“Sweet November”, the latest release to come from SZA’s Z LP out tomorrow, has the instrumental and production couchings of a sticky middle 70’s mid-tempo burner from the reverb-drenched keybords to the high gain distorted guitar leads. That stylistic swerve provides a well-matched counterpoint for the thinner almost jazz-like body of SZA’s voice. We are into it.
SZA 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.0
Enjoy Auckland-based HIGH HØØPS excellent French disco-inspired remix of another great Kiwi export BROODS‘ track for “Bridges”.
BROODS 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.2
The subterranean late-night pop of “Blue Break” is the title track from 19 year old UK singer Jamie Isaac‘s just released EP. “Blue Break” is driven by stabs of simple piano chords that filter down through the mix like tiny depth charges and provide the frame for Jamie’s deep-in-the-pa reverb-y vocal.
Jamie Isaac 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
Moses Sumney, who’s spare loop machine-aided vocal sermon at Central Presbyterian was probably our favorite performance of all of SXSW, releases today “Mid-City Island” his debut EP. The five songs, which were recorded by Moses on a 1980’s-era four track recorder, are dotted with cascading loops of voice and deeply soulful and effective harmony which create the center on which Moses’ singular, boundless in its capabilities, lead vocal orbits about in a romantic ethereal whirl. The number of stunning moments “Mid-City Island” contains are numerous (that outro on “San Fran”, the harmonic voicings around “Plastic’s” instrumental) and we give the EP our highest recommendation.
Moses Sumney 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.5
Today’s dose of romantic Eurobeats-influenced late night pop takes the form of lauded UK producers Mom Tudie & Tom Misch’s stunning new collaboration “Waiting On You”.
Mom Tudie 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.5
“Levels” is the new track from NZ boy-girl duo She’s So Rad. The song, composed and produced under the duress of band member Jeremy Toy’s recovery from serious injuries resulting from an unprovoked physical attack, succeeds on its immediacy of melody and intense visceral emotive quality. A++
She’s So Rad (Soundcloudk)
Rating 8.2
The impressive Wolf Alice announce today second EP “Creature Songs” out May 23rd on Dirty Hit Records. The driving (but a thoughtfully composed sort of drive) “Moaning Lisa Smile” is the EP’s lead single and knocks it clear out in the big chorus, face melting, and must listen categories.
Wolf Alice (Facebook)
Rating 8.5
Little to no information is out and available about new Aussie duo Klo consisting of cousins Simon Lam and Chole Kaul, “Make Me Wonder” is silky smooth; built around a minimalist beat and on point production choices the track has been on a constant repeat for a day or so now. Reviewed by Brian Litwin
Klo 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.8
“Oh do our neighbors up north know how to to party. Grimm, a Toronto native and maestro of the DnB scene has paired up with fellow DJ/producer Rainer to create a new project. Their first offering is the is chilled house flip of PartyNextDoor’s “Persian Rugs”. With some more remixes and EP on the way, we will patiently for the next track from the duo. Reviewed by Brian Litwin
Rainer + Grimm 
: (Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.7
We interviewed Kyogi a handful of months ago and he has been pretty quiet up until recently. Putting a nice spin on London based Arkon Fly, the now 16 y/o wiz does this funky track justice. The single originally got a bit of love from BBC Radio 1 and Zane Lowe and now this remix should help its trajectory. Looking forward to more from both. Reviewed by Brian Litwin
Kyogi (Facebook)
Rating 8.3857
After three different visits by The Crookes to SXSW over the past few years, LA fans finally got to lay their eyes and ears on this engaging Sheffield, UK band. While still young, this is a band about to release it’s fourth album, “Soapbox”. They’ve been looking forward to this LA performance debut for a long time and it’s safe to say that virtually everyone at The Echo was more than pleased with the show. This extremely likable ‘lot’ have winning melodies and play airtight with energetic crispness.
The sound couldn’t have been any better that night of March 23rd. The Crookes nailed current single “Play Dumb”, which was a “Rave’s Fave” on this site. Show opener “Don’t Put Your Faith In Me” is a mid-tempo, wise choice for a second single. It could be that with The Crookes’ melodies, lyrics, and George Waite’s beautiful voice, their breakthrough single just might turn out to be a slower charmer. With strong songs from each of their albums, there are no dull moments at a Crookes show. For their encore, the band slipped into the crowd for a mic-less acoustic version of “The Cooler King” from 2013’s “Hold Fast” album. Word is they only do this when they’ve had a great time, and what a dope way to end a show. That bonding provided great vibes, with pictures and videos being shot from every direction. The great Brit bands need to tour… tour, and the tour some more in America. Such is the case with The Crookes, who hope to be back on our shores soon. Plan to see them when you can. Reviewed By Bruce Rave
The Crookes (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!
