective experience of a world in flux, where the lines between past, present, and future blur into one. Hull’s reflections on the song offer…

Jake Minch’s latest single, strip mall, is a raw and unfiltered journey into the recesses of teenage nostalgia. The track, which Minch candidly admits to penning during a hazy dorm room session in February, he doesn’t even remember. The song’s inception, as Minch reveals, is rooted in a mini-novel/really-long journal he was crafting about a high school love. This book, as he conveniently dubs it, was both a tribute to and a farewell to a past love. However, strip mall isn’t just about a lost love; it’s a lament for the fleeting nature of youth itself. Minch’s lyrics paint a…

Apex’s Cool Girl Island simultaneously surprises and seduces, offering listeners a tantalising blend of rhythm and risqué. From the outset, Cool Girl Island sets a mood that’s hard to resist. Gentle instrumentals beckon like the soft glow of candlelight, drawing you into a world where sensuality reigns supreme. But just as you’re settling into this seductive soundscape, Apex flips the script. Suddenly, you’re plunged into a whirlpool of rhythmic beats, where the atmosphere is thick with anticipation and the vocals are nothing short of dreamy. But what truly sets Cool Girl Island apart is its unabashed exploration of carnal desires.…

Lo Artiz’s La Bruja emerges as a defiant roar, a siren song of empowerment. The track is a mesmerising blend of soulful vocals and well-crafted instrumentals, creating an infectious sound that’s impossible to ignore. The very concept of a witch, or “bruja”, has been a source of fear and fascination for centuries. Historically, the idea of a woman harnessing her power and achieving her desires was a narrative many sought to suppress. However, Artiz with her enchanting voice and poignant lyrics, challenges this age-old narrative, reclaiming the term and redefining it for a new generation. The opening verse, with lines…

Norwegian artist, film composer and multi-instrumentalist Tuva Finserås crafts a melody that transcends the ordinary with her latest single, Row. This ethereal, folk-influenced tune is not just a song; it’s an odyssey. From the very first notes, Row envelops listeners in a dreamy soundscape, reminiscent of a mist-covered fjord at dawn. The glistening guitars serve as the perfect backdrop for Finserås’ airy vocals, which caress the ears with a spectral tenderness. It’s cinematic in every sense of the word, painting vivid images with each chord and lyric. However, beyond its sonic beauty, Row is a profound exploration of human emotion…

Valentina, the former voice behind Hot Chip and Kano, offers a refreshing, albeit haunting, perspective with her latest single, Love Myself. Following the acclaim of her 2021 EP Nature, Valentina’s return is nothing short of a sonic masterpiece that delves deep into the human psyche. The track is a masterclass in minimalism, with sombre electronic organ tones laying the foundation for Valentina’s ethereal vocals. The experimental soundscapes, both eerie and melancholic, transport listeners to a realm where raw emotion reigns supreme. It’s a place where the boundaries between the spiritual and the corporeal blur, and Valentina’s voice serves as the…

Rangleklods’ newest track, Your House, is a nod to the iconic 90s French house and electronic beats, exuding a vintage charm. The song’s accompanying video showcases snippets from Rangleklods’ captivating performance during the twilight hours at Avernax Festival. With the scenic beauty of the Danish shores as a backdrop, it offers a visual treat that complements the sonic allure. This is a harmonious fusion of yesteryear’s charm, setting a rhythmic pulse. The earlier hit, Song We Used To Play, had already made waves, receiving nods from industry giants like Danish P3, Norwegian NRK P13, and German Radio Fritz. Your House…

UK singer-songwriter SAPPHIRE’s latest single, corvette, encapsulates a moment that words alone cannot express; it’s a sonic love letter to New York City, a place that has been the backdrop for countless love stories, both real and imagined. SAPPHIRE, in collaboration with co-writer Alex Stacey, has managed to distil the essence of the city into a modern-pop anthem that’s as romantic as it is hedonistic. “Downtown New York as the city silhouettes,” she sings, painting a vivid picture of a city that never sleeps but always dreams. The song’s lyrics delve into the agony and ecstasy of waiting for a guy…

Lily Brooks O’Briant’s latest offering, Too Good To Be True, is a poignant acoustic ballad that beautifully encapsulates the trepidation of loving again after heartbreak. She vividly captures the variety of emotions that frequently elude words, accompanied by the melancholy strums of a guitar and the raw, unfiltered lyrics. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Memphis, transitioning through the bustling life of NYC, and finally finding her rhythm in sunny California, Lily is no stranger to the limelight. With her notable stints on shows like The Big Show Show and The Young & the Restless, she’s showcased her acting prowess. However, it’s her…