The great DC twosome GEMS continue to keep their output quality at a very high level on new single “Scars”. A bit more direct both melodically and thematically, and operating in a space somewhat more terrestrial (much of the band previous output is quite dreamy), “Scars” succeeds on a number of levels – but maybe most importantly it reveals a band able to jump styles while keeping the writing caliber high. <3 U GEMS.
GEMS 
(Official)
Rating 8.4
Hakim, who wow’d us earlier in the year with the stunning “Pour Another”, impresses again with the wonderfully soulful “Cold”. If the great D’Angelo were releasing music in 2014, we reckon the wistful organ-driven “Cold” might would sound right in league with Mr. Archer’s (much sought for) hypothetical oeuvre. It also means “Cold” is a really great song. Nick Hakim’s s/t debut EP is out July 14th on Earseed Records.
Nick Hakim (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.4
You kids like Jersey Club? Don’t ask us to decide – but this new Tinashe “2 On” mix by Newark’s UNiiQU3 (who’s The New Klassiks mixtape is also great) in the style of Jersey Club is close to flawless. Give it your ears below.
UNiiQU3 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.0
The exceptional “Pandora’s Box” highlights the self-titled debut LP from French band Isaac Delusion. Sounding a bit of a Francophone more direct Kings of Convenience, Isaac Delusion mix layered, straight to the gut/feet rhythms and pop-sensible tunefulness in a manner that is instantly magnetic. Isaac Delusion is available for purchase now on Cracki Records. (HD)
Isaac Delusion 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.6
Midland the cinematic house project of producer Harry Agius. The London-based Agius’ latest track is the string-driven, should be the soundtrack to a car-chase, deep house of “Before We Leave”. The single edition of “Before We Leave” is set for a July release via Phonica White.
Midland 
: (Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.5
Producer/Guitarist for Misun Nacey rings up a strong single with the Angel Haze-featuring “I Own It”. A sharp mix of Mad Decent-styled bounce and pop radio-relevant hooks, the way fun “I Own It” is simply excellent. Look for “I Own It” out now on Casablanca Records.
Nacey (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.4
Astronauts is the solo project of ex-Dark Captain Light Captain singer Dan Carney. “Skydive”, the new venture’s lead single is a neatly executed merger of modern low-touch electronic beats and folk musicality tied up in beautiful compact sets of vocal and instrumental melodies. Hollow Ponds, the debut record from Astronauts, is out July 21 on Lo Recordings.
Astronauts : (Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.5
Just in time for the latest in recycled Sam Smith features to get pushed at American radio in trying to break the talented Englishman; the fast rising and friend of B3 producer StéLouse (with an assist from UK producer Curious Kontrol) debuts a fresh & robust new flip of “Latch”. Replete w/ beefed up drums and fortress-like synth patches, SteLouse & Curious Kontrol outfit “Latch” with enough newness and reinvention to make a serious play for big room summer playlists. Check our premiere of SteLouse and Curious Kontrol’s remix of “Latch” below.
StéLouse 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
SBTRKT is back with another fantastic single featuring the soulful baritone of Sampha. The duo have been writing and creating internet faves for some time now and “Temporary View” is does not stray too far in quality from those past hits. SBTRKT’s beat and synths stylings are right on point (“Temporary View” appeared earlier in the year on SBTRKT’s instrumental “Transitions” EP) ; while Sampha’s lyrics and crooning beautifully weave right through what is hopefully a preview of more to come (new album?) for the London producer. Reviewed by Brian Litwin
SBTRKT 🙁Official) (Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.5
The rising UK singer/songwriter/producer AZEKEL debuts another impressive track in the stylistically vast bounce of “New Romance”. Bridging melodically cooler pop tones maybe in the vein of London Grammar with less obvious swerves into more under the radar UK bass elements in the track’s instrumental, AZEKEL continues with “New Romance” to ably stretch his sound.
Azekel 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.1
