Shura, one of Top 10 Hottest Newcomers in 2014 according to my own chart I published back in December, has just dropped her synth-laden oldskool flavoured new single "2Shy" and it sounds like the 1980's never really went away... Her delicate vocals bring back some sweet early Janet Jackson memories, the alluring melody and the irresistible production place this uncanny retro synth-pop gem somewhere between GL, Chromeo and Electric Youth in the "Future 80's" department. I continue to be in awe with this London act.
M.I.A. posted "CanSeeCanDo" on her Soundcloud last weekend hinting at the album #5 being possibly ready for a release this summer. Classic Arulpragasam gem!
Shaun J. Wright & Alinka, Chicago based house duo extraordinaire are back with their 4th Twirl release "Love Songs" which could easily be introduced as their finest joint effort to date. This sensual, sleekly produced slice of underground house is an irresistible invitation to vogue and your shiniest dancefloor moment on a Saturday night. Hypnotic, seductive and inescapable, the single, which drops 30th March, is accompanied by some of Wright's most memorable (and sexiest!) vocals to date and by 2 intriguing remixes. The twisted, slightly "Kraftwerkian" re-work by Harry Cross and the pulsating, dancefloor-ready mix by The Carry Nation. I've been loving all of their releases so far, I'm particularly fond of "Wait For Love" but "Twirl 004" may as well be Alena and Shaun's most fruitful and compelling collaboration yet.
"A Message" is another stellar production by the scarily talented Alejandro Ghersi, better known by his stage name Arca. Following his futuristic and unique aural escapades with Björk and FKA Twigs, the Venezuelan producer teams up with one of the most progressive American artists of the younger generation Kelela, for her brand new EP "Hallucinogen" which promises to take us "on a journey through lust, longing, delirium and ecstasy". One of the female pioneers of the alternative R&B movement, Kelela gained both enthusiastic praise from the critics and a cult status among her devoted fanbase for her debut mixtape "Cut 4 Me" where she added her own vocals on over instrumental tracks by DJs the likes of Kingdom, Nguzunguzu and Bok Bok. The stylish video for "A Message" was directed by Daniel Sannwald.
London songstress Laura Groves just delivered her 2nd EP "Committed Language" for Deek Recordings. This collection of exquisitely produced Dream Pop songs lies somewhere cosily between the sounds of Nite Jewel, M83, Jenny Wilson and iamamiwhoami. "Dream Story" stands out the most among all 4 tracks, beguiling its listeners with a charming profusion of vocal harmonies, unexpected melody twists and unassuming, gentle arrangement of all the impeccably selected instruments. It's a little sonic escapade I don't want to end... A sheer aural delight...
