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Track Reviews

Premiere: The Landing – Pale Blue

thelanding

New York bliss pop band The Landing who broke-out at the end of last year with the Hype Machine-topping “Anxieties” debut today the immediately infectious “Pale Blue”. Styled around a warm summery synth-driven instrumental, “Pale Blue” picks up straight away where “Anxieties” left off in terms of both caliber and accuracy of pop construction. Sample below the B3 Premiere of “Pale Blue” and look for the “We Are” EP out digitally on May 13th. P.S. If you’re in New York, The Landing play Littlefield in Brooklyn on the 22nd.

The Landing newyork (Soundcloud) (Facebook)

Rating 8.8

brown8

reviewed by
05-05-14

J. Tropic – Love Up

jtropic

The newest signee to Duly Noted Records (IYES, The Night IV) is Brighton UK’s J. Tropic and their sooth & b dance-y “Love Up”.

J. Tropic england (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown93

reviewed by
05-05-14

Usher – Good Kisser

usher3

One of Usher’s best assets and a contributor to his longevity is his ability to credibly adapt to changing styles in urban and pop music. “Good Kisser” is Mr. Raymond’s latest stylistic iteration and while its elements of construction are both interesting and relevant (the fat jazzy/Pharrell-esque/almost Curtis Mayfield-like rhythmic elements are quite cool) and ultimately quite listenable the execution (and really lack of a memorable primary hook) will likely limit its ceiling as a hit.

Usher (Facebook)

Rating 8.4938

reviewed by
05-05-14

Ryan Hemsworth – Ryan Must Be Destroyed (Wave Racer Remix)

hemsworthwaveraces

The current love affair between Canadian Ryan Hemsworth and Aussie Wave Racer is creating waves on the internet. Flipping each other’s tracks (Ryan remixing “Streamers” and Wave Racer making vibey “Ryan Must Be Destroyed”) is not only a smartest move for both young DJ/producers, but also a huge win for the listener. Listen to both below. Reviewed by Brian Litwin.

Wave Racer australia (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

reviewed by
05-03-14

KHUSHI – In The Sun

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London UK-based KHUSHI, author of in the last twelve months of two of indie pop’s most dynamic and unique singles “Magpie” and “Phantoms”, previews a new track from his forthcoming “Phantoms” EP in the form of the romantic spiraling sounds of “In The Sun”.

KHUSHI england (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

brown93

reviewed by
05-03-14

Premiere: Thief – Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake)

thief

Aussie songwriter/indie pop impresario PJ Wolf a/k/a Thief, who’s playful (and a little bit of an anthem) “Closer” was one of our favorite tunes of last fall, turns in an inventive rhythmically re-rinsed cover of a more than likely musical kindred spirit Justin Timberlake and one of the greatest songs of the 00’s (and probably of all time) “Cry Me a River”. Turn up the B3 Premiere of Thief’s take on “Cry Me a River” below.

Thief (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
05-02-14

Laura Groves – Friday (demo)

lauragroves

London-based Laura Groves’ demo for “Friday” is highlighted by a spectacularly emotive and expert series of melodic lines. The piano-driven track’s cohesive turns of tune of mood are particularly special. Do not miss.

Laura Groves england (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown93

reviewed by
05-02-14

Heavy Steps – Flamingo

flamingo

Aussie outfit Heavy Steps released the melodic nu-R&B of single “Flamingo” back in March but it’s new to us now c/o of IS. Heavy Steps’ s/t debut EP is out now.

Heavy Steps (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
05-02-14

Sivu – My Oh My

sivu

The great Sivu’s latest track is a carefully crafted blend of delicate bedroom beats and the UK singer’s lovely melodic stairstepping washed with one of the best falsettos in the game right now. Of the lyrical content of the song Sivu had this to says, “it’s about being grateful for where you are now, if you could’ve seen yourself today at the age of 16.”. Listen.

Sivu england (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

brown93

reviewed by
05-02-14

Naughty Boy – Home (Feat. Romans)

naughtyboy

UK chart staple Naughty Boy teams with new Roc Nation-signee Romans on the no doubt British #1 “Home”. Sort of akin to the ballad wizardry past collaborator Sam Smith is peddling these days, “Home” sits squarely in that soulful, longing, big hooks zone that performs so well on UK charts.

Naughty Boy england (Twitter)

Rating 8.3

brown93

reviewed by
05-02-14

IYES – Toys (demo)

IYES toys

Brighton duo IYES follow up the impressive showings of “Glow”, “Daddy” and “Lighthouse” with the hypnotic “Toys”. Hitting it out of the park, yet again, this track showcases their particular production and songwriting talent. The subtle guitar licks, the repetitive drum beat, and Melis’ vocals layer, make for yet another standout track. By Brian Litwin

IYES england (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.5

brown93

reviewed by
05-01-14

No Artificial Colours – Reach For Me (Feat. Alex Mills)

NAC_Reachforme_Low

No Artificial Colours, a London dance duo that have been active in the remix and guest mix scene for a little while now, connect with vocalist Alex Mills for PMR Records single “Reach For Me”. Constructed of a similar sound palette to artists like Disclosure and Julio Bashmore, “Reach For Me” stands out from its trend by its quality and magnetism (the track draws you into it almost immediately).

No Artificial Colours england (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.2

brown93

reviewed by
04-30-14