Etham - Waiting for You

Waiting for You - Etham (Pop)  Etham is holding on for the chance to rekindle a former flame in his latest track, “Waiting for You.” We start with vocal—a glorious tenor that soars throughout the track, blessed with a beautiful falsetto that Etham seems able to just slip in and out of so easily. Some real vocal acrobatics on this one that deserve some praise. The song itself is epic—anthemic in feel and masterfully lush and layered. Without abandoning classic song structure, the production builds tension throughout by constantly switching up instrumentation—they really hold those drums back until we beg for them—which help make the track engaging. But what drew our ear the most was the play with space. Deft in the application of reverb, Etham swings back and forth from intimately close to lost in a cathedral throughout the track, which along with the rousing instrumental really gives you that “hits me in the chest” feel. No reason this shouldn’t be a Top 40 track.

Best Lyric: “My heart is locked on you like sun to the moon.”

Chloe Mayse - Mad in Love

Mad in Love - Chloe Mayse (Dream Pop)  Chloe’s got it bad in her dreamy, sun-drenched track “Mad in Love”, lamenting a love that she’s anxiously obsessing over. The track is hypnotic, at times giving island/beachy vibes, and other times rainy day coffee shop vibes—which juxtaposition actually makes perfect sense considering this is someone describing her greatest love while also being torn up about it. The song is incredibly lush, with the chorus giving us a wall of layered and verby vocals that make us feel like we’re being wrapped up in a blanket. At the same time, the lead vocals are crisp and centered, not getting lost in the haze, giving Chloe the spotlight to tell her story of anxious love. It’s a dreamy track you’re sure to get lost in.

Best Lyric: “Fighting to clean up this mess.”

Madeline Rae - 42 Moons

42 Moons - Madeline Rae (R&B/Pop) With “42 Moons”, Madeline Rae laments a prior relationship, deceptively confident in her conviction that the kind of hot/cold affair she was subjected to is not something she needs or wants going forward—we learn in the final moments of the track that she is only “faking it until she makes it”. The track casts a spell with a production that almost feels like an incantation, as the gentle vocal “ohms” serve witness to a delicate vocal lead. First off, the production is masterful—a close and intimate vocal with punchy percussion slicing through a moody synth and piano backdrop. The track is also chock full of tension and release, and the vocal layering and harmonizing in particular are incredibly engaging. And thankfully, Madeline pulls it all home with rousing and clever lyrics, both in the words themselves and in the arrangement. That ramp up into the chorus is delicious every time. One of our favorite tracks of the year.

Best Lyric: “Nobody’s jealous when I talk to my friends. Nobody’s lying about smoking again.“

Fat Cat Affair - Empty Bed

Empty Bed - Fat Cat Affair (R&B)  We’re feeling all the old school vibes with Fat Cat Affair’s latest track, “Empty Bed.” A midtempo R&B duet centering a live band, the song has a timeless feel, with delicious vocal harmonies and layerings. Put this in the realm of 90s Maxwell, or maybe that amazing Lucy Pearl album considering the male/female vocal duet. While the track makes you smile right when it kicks off, the record truly becomes glorious when it veers off into a straight up gospel chorus. We found it quite refreshing that a song with such classic production was so unique in its arrangement—the song never goes exactly where you expect it to—which makes for a very engaging listen and gives you the compulsion to hit repeat to take the unexpected journey again.

Best Lyric: “I never learned to play this game smart.”

Shola - Feel Alright

Feel Alright - Shola (Afrobeat) Shola delivers quite the hip winder with the vibey “Feel Alright”—a dark afrobeat/dancehall kind of cut infused with a surprising amount of intensity and darkness. The percussion paints a tribal feel, but in a way that evokes a sense of danger. The image the track conjures is the center of the wilderness in the middle of the night as fires burn to light a massive gathering. A mid-tempo with an infectious beat and masterful production, the instrumental reminds us of something that Drake might be drawn to, or possibly a Rihanna cut. The vocals are light, letting the instrumental production lead the way—we think of tracks like Janet Jackson’s “Throb” in that respect—but they are not so sparse as to make the track feel like background music. Engaging and mysterious, we think “Feel Alright” would feel just right on your house party playlist.

Moon and Aries - Blurred Vision

Blurred Vision - Moon and Aries (Synth Pop) Ethereal and mystical, Moon and Aries delivers a dreamy midtempo with latest track “Blurred Vision.” There’s a late 90s/early 00s vibe to the record, with a soaring female lead vocal that reminds us of the time Sarah Brightman ventured into pop/dance music. Lush and layered, the track is a bit of an acid trip, casting a hypnotic spell with its synths. This is one of those tracks you could imagine being remixed into a bevy of dance mixes for DJs and played at 2am at the club when everyone is having a bit of blurred vision. This is one you give your body to as you spin around the room and get lost in the soundscape.

