Linzi Jai
Morose
Linzi Jai is the latest offeirng from 20XX and Morose represents the artist's debut track.
The Florida based musician is channeling equal parts Frank Ocean and Miguel here to conjure this slice of pop-meets-R&B. Describing the track Linzi Jai says:
"I wanted to create a record that was simple but yet unique, I felt that the traditional R&B route wasn't my lane. Being a producer allowed me to add different elements to the record that I enjoy musically."
Check out Morose below:
Maya Killtron
Whiplash
A little over a year since she last featured on these pages Maya Killtron is back with another fabulous slice of 80s influenced disco-groove-pop.
Whiplash is the kind of energised pop record that feels like getting dragged along by an over-enthusiastic friend - there is no stopping the relentless progression of its four-four stomp.
Describing the track, Maya says:
"It encompasses all my memories of summer sounds growing up in Brampton, Ontario. The song comes from the first time I heard Michael Jackson’s PYT. It was in my driveway one July and my Dad let me take our little radio outside while I washed the car. PYT jumped out of the speakers and pretty much changed my ears forever. I never listened to music the same way again."
That PYT influence is clearly audible here - it's like Maya took the Jackson classic and threw it in a cocktail shaker with a load of Hi-NRG classics.
Twinkids
Overdressed
Overdressed is the new single from LA's Twinkids. The self-labeled queer pop duo consist of Tokyo boxers Gene Fukui and Floridian Matt Young.
There is a gorgeously minimal electronic feel to this pop record - the softly layered synths are set against some baggy percussion and soulful falsetto vocals to create something that feels one part Californian, one part Balearic and just a bit Junior Boys.
Overdressed describes the early emotional swings that come in a new relationship, inspired by Gene's own life. Describing the track he says: "It's about that pendulum feeling at the beginning of a relationship - knowing he's the best when you're with him but then full of doubt when you're apart."
Look out for the Twinkids EP Boys Love, due on 18 August via Om Records.
Surma
Hemma
The debut single from from 22-year-old Surma, Hemma is a entrancing piece of music, equal parts dream pop and post-rock.
Real name Debora Umbelino, Surma hails from Leira, Portugal, and her music channels disparate musical influences to create something that feels reminiscent of Björk and Joanna Newsom. Layered vocals and crunchy percussion give Hemma a entranced and intimate feel, like moments that stop and hang in the air.
Surma has worked with The Casota COllective on the striking video that accompanies Hemma. In it the musician is joined by two dancers who move to the music against the backdrop of a setting sun. It's both human and alien to watch, strangely entrancing. Check it out below:
Age
Peaks
I’m crashing hard on some post-mediterranean blues and this lush track from Irish / Australian duo Age is seriously not helping.
Gentling lapping at my mind like warm waves, Peaks has some gently echoing percussion and an ethereal melody that gives this a serious mediterranean feel. Add the male / female vocal interplay of duo Gavin Dwight and Jen Cosgrave and you get something utterly heartbreaking.
The emotional feel of this record fits perfectly with the subject matter, as Dwight describes it:
“We wrote ‘Peaks’ at a time when we could see a lot of people around us crossing over the line of what's safe and not taking care of themselves. We live in a place and a city where it's too easy to do. It's a love song to those people.”
The pair have been recording in bedroom sessions in London’s Clapton and nighttime shifts at the Tileyard studios. With co-production support from mixing engineer Russ Fawcus (Wild Beasts, Noah and the Whale) and mastering from Mandy Parnell (Jamie XX, The Knife) Age have unveiled this new single, due for release on 14 July. They are currently working on their debut EP.
