Stylistic chameleon Ben Khan moves toward a more synth-pop driven sound on new one “Youth”. While perhaps more accessible to Indie 2014 w/ its easy electronics and warm textures, Khan’s latest genre jump on “Youth” is ruddered by the strong sense for pop/r&b hooks and soulfulness that has driven Ben Khan’s rise thusfar. We’re loving it. Ben Khan’s debut “1992” EP will be released May 5.
Ben Khan 
(Tumblr)
Rating 8.3
Margrét Rán’s sultry yet simple vocal is the star of “Tension”, Iceandic dream & b duo Vök’s slow burner new single. The sticky and seductive “Tension” is perhaps (and we mean this in the most complimentary way) a bit of an approximation of what another noted Scandinavian R&B duo Quadron might sound like in 2014 had they continued to pursue an artier more obtuse sound. The visceral, earthy, human qualities of “Tension” are highly highly palpable, they almost bleed off the record which is pretty indicative of a track that not only demands your attention but is also a great piece of art.
Vök 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
Following an impressive attention-turning run last week at SX, the L.A.-based (via Arizona) songstress Zella Day now drops “1965”, the b-side to the dark pop/big hooks of “Sweet Ophelia”. The dusty, nostalgic, almost whimsical “1965” is “Ophelia’s” soaring, cinematic, light-footed perfect counterpoint. The “Sweet Ophelia/1965″ 7″ is out April 7 on limited edition clear 7” vinyl via B3SCI Records. Get one here.
Zella Day 
(Facebook) (Purchase 7-inch Vinyl)
Rating 8.3
The Louisville-based OWSLA Records producer Amtrac introduces considerable crossover appeal into new uptempo house track “Don’t Know”. While currently a quite crowded sound and genre, the bigness and quality of house on “Don’t Know” is not only exceptional enough to more than standout from its trend, the track possesses an immediacy and instant magnetism that should certainly give “Don’t Know” and Amtrac run outside the indie dance community. Very well done.
Amtrac 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
One of pop’s greatest constructors Sia is back today with a propulsive new single, “Chandelier”. Complete with pop radio-ready drums and mountain-sized chart-relevant vocal hooks, the new track introduces much of the writing acumen Ms. Furler has acquired in the last couple years writing Hot 100 staples for artists like Rihanna and Britney. Look for a new LP from Sia coming this summer on RCA.
Sia 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.8
100s (Berkeley CA)
Angel Olsen (Chicago IL)
Arthur Beatrice (London UK)
BANKS (Los Angeles CA)
Chloe Howl (London UK)
Damon Albarn (London UK)
Jungle (London UK)
Kaytranada (Montreal QC)
LIZ (Los Angeles CA)
Sam Smith (London UK)
Sango (Grand Rapids MI)
SOHN (Vienna AUT)
SZA (Los Angeles CA)
The Preatures (Sydney AU)
Tinashe (Los Angeles CA)
BK-based vocalist Cubby makes his formal debut with warm electronics-soaked R&B of “Cold” featuring emcees Kwane and Current. A+
Cubby 
Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.3
