Will Rhead and Alex Ross of music collective False Concept Co. have shared a fresh new single called “1”. Here, the UK artists establish an evocative sound through wistful guitars underscored by elegant strings that build in layers. Vocally, the deliver poignant, bittersweet vocals full of memorable melodies, drawing the listener into this song’s beautifully melancholic atmosphere. As heartfelt keys are brought in midway, this song reaches a crescendo of emotion, making it difficult to not be affected by this track. The latest offering from Rhead and Ross, this song shows promise in its songwriting throughout, and makes us curious for what may come next from them.
Lucidjason has shared a new instrumental EP called rebirth, which finds him delivering five beautifully hazy lo-fi beats that are immersive and raw. Soulful and vivid throughout the tracklist, soaring beats like “no limit baby” and “grace” open the project with expansive, layered samples and organic-sounding percussion, while “for the rest” and the closer “rebirth” provide more contained, minimalistic sonics. A project highlight appears in “clouds”, a jazzy, psychedelic instrumental that winds kaleidoscopically with choppy vocal samples and textural horns, providing much replay value. A solid instrumental project from Lucidjason overall, rebirth is a perfect soundtrack for the early hours of morning.
“Pessimists get on my nerves/ You couldn’t do it so now you just hatin’ on me“, Juicethedon raps with self-contained ferocity on “Limits”, a new track from his deluxe version of THE BIGGEST DON. A self-aware ode to overcoming obstacles and naysayers, “Limits” showcases Juicethedon’s sharply candid lyrical ability and compelling command of the microphone. As he strings together poignant line after poignant line, one cannot help but be drawn into this track’s raw yet ruminative atmosphere. Underscored by warm, rich production, “Limits” is a track that is easy to put on and zone out to, inspiring deeper contemplation and reflection.
19 year-old California artist Carsan has shared a fresh single called “So Many Problems”. Showcasing his sharp lyrical skills and commanding yet smooth cadence, this single’s hypnotic, infectious grooves caught our attention immediately. Featuring a laid-back, glowing instrumental that provides a warm soundscape suitable for Carsan’s fluid, confident vocals, this track is both thought provoking and catchy. With introspective lyrical content and an immersive sonic atmosphere, “So Many Problems” is a track that is highly replay-able while simultaneously providing many pensive moments.
Massachusetts artist DK has shared a fresh new single called “Gaslight”. A wistful, bittersweet offering packed with infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics, this single continues his run of singles containing consistently sharply-crafted songwriting. The instrumental for “Gaslight” centres around melancholic guitars and swirling, airy backing vocals, before heavy, addictive percussion and rich 808s drop in. As DK delivers memorable verses and tops it off with a powerful, emotive chorus, one quickly gets absorbed in this single’s hazy, stirring atmosphere. A sentimental yet catchy joint from DK, “Gaslight” provides replay value while remaining potent throughout.
Frettz, Knoble, JED, and Lyfe have connected for an international collaboration titled “Keep Your Doubts”. Featuring a bass-heavy, infectious instrumental centred around bright guitars and crisp percussion, this single is a refreshing banger that had us hooked from the get-go. The vocalists share a natural chemistry here as well, trading off electrifying verses with ease and charisma. Tied together by a memorable hook, “Keep Your Doubts” provides heavy replay value while also showcasing sharply crafted lyricism.
New Jersey producers DRIVEBY and Roper Williams have shared a collaborative album titled Armored Mewtwo Has No Friends, featuring vocals from fellow New Jersey artist Fatboi Sharif. The three share a natural chemistry throughout the record, as made evident from the first track “Status Check”, which features a droning, psychedelic instrumental centred around gritty samples and rich bass. Over top, Sharif’s baritone vocals meld with the beat to create a claustrophobic yet enjoyable soundscape. “Status Check” transitions smoothly into “Change of Plans”, which adjusts to a slower pace with a relaxed, minimalistic keys and subtle percussion. Showcasing the artists’ diversity early in the project, “Change of Plans” opposes the first track’s glitchier aesthetic with a smooth, lo-fi beat.
Songs like “Extended Journey Into Space” and “Starwind” take on an expansive sound palette with slowed down, reverb-soaked samples that feel deeply layered, while “Alone” and “Neue Drum” feel more compact and jazzier. The project’s dynamics keep the listener engaged while also remaining highly cohesive, allowing the producers to switch styles effortlessly throughout the tracklist.
An album highlight appears in the pensive, nocturnal “Traveling”, a track that finds cosmic, airy keys ringing out atop laid-back percussion. Here, the producers use of space is intriguing, with the beat feeling simultaneously straightforward and dense. They re-create this effect on other tracks throughout the album, including the subtly grandiose “In Space Floating”, which features twisting, abstract vocal samples and grooving drums, giving the song an otherworldly yet infectious rhythm.
A multi-faceted project from DRIVEBY and Roper Williams featuring heavy contributions from Fatboi Sharif, Armored Mewtwo Has No Friends is a diverse offering that mixes lo-fi sounds with noise and glitch elements. A forward-thinking record that provides many pleasant surprises, this mercurial offering beckons multiple re-listens to grasp its layered nature.
Sean Pixel has shared a fresh new single called “muda muda”. The prolific artist, who follows up his vibrant, warm recent song “not as easy” with this offering, continues to showcase sharp songwriting and a keen ear for infectious production here. Evocative guitars enter first, creating a wistful foundation for Pixel’s emotive melodies as crisp drums and bouncy 808s are brought in to bolster the song’s hypnotic rhythm. As he delivers smooth yet powerful verses and caps the song off with a memorable hook, one can’t help but be drawn into this song’s nostalgic, balmy atmosphere. The latest from Sean Pixel, “muda muda” continues his streak of charmingly catchy offerings.
Yngboyewy is one of those new artists that excite me. His discography only began in 2020, but Ewy has already proven to be a prolific songwriter- and a good one at that. Throughout his tracks there seems to be a fluid blend of different genres like indie, pop, and hip hop, and his latest release “<3” is no different. The track opens with an acoustic guitar strumming behind a synth melody while Yngboyewy vamps hip hop-like vocal stabs, even including a producer tag before the beat drop- all of which has been ingrained in you to make you believe you’re about to hear rapping. So, it’s a real fake-out when it launches into the main more indie-centered theme of the song. This fake-out however, does not diminish the quality and flow of the song as a whole and adds replay value, in my opinion. Yngboyewy is a hidden gem.
Canadian artist Dxadpoxt returns with his second single of the year, teaming up with YUNG FUFU for the release of “Lone Traveller”. Wavey and packed with subtleties, a hypnotic guitar line drives the track as both artists deliver powerful verses. “Lone Traveller” is both soothing and engaging, reminiscent of the modern west coast sound of the early-2010s. Light keys and harps float in and out from start to finish, while angelic, yet ghostly choirs support Dxadpoxt’s hook to round out a spirited offering from the pair.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 