Best Lyric: “Sink into the invisible. Come out invincible.“

GRACII - Unrestricted

Unrestricted - GRACII (R&B) In her latest track, GRACII is “Unrestricted” for us, delivering a 00s era R&B bop reminiscent of the heydays of Keri Hilson, Nivea, Ashanti and Ciara. It’s a sexy and spare production, which allows GRACII to sit in the driver’s seat, her pure tone building from a Janet-esque sultry whisper into a soulful belt as the song progresses. The instrumental backing is moody, a swirling turmoil of synths cut with a crisp percussion arrangement cutting through. What we appreciated the most about this cut was the true bridge—modern tracks seem to minimize the importance of this—giving us a nice modulation before pushing into the final chorus accented with some Mariah-esque whistle tones.

Best Lyric: “Tired of the tears that I’ve been tasting.“

Mishell Ivon - Wild

Wild - Mishell Ivon (Pop/Funk) Mishell Ivon is feeling herself in her latest track, “Wild”, which feels like an homage to the great pop R&B crossover hits of the late 80s and early 90s. We’re definitely hearing a bevy of influences here, think a combination of the Jacksons, all those female Prince proteges, Lisa Lisa and The Cult Jam, Jodie Watley and Gloria Estefan. From the punchy retro drums to the driving funk guitar, soaring strings, blazing horns and tight harmonies, this song will take you both back to the days of cassette tapes as well as out onto the dance floor. So if you miss those 80s/90s crossover R&B pop numbers, and are looking for a track with all the appeal of “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” you should get “Wild” with Mishell.

Best Lyric: “Nobody else is gonna love me the way that I do.“

Under Delusion - Burning Under Water

Burning Under Water - Under Delusion (Pop Rock) Under Delusion conjures a 90s alt brit rock flare with their latest track, “Burning Under Water”, a track inspired by a near-death experience occurring out in the Pacific Ocean. Sonically, this is a live band sound, driven mostly by guitar and live percussion, although there’s a distorted synth percussion element bouncing in the background as well, which ultimately gives a distinct identity to this retro affair. What stands out to us the most, however, is the catchiness of the melody—the chorus itself is very singalongable and quite the earworm—and distinctive warmth and maturity of the lead vocalist. This is one you’ll want to sing along to on your commute.

CARΔAMO - ANDROGENISE

ANDROGENISE (LP) - CARΔAMO (Techno Pop) With “ANDROGENISE”, CARΔAMO steps into the music scene with the freshest, most innovative and distinctive studio album we’ve heard this year. A triumph of musicality, uniqueness, independent thought, provocation and stylistic cohesiveness, we do not hesitate in saying that CARΔAMO is a talent to watch. It’s also mind boggling weird af—but like in a great way. We’ll go track by track, but let’s start with the bigger picture.

The 13-track LP (including 1 cover and 1 remix) is a sonic melting pot of styles, infused with distinctive flare while maintaining stylistic cohesion throughout the project. This is not a collection of songs, it is a holistic piece of musical art. It is also strange AF, and we love it for that, as the bizarre and often nostalgic lyrical content make for a memorable, impactful and engaging experience that certainly brought a few smiles to our faces during our listen.

The main genre here is techno pop, with EDM flair and the occasional R&B/Hiphop sensibility, all linked by theatrical and avant garde overtones. The production is impeccable, and relies heavily on vocal modulation and distortion, as well as an 8bit retro videogame soundscape that ties, but does not weigh down, the album. It’s thoughtfully infused throughout without making the tracks feel too similar. In fact, quite the opposite—each track feels very unique and distinguishable, and despite an overall eccentricity and unabashed explicitness, several tracks feel prime for Top 40, which we’ll note as we go along.

Title track “ANDRONGENISE” gives us “Born This Way” era Lady Gaga with a “Body Talk” Robyn infusion in not only sound, but also thoughtful content. CARΔAMO discusses body modification from many angles, not only its dangers and underlying insecurities but also its role as artistic expression and identity. But far from preachy, the track is a Top 40 anthem and undeniable club banger. The theme pivots slightly to gender expression—quite timely of a topic we do say—in “NBNBNBN”, which keeps a similar sonic soundscape (a little “Music” era Madonna here too) while making for the nonbinary anthem the world has been waiting for.

To us, “SCREAM ABOUT” pivots into later Britney territory—like if Will.I.Am had worked with her on “Toxic”—and is driven by a catchy chant. We should point out here that there is no production trick CARΔAMO will not play with. While each track feels fresh, there is definitely some homage being paid to the great pop influences.

And now we get to the Bjork of it all with the interlude-esque “sonic heroes is the basis of my moral compass.” Read that again. Yes, with samples from the Sonic the Hedgehog gameplay, CARΔAMO gives us a Nikki flow and…honestly we can’t even describe this one, but we guarantee you’ll repeat it to learn all the words because it’s bonkers in the best way possible.

Sensitive readers skip this paragraph. “DADDY TECHNO DREAM PUNK” is the soundtrack to a pornhub hypnosis video. It’s sexy, dirty and dangerous. Is a musical dungeon orgy.

