Sampha, producer and featured vocalist on Chicago artist Jean Deaux’s latest “Find U”, continues to exhibit the “hot hand” w/ this soulfully constructed punchy new collaboration. “Find U” features clattering modern beats and a cinematographic brand of atmosphere (think the music production equivalent of perfect cinematography) and the quick stride of Jean Deaux and Sampha’s vocal exchanges. Jean Deaux Soular System project is on the way soon.
Jean Deaux 
(Info)
Rating 8.1
East India Youth is England’s William Doyle. His Total Strife Forever album drops next week in both the UK and the US. Doyle cites Shostakovich and Brian Eno among his influences. Imagine that unpredictable blend and you have what NME Magazine lists as one of their most eagerly anticipated releases thus far in 2014. And I couldn’t agree more. Doyle doesn’t sing on all the album tracks but when he does, such as on “Dripping Down”, he brings a mellow and confident presence to his music. The song builds with synths that surprise. It’s savory backing vocals evolve to the point where they take on a Beach Boys feel near the song’s end. “Dripping Down” is the album’s first single, and it’s got a shot to catch on quickly. He will be at SXSW this year and I hope he’s got some quality venues lined up. Reviewed By Bruce Review
East India Youth – Dripping DownEast India Youth 
(Facebook)
Hear Bruce’s “Go Deep With Bruce Rave” weekly new music show on Indie1031/Los Angeles and WSUM-FM/Madison. Details and archived shows can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!
Last we left MADE IN HEIGHTS was 2011 and their brilliant bit of abstract pop “Wildflowers”. The Los Angeles-based group emphatically follow-up “Wildflowers” with the entirely different and new sound of “Murakami”. On the track, the chopped up vocals of singer Kelsey Bulkin are wrapped up into producer Sabzi’s glitchy hip hop-referencing beats creating a perfectly tuned whirl that has a magnetism that’s impossible to escape. “I’m showing up in the future like I’ve been here before.” Murakami.
MADE IN HEIGHTS 
(Official)
Rating 8.5
The studio quality version of Duke Dumont’s follow-up single to the breakout “I Need U (100%)”, “I Got U” (still w/ the textspeak “U”) finally arrives today. “I Got U”‘s DNA is firmly of the tropical persuasion w/ clattering steel drums and chanty percussive rhythm-bolstering vocals. The Virgin Records release (due March 17th) is sure to be another smash for the Duke.
Duke Dumont 
(Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.3
The minimal modern pop of “Cut Your Teeth” is introduction to UK singer Kyla La Grange’s latest stylistic metamorphosis. Galvanized by a sleek Four Tet-esque instrumental, Kyla’s new sound succeeds on its still strong melodic rudder and La Grange’s star quality vocal. Look for a new LP from Kyla La Grange later this year on Sony Music.
Kyla La Grange (Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.3
Joel Little, the NZ producer behind Lorde and BROODS, helms a new track from his latest collaborator; Kiwi newcomer Indira Force a/k/a Indi. “Stay” is an immaculately-produced piece of R&B-leaning modern pop.
Jupiter Project 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.2
Phil Beaudreau, the L.A.-based smooth tenor behind such fave tracks from last year including “This Is Why” and “Take It High” and an alum of our SX showcase this past March , announces anticipated debut LP Ether. Featuring those same tracks as well as a set of new unreleased material incl. the excellent ’70’s R&B meets Nigel Godrich of “Won’t Get Away”, Ether also showcases Eminem/Jay Z collaborator Dawaun Parker’s steady wide-palette but hook-focused production. Get introduced to Ether with a stream in full below.
Phil Beaudreau (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.7
Ryan Hemsworth with good reason celebrates the end of 2013 with this rendition of “Ribs” by way of year-end-list rainmaker Lorde. Get into it.
Ryan Hemsworth 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.3
Canadian indie rock duo Tegan and Sara have been touring in support of their seventh studio album Heartthrob. Below you can check out some photos from the twin sisters recent gig in NYC at Capitol Theatre on December 14th courtesy of B3SCI contributor and photographer Eliana Siegal. Be sure to check out the band on tour!
Tegan and Sara (Official)
2013 it’s been breezy. We’ve given the 13th year of the new millennium it’s proper send-off with what else but… lists! This year we’ve dropped our 50 Top Songs, Team B3’s Staff Picks, the 50 Most Popular bands & artists this year on B3SCI as read by YOU, and now we’re tying it all off with our Top 50 Albums. So get psyched, get ready to count backwards and check out what albums we loved most from 2013.
