There are very few singers as powerful and as arresting as Coco. O and even fewer producers able to produce her as well as her bandmate Robin Hannibal. The two stunned critics with their gorgeous debut in 2009 and are now beginning to ready the release of their anticipated sophomore album Avalanche. The album’s lead single titled ‘Better Off’ is a shimmering, subdued affair with warm tonal tendencies & smooth textures and is also the only track on the album with a featured artist. The duo are assisted by an unmistakable guest verse from Kendrick Lamar, who expressed his admiration for the Danish group when he sampled ‘Tiden Flyver’ (a single they released through their off-shoot group Boom Clap Bachelors) on his seminal ‘Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe’ single.
Having already featured on Tyler, the Creator’s new album and having caught the ear of Jay-Z – it could be a huge year for Quadron. Expect their new album Avalanche on June 4th.
As the release date for Disclosure’s debut album draws ever closer, the duo reveal a new album cut called ‘When a Fire Starts to Burn’. The song is funkier than their previous pure-garage releases and although it makes for interesting insight into what their new album will offer – it isn’t their strongest effort to date. Production aside, towards the end of the track the non-stop vocal loop begins to feel a little jarring. But make no mistake, this won’t make a bit of difference to the impending success of their debut album Settle - get ready for the Disclosure takeover, it official begins June 3rd.
As The xx continue their worldwide ‘Night + Day’ tour (soon to be hitting London, we cannot wait!), they surprised their German fans in Berlin by bringing out fellow London girl Jessie Ware to perform A unique cover of Stardust’s ‘Music Sounds Better With You’. Just take a listen to Miss Ware’s powerhouse vocals and how they work so wonderfully with The xx’s nocturne production.. Need an official version of this ASAP.
Yo, Ciara looks like Ciara means business this time round. Her latest single ‘I’m Out’ features Nicki Minaj, who in all actuality is arguably the best thing on the record. But that said for the most part the track is pretty decent. Unfortunately a few cheesy lyrics and ad-libs throughout spoil it from being an all out banger and while it’s not as strong as her ‘Body Party’ single (one of her strongest to date) ‘I’m Out’ still has enough fire to keep people engaged. Expect Ci-Ci’s new self titled album in July.
Canadian producer Jacques Greene follows up his collaboration with Tinashe by teaming up with another compelling vocalist – How To Dress Well. Tom Krell’s fragile voice bounces confidently around Greene’s R&B infused house production. Both seem to instinctively bring out the best in each other. ‘On Your Side’ is title track taken off Jacques Greene’s forthcoming EP released June 3rd.
Andreya Triana makes a welcome return with a delicate new single titled ‘Song For a Friend’. The soulful folk gospel is built around an emotive piano, church organs, romantic strings and glorious BV’s. It the type of quiet ballad that reintroduces what made us all fall in love with her when she released her stunning debut Lost Where I Belong back in 2010. And although the songs beauty is indisputable I do hope the new album offers a more progressive take on what she delivered three years ago.
ItsNate’s advancing progression into the spacier realms of UK hip hop has in many ways helped broaden the limitations many heads from these shores impose on British rap. His work, along with the work from his Piff Gang associates have embraced the cloudier aesthetics of hip hop but does so in a typically London way – which by very definition stands it apart from anything Stateside.
His latest single ‘Easy’ was produced by Sumgii and features Piff Gang’s Milkavelli – take a listen as both emcees school you on just how ‘eaaaasy’ it is for them to do what they do. And if you haven’t already make sure you download a copy of Nate’s Never Average Talking Excellent tape which dropped back in September.
If you’re having a shitty day Pharrell has something for you. ‘Happy’ is the infectious and unapologetic new mood-lifter produced and performed by Williams for the upcoming ‘Despicable Me 2′ soundtrack. Although the track is a bit of a novelty it does feature some dope production and beautiful/classic harmonies. It also feels perfectly suited for the film, not to mention like his performance on ‘Get Lucky’, has Pharrell sounding better than he ever has. The track will feature alongside two other new songs he’s produced for the movie – one of which will feature Cee-Lo Green.
In other Pharrell news – he recently sat down with Usher to film an episode of ARTIST TLK – take a look at their lengthy (and interesting) discussion after the jump.
On May 24th The Jet Age of Tomorrow will release their third full length album The JellyFish Mentality for free. Made up of musicians Matt Martians (The Internet/Odd Future) and Hal Williams (Pyramid Vritra) the duo’s upcoming release will feature an impressive list of collaborators including SBTRKT, Hodgy Beats, Kilo Kish, Jesse Boykins III and Earl Sweatshop. In the lead up to this weeks release they’ve uploaded a looming new a two-part single titled ‘ON!’ to their soundcloud, listen below…
While Beyonce continues to befuddle the world with her seemingly unpredictable campaign strategy, a full length version of her Timbaland produced, The-Dream penned new single ‘Grown Woman’ has mysteriously appeared online. A short snippet of the afro-beat song was first previewed during Bey’s Pepsi commercial in April and she’s been performing it live during her The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour concerts but until now the full song had not been heard. Listen below…
