Rainbow Chan's metamorphosis from quasi-folk alternative songstress to a striking future pop artist is quite staggering. It's the ever so vibrant and unpredictable blend of genres, styles and electrifying vocals that makes this Sydney-based Hong Kongese producer's music so fresh and distinctive. The hypnotisingly intense, frenetic beat laden "Work", arguably her most accomplished single to date, follows the curiously off-the-beaten-track synth pop moment of "Last" and the kooky R'N'B groove "Nest". All those 3 gems can be found on Rainbow Chan's eclecticism-redefining debut album "Spacings" which is out now via Silo Arts & Records.
For today I've selected two tracks which have already appeared on my blog earlier on this year. Both of them however return with an added boost of energy in the shape of some of this year's most memorable remix treatments.
Fatima Yamaha is the enigmatic artist behind the 2004 lost underground gem "What's A Girl To Do", which became a complete club sensation in the electronic circles last year. Encouraged by the unparalleled success of the blogosphere's most cherished dance record of 2015, the Dutch producer dropped his brand new album "Imaginary Lines" via Magnetron Music last November. "Love Invaders" was an immediate favourite, pretty much guaranteed to become a single sooner than later. The track was remixed by Redinho, Africans with Mainframes and the French Touch maestro Breakbot. It's the Ed Banger Dj that turns this already gorgeously funky number into a summery French House lushness.
Midnight To Monaco are a Los Angeles based "nu-wop" (as they self-define their sound) duo. Their epic synth-pop moment and only 2nd single to date "One In A Million" was quite recently revamped into an erratic electro odyssey courtesy of Com Truise. Right next to Lone's 90's infused remix of Kenton Slash Demon's "Peace" among the strongest contenders for 2016 Remix of the Year so far.
I first came across Wallace's "Negroni Eyes" back in January when the song opened my first "Crème de la crème" chart in 2016. Few months have passed and my obsession with this incomparably elegant piece of music may have reached its peak with the arrival of this stylish video directed by Grégoire Lière. "Negroni Eyes" captivates with the Sydney based singer's extraordinary vocals, with an array of refined beats, sumptuous jazz references (Bill Evans!) and the ever so attractive medley of neo soul and nu jazz. Some subtle Erykah Badu or Amy Winehouse reminiscences may spring to mind but the song in its entirety strongly manifests itself as a purely unique composition. This year's most sophisticated 4 minutes, a visual and sonic feast you are all invited to delight in.
After months of meticulous preparations and countless teasers, Einar Egils and Svala Kali from the cult Icelandic synth pop trio Steed Lord, have just launched their brand new artistic project - Blissful. The flawelessly produced first single "Elevate" was worth all the wait and more than we could hope for from the gifted Icelanders. Slick synth arrangements, very current mixture of R'N'B, electronica and electro pop, Kali's impeccable vocals, perfect melody twists and that fittingly stylish video directed by Einar Egils himself. Here's your brand new synth pop anthem. I am already completely hooked. ELEVATE.... HiGHeR!
Danish singer songwriter Thomas Gaist (formerly known as Thom Catt) returns with the unnervingly haunting "Worries". We're setting off on a sonic expedition here with a wall of electronic sounds, layers of dark synths and a bizarre mélange of subtle vocal reminiscences, from The Blind Boys of Alabama, through D'Angelo to James Blake! With all of this, it's still a completely one of a kind journey embellished with yet another impeccable melody from this extremely talented modern style crooner. Following the phenomenal "A Cowards Confession" and the mysterious "Forest Roadside", "Worries" proves again Thomas Gaist to be one of the most interesting artists of the European continent right now, regardless of how low-key and DIY his presence may be. The fittingly unsettling video was produced by Anton Iversen. And if you want to hear some more, this homemade video on Gaist's official Facebook page sums up pretty accurately the quiet genius that he already is. Astonishing.
I have selected two completely different collaborations for you today. In both cases though we deal with producers and vocalists I have been blogging about in the past but never in these combinations.
Drew Cyrus Lustman better known as FaltyDL combines musical talents with UK prime neo soul diva Miss Rosie Lowe for the release of the curious "Drugs", a track which electrifies with its unnervingly chopped beats and dense production. The single's out tomorrow via Blueberry Records.
New Greek synth-pop forces united! Eskimo Recordings bring out "Hide In" a joint effort between NTEIBINT and Σtella. The pair collaborated before on a few occasions with the most delectable "The Owner" this time last year. Strong classic Pop melody, distinctive vocals and Gus Gus-esque production turn this slow-burner into a fully captivating moment. "Hide In" EP is out now with remixes by Ewan Pearson and Zombies in Miami.
It's time to revive this Lost Classic thread of mine. Here's a marvellously kitsch euro disco moment made in France back in 1981. This girl group project founded by Léo Carrier in Paris back in 1979 scored a stream of well received club singles back in the 80's disco heydays. "I Love Video" is a b-side taken from their "Get The Look" single.