“YAKUZA” and “BOP IT!” delve into some nostalgia, with the former delivering an 80s synth haze while evoking images of Kill Bill, as the latter tips a hat to the iconic child’s toy with a radio-firendly jam in the vein of Cardi B’s “I Like It.” That hiphop radio-friendly flare continues in “GIVE IT THE JOOS” which boasts a remarkable depth of production.

We’re back on bath salts in “frogs are more precious than diamonds” where CARΔAMO wishes they had a pet frog in a Robyn/Royksopp feeling track which is giving an Adult Swim TikTok vibe.

All the more strange is the final pivot from an ode to frogs to pure radio pop with “I COULD NEVR” and Owl City cover “FIREFLIES”. The latter takes CARΔAMO’s 8bit sensibility and gorgeous vocals of guest Kat Welch to give a slight twist to a well known track, while the former shows that CARΔAMO can write big pop hits all on their own with an incredibly catchy chorus and the heavenly lilt of guest 98 Poly. We consider the cover, and album closing remix to the title track—a sort of “sped up” mix—as bonus tracks with “I COULD NEVR” being the true finale of the project.

All in all, this LP is hyper modern, fresh, and does a great service as an introduction to what CARΔAMO has to offer as an artist. CARΔAMO delivers what many new artists do not—a specific and focused point of view—and that will constantly distinguish them from their peers. We will certainly be watching CARΔAMO’s ascent.

Dax - The Abyss

The Abyss - Dax (Rap)  Dax returns for the third time to the blog with yet another epic and well produced music video to accompany an equally impressive track, “The Abyss.” In every song we’ve heard from Dax (each one better than the last, by the way) we are impressed with the level of vulnerability on display. The songs are diary entries, and Dax brings his whole heart to every vocal performance. With “The Abyss”, Dax takes us on a walk through his darkness, and expresses a unique and mature analysis of his relationship with it—it’s a mound of pain and despair but it also fuels his art. It’s a double edged sword for Dax, who even expresses anger that it’s his pain that brings him attention through his music—that he needs to hurt to be lauded, that it’s what the world wants from him. It’s incredibly deep and personal, with a fiery Kanye-esque flow to match, and that moment in the second verse when you hear him almost choke up—damn.

Best Lyric: “I’m making music that you cannot just define by the numbers on my Spotify.”

The Greatest Entertainer - Synergy

Synergy - The Greatest Entertainer (Pop)  Anthemic is the word that best describes The Greatest Entertainer’s latest track, “Synergy.” From the moment the drumline kicks off the track—which never seems to stop building throughout by the way—we started getting fired up, which is exactly what the record is about. The verses are lead by a raspy and authoritative bass which leads us to a soaring chorus that has some serious singalongability. Part dance track, part chant, part mantra, Synergy boasts an epic production that we think makes the song full of commercial licensing potential—think energy drink, think sporting event, think Olympic games. You want to rally? Get Synergy on your playlist.

Best Lyric: “We came with fire, we fight to win.“

Marc Rangel - Closure

Closure- Marc Rangel (R&B) We are treated to Marc’s third appearance on our blog with the sultry and mature track “Closure.” The song tackles a universal and relatable subject matter of needing to bookend a relationship with a unique specificity and vulnerability in the lyrics that lets the listener know this story is a personal one. The sound is quite mature, a sun drenched guitar and verby horn evoking a hazy summer night. Marc’s vocals are, as always, on point—a raspy and seductive alto for most of the number until Marc reaches Mariah Carey level whistle tones that truly shocked us. Listening to “Closure”, you’d think Marc was an R&B veteran considering just how polished this track is. If you’re looking for peer musicians, we’d put this one in the Jazmine Sullivan category. Fans of of R&B—this is right up your alley.

Best Lyric: “You know what you did but maybe you’ll find a way to make it right.“

MUNGMUNG - Internet Friends

Internet Friends - MUNGMUNG (Rap)  What would happen if Eminem and Nikki Minaj had a bad ass kid raised by Missy Elliot? Well, that’d be MUNGMUNG, as evidenced by the killer flow, creative lyrics and bananas music video for latest release, “Internet Friends.” The track takes the point of view of self criticism to conduct a clever analysis of social media culture, the chase of follows and likes, the toxicity underpinning that behavior and the motivations and emptiness behind internet clout chasing. MUNGMUNG takes no prisoners in the track, calling each platform out by name and skewering each for their specific flavors of bile. In your face, hyper fresh and uniquely avant garde, MUNGMUNG is a talent to watch.

Best Lyric: “They pop up and ask if we could be friends and should hang out on all the weekends and I say that depends.”

Katie Belle - Symptoms

Symptoms - Katie Belle (Pop) Oh this is catchy. In Katie Belle’s latest track “Symptoms” she is…well, feelin it. An emotive, breathy and sultry vocal performance, Katie croons that the object of her affection is giving her the fever. The track