We like the catchy hook and indie rock fundamentals of “Lovely Is Your Soul” from Philly band RestWater who we’re particularly digging with for their soothing low-key vocal vibes and dynamic-muted elemental instrumentals. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Familiarize yourself with new-to-B3 artist KA-YU (who hails from the Netherlands). KA-YU keeps it bright and simple with a soft sensual mesh of down-tempo beats, jazzy metallic accents and a sweet keyboard melody on “Goddess”. We totally love how the keyboard dictates the track’s cheery mood and how effectively it contrasts with KA-YU’s dynamic, super sexy bass-line. Great tune! Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Get into the soulful mixture of world-music-vibe rhythm and percussion awash some remarkably good vocals on “Sudan” the latest nuance-tempered track from B3 covered Alaska-based beat-maker Eets who we featured in October for his cool-minded hip-hop vibes on “Feathers of Gold”. We love it. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Tune into the understated sensuality and dynamic meld of beats on new one “Say What” a restyle of Donell Jones’ hit “U Know What’s Up” from a relatively new Baltimore artist (swag-surf-gawd) j.robb who we featured in September for his joint-produced gem track “Euphoria” (created with Calgary-bred Canadian musician Skater for the duo’s debut EP “Pastel”). Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Lose yourself in the smooth, soulful and funky Jamiroquai-meets Frank Ocean meets Miguel vocals-led vibes of “80’s” from B3 featured Berhana (discussed here in November for his A+ debut jam “Janet”). “80’s” (quite a timeless track with its impressive standout-talent vocals and artfully simplistic fine-tuned mosh of percussion) earns Berhana another A+ on the style meter. Awesome. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
We’re entranced with the uniquely stellar calm and centered vocal style, minimalist percussion, and catchy bass-line grooves of UK producer collaborative newcomer-act Tender (who are immensely talented and in our pool of consideration of artists to watch in 2016). We like the group’s latest cover of ubiquitous remix-friendly 2015 Drake hit “Hotline Bling”; a track which you may recall Marian Hill producer Jeremy (1/2 of the act) remixed beautifully back in September (he chose a twist on the Kehlani/Charlie version). Even though we have only showcased two tracks from Tender their style is so quietly appealing (especially strong Beck-vibe vocals) we think the group is potentially unstoppable. We look forward to more of Tender’s graciously simple brand of music. Superb cover. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
In October, we discussed Gloucestershire UK brother-sister songwriter duo Rob and Katy Peterson (also affectionately known as Ardyn) for their mellow-lovely track “Help Me On My Way” which (at the time) was the second preview to drop off their November-released “Universe” EP. Give a listen to the EP’s outstanding vocals-led indie-pop dynamic-beauty “The Garden” (track #4) which we highly recommend for its alluringly whimsical folksy-Americana country-vibe old-fashioned Hollywood crooner vocals (Lana del Rey meets Patsy Cline) and soothing soulfully-melodic lyrical qualities. Very good vocals!! Reviewed by Erin Shay.
B3 recent feature KAYLOO remixes B3 fave LA trend-setter music collective The Internet to quite a stunning result. We’re enjoying the French artist’s subtle yet robust trap-accented French-touch-permeated late night dance spin on “Get Away” the poetic-sexy vocals-led Ego Death album gem which features The Internet’s uniquely-gifted hip-hop soul songstress Syd. KAYLOO endeavors to go dynamic (with bass, trap beats and synth) yet remain surprisingly subtle and in doing so beautifully highlights Syd’s delicate ultra-female classic-vibe vocals (modern Gwen Stefani-vibes all around) while also creating a fresh and interesting spin on the track. Very cool remix. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
B3 2015-favorite production artist Flamingosis, who’s eclectic well-balanced blend of hip-hop, soul, jazz and funk first caught our attentions back in June, creates a light and vivacious lounge-y 70‘s/80‘s-vintage vibe ambiance on his new technicolor brass-tinged tune “Saturday Night Fever”; a superbly tantalizing, bright and lively funk-infused vocal-loop-enhanced instrumentals-led track which has us very much looking forward to Flamingosis’ much anticipated soon-to-release album. We love everything you touch Flamingosis! Another great track. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Another day, another new R&B act shrouded in a vacuum of information. That aside, Two Another (we do know they’re originally Aussie now residing in London) mark out a strong B3 debut here on the coolly infectious “Higher” which excels on its neat mix of unexpected swerves in production and good melodic writing.
Get into the distinctly absorbing artfully crafted long and drawn-out production style of London house producer Saytek (who first wowed us in September with his superbly mesmerizing tech-house track “Realisation”) on his brilliant and enchanting Frequenza rep’d (November 30-released) tropical-tribal rhythm and percussion-based late night house jam “Life” which we’re especially enjoying for its catchy melange of expansive atmospherics, lushly-appointed bass grooves and vibrant minimalist synth accents. Excellent. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Sevdaliza’s new one is a minimalist R&B track awash with abstract production textures and a cool juxtaposition between its striking visceral vocal and an overall vacant far-off feel. “One Armed Lullaby” is a component part of Red Bull’s ongoing 20 for 16 series.
