0:24. The point in “Black Rivers” when UK singer Kate Miller’s vocal first enters the track; that moment is really all that’s necessary to know how serious a talent with whom we’re being confronted. Of a similar vocal cloth, at least tone-wise, of the latest crop of breakout UK female vocalists like Banks and London Grammar’s Hannah Reid; the standout qualities of Kate’s vocal are all her own.
Kate Miller
: (Official)
Rating: 8.4
“Lacuna” is the follow-up to Swedish band Last Lynx’s chart topping “Killing Switch” single. “Lacuna” does share some of the strains of soul & r&b contained within “Killing Switch”s DNA but pushes the hooks and choruses more out front; where “Killing Switch” was subtle, “Lacuna” is its more straightforward (still great) cousin. Look for “Rifts”, Last Lynx’s new EP, later in the year.
Last Lynx 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.2
The beautifully plantive new tune from Marika Hackman “Skin” is the second A side to the also great “I Hold”; both tracks make up a combined 7″ from Marika and another B3 fave Sivu. On “Skin”, the duo trade captivating/somber/great melodic lines over a quietly strummed acoustic chords creating an atmosphere that is equally magnetic and moving.
Marika Hackman 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.0234
Brother and sister duo, Merriment, create a wholesome sound in “Backwards” that is unassuming, yet familiar. Christie Dupree admirably shapes haunting melodies without straying into something trite, while Collin Dupree compliments the nostalgic air with indie/folk guitar elements. Though they are often compared to their sibling band Eisley, it is clear that Merriment is moving forward on a road entirely their own. Reviewed By Gabrielle Sukich
Merriment 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.5
Arthur Beatrice’s debut LP Working Out comes out on March 4th. To mark today’s announcement of the release date, the band dropped today new single “Midlands”. The track’s heart-jarring but very singable (great) chorus is neat contrast to the other more spread out, more difficult to get at (but no less rewarding), parts of the song. “Grand Union” was Arthur Beatrice’s breakout moment and “Midlands” is definitely of a quality to keep them there.
Arthur Beatrice (Facebook)
Rating 8.4
Mansions on the Moon turn in a wistful update to the iconic Mazzy Star ballad with this freshly recorded cover. The band do well to keep intact the soul and romantic quality of the original while still (putting on our Blake Shelton voice) “making it their own”. Enjoy a free download of “Fade Into You” below.
Mansions On The Moon 
(Facebook) (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.2
A definite artist to watch for 2014 is the 10 out 10-voiced Sam Smith who releases today his Capitol Records debut single “Money On My Mind”. Produced by the venerable Two Inch Punch (Ella Eyre, his own dope shit), the school of d&b bounce of “Money On My Mind” is the sort of soulful dance track that eats UK pop charts whole. “Money On My Mind” is out on Capitol February 16th.
Sam Smith (Facebook)
Rating 8.4
A million times yes! New fave GDNA out of Southern California adds a pitch perfect dreamy space age jazz touch to Flying Lotus’ “MmmHmm” track from 2010’s Cosmogramma. Normally, remixing FlyLo would be fraught w/ all sorts of danger/red flags but GDNA’s mix is of such a quality that you almost forget it was Flying Lotus’ track to begin with (which is saying a ton).
GDNA (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.4
For you scientists on the hunt for some music, here’s a collection of tracks that we’ve spinning amongst ourselves at B3HQ as of late. Get into the mix with B3SCI 24/7 vol. II below.
Los Angeles Police Dept – Enough is Enough
D.D Dumbo – I Woke Up Covered in Sand
COIN – Cecilia (Simon & Garfunkle cover)
Marika Hackman – Wolf
ALEOS – Tranquil
I’lls – To: All The Blurred (Rat & Co Remix)
Bombay Bicycle Club – Carry Me
Benjamin Clementine – I Won’t Complain
ODESZA – If There’s Time (Kodak to Graph Remix)
Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (uschu Remix)
Thunder/Dreamer – Murderous Love
Saint Motel – Ace In The Hole
Ulla Nova – Kid From London
ELIM BOLT – Dingy
Shy Boys – Keeps Me On My Toes
Joanna Gruesome – Tugboat (Galaxie 500 cover)
Trails and Ways – Lost (Frank Ocean Cover)
Bo Saris – Little Bit More
The Rebel Light – Jukebox Dream
Flume – The Greatest View (feat. Isabella Manfredi)
Taylor Swift – I Knew You Were Trouble (APSPDR+ Remix)
Stijl – Seoul Searching
Hayden James – No Time (Hanami Remix)
Daithi – Case Closed (Feat. Senita)
Sea Change – Bursting
Lizbet Sempa – On These Hills
Temples – Mesmerise
Young Yeller – War
River Tiber – What Are You Afraid Of
WULF – Lairs
Quinzhee – The Voluntary Butler Scheme
Simian Ghost – A Million Shining Colours
Keel Her – Don’t Look At Me
Vancouver Sleep Clinic – Collapse
The High Wire – The Thames & The Tide
Lil Debbie & Riff Raff – Squirt (Nacey Remix)
Wave Racer – Stoopid (DE$iGNATED Remix)
Diplo – Revolution (Drek Martinez Remix)
FELIX CARTAL – New Scene (TOKiMONSTA Remix)
Ella Eyre – Going On
Vladimir – Come Over
Dios Mio – Proto
