It’s been a while since we last heard from ZES, so we’re stoked to have a new treat from him. The Dutch producer brings an electronic/future bass sound that pours out longing and conflict, both internal and external.
Between the driving drums and bassline and the shifting vocal chops, the production creates a strong parallel with the vocals and lyrics. Forward-moving and progressively steady while varied and unsure on the surface, “Set Mind” is totally raw and honest in its delivery.
Tracks like “Glass House” and “Hey Gorgeous” from Nick Talos have unsurprisingly gained him impressive numbers of both streams and fans. The Berlin based producer has now put out “Home To You,” which features his lilting vocals against an upbeat backdrop.
He is able to write both romantic and dance-ready singles, and this is another example of that. Folk-style flute and guitar patterns sound wonderful aside its dynamic beat, and Nick Talos has clearly drawn on personal experience to create this tune.
It’s available now to stream worldwide – give it a listen below.
Oozing with understated flow and serene melodies is Ruben Pol’s “Meet Again.” We first encountered the Dutch high fashion model and musician with his debut “Bedsheets,” which saw widespread critical acclaim. Now he is back to deliver more, and again dazzles.
With production taken care of by respected dance producer Tom Martin, Ruben Pol is left to inject “Meet Again” with his brooding, straight from the soul appeal. Discussing the message behind it, Pol says of this magnetic cut: “Meet Again’ is about a broken relationship and it reflects on the enormous value it still has to me. No matter how much suffering has taken place or how much pain has been done, I’m sure that in the end ‘we’ll meet again’.”
Continuing a steady stream of releases this week is Absent Mind, a label that focuses on chilled, lightly electronic sounds. We’ve enjoyed everything they’ve put on offer this year, and their latest is another example of this. “Just Friends” comes courtesy of Unlovable, an act that we know very little about.
This track shimmers with clean melodic flow and some oozing vocals; a musical match made in heaven. This one is ideal for winding down for the weekend with, and it’s had several rotations from us already.
There is a new gem out for release via Stockholm label Snafu Records. It’s the latest single from San Diego singer/songwriter Brooke Williams, who delights with “High & Bye.” Responsible for the hugely successful “Adrenaline” and “Nightmare,” Williams again makes a very honest record with this release.
She says: “High & Bye’ is about a night when you just want to forget about life and chill with someone. I was getting over old feelings and had sworn off any new ones. This song was my way of saying that to this person.”
its distinctive use of piano and rippling vocals are hard to ignore – we’re hitting repeat on “High & Bye” now.
We’re soaking up the sounds of power duo Vargas & Lagola this week. With a fresh single just out, it’s refreshing to see the pair take a new direction with their style of production. Taking a move away from traditional dance music and venturing into the acoustic scene, they deliver “Selfish.”
Without losing any of their previous appeal, Vargas & Lagola have created the searching “Selfish” with 80s synths, nostalgic (almost Fleetwood Mac-esque) guitar riffs and a singalong chorus. Just one listen is all it takes to get hooked on this one.
Pushing through boundaries with his newest release this week is JAIME. The German born producer, sound designer and drummer wows with “Dreams,” a cleanly produced but seriously memorable piece of hip-hop meets future bass.
He has worked alongside MITTONE for this track, which will form part of his forthcoming album – something we are already looking forward to. “Dreams” is a jigsaw of raw rhythms, pitched down vocals and diverse instrumentation, coming together with a sense of both suspense and excitement. It’s a ground-breaking single, and one that will take JAIME to a new crowd of listeners.
There is something special out for release by BLVTH right now. With his influences ranging greatly from bass to hip-hop and everything in between, the mysterious producer has just delivered his eight-track EP blut. It’s an enticing listen for many reasons, but we love the way that BLVTH refuses to stay within the constraints of one or two genres.
Standouts on the EP have to come courtesy of “Pusher” (we particularly love the version featuring vocalist Soiceytrap), and “Disney,” which really hits hard with its moments of sharp contrast.
You can now listen through each eight tracks in full, check them out right here.
KIDDO makes her musical debut this week with the stunning single “Drunk And I Miss You.” With the only glimpses into the artist’s identity via her hand-drawn computer images of herself, the Swedish singer and songwriter tells a story with this instantly memorable single.
Sitting alongside a captivating official lyric video that again features her own incredible animation, this guitar-driven single infuses moments of pop and retro grunge – making KIDDO an act we want to hear more from right away.
