Stream: Jaws of Love - Jaws of Love

Jaws of Love is the debut release from the Local Natives songwriter, vocalist and pianist Kelcey Ayer's solo project of the same name and it comes from his forthcoming album Tasha Sits Close To The Piano.

The track is a haunting piano-led piece that builds on the work he demonstrated as part of the acclaimed LA five-piece.

Describing the emotional focus for the Jaws of Love project Ayer says:

"I used to think that to write about love, something had to be wrong. I often got my material from pain, or insecurity, or problems - I thought I couldn’t write a good love song because I am in love and it’s going so well. But I’ve grown to realise that even in the most amazing relationships there are turbulent times and misunderstandings that are unavoidable. And that doesn’t mean that anything is doomed, but love is such a complicated thing. The idea of ‘jaws of love’ felt so perfect for this project because it’s all about love’s trials and tribulations."

In tandem with the emotional angle for this solo project the other centre of gravity comes from the piano itself. The title came from Ajey's wife and it describes the couple's dog Tasha. At times the piano sits high in the mix on its own, as here on Jaws of Love, and elsewhere it appears alongside more complex elements - the consistent element is that the piano always plays a major part.

Kelcey Ayer will play his debut solo headline show on 21st September at The Masonic Lodge, Hollywood Forever Cemetery in L.A. He plans to take his compelling live set to the UK and Europe in Autumn. Tasha Sits Close To The Piano is due out digitally via House Arrest on 22nd September.

Stream: Morose - Linzi Jai

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:

Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2tA80up Apple Music: http://bit.ly/2utThFL iTunes: http://apple.co/2vcsHi0

Stream: Whiplash - Maya Killtron

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.

The newest track from your fav 80's baby. Collab with my partner in crime DadGod Miloš Angelov & Oz's Finest Jesse Bear.

Stream: Overdressed - Twinkids

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.

'Overdressed' is the first single from the TWINKIDS' debut release on Om Records 'Boys Love' to be released August 18, 2017. This song chronicles the uncertainty and distrust in a young relationship, the feeling of betrayal in conflict with insatiable attraction. The song’s poppy verse explodes into a full-fledged four-on-the-floor chorus as the singer asks “Is it crystal or plastic?” Lyrics: VERSE 1 Hold you with covetous hands My endless rants, baby they’re homemade Invited to your careful masquerade Maybe baby I’m going insane You leave me with a smile on your face a stain in my mouth, you’re making me feel you show me your teeth, you got some nerve Captivated, oh I can’t move PRECH Blinding me, hardly see all your lying, your loving distracts me Fell in love and it comes with a price, all your loving, it distracts me CHORUS: Is it crystal or plastic? Overdressed and under-loved, it quivers, that bug in your lip, baby I love you deeply you’re a lie to me VERSE 2 Hold you and your thready claims they rip easy, baby even in your haze should I keep you and live in your charade? maybe baby I’ll just go insane You leave me with a smile on your face you’re dressed up for me, always talking me to stay you show me your teeth, you got some nerve captivated, oh I can’t move © & ℗ 2017 Om Records Published by Copyright Control (BMI)

Video: Hemma - Surma

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:

"Hemma" is the first single of the debut record from Surma that will be released in October, 2017 trough Omnichord Records Directed and Produced by CASOTA Collective Cast Guilherme Leal Catarina Godinho Débora Umbelino Makeup Raquel Laranjo www.omnichordrecords.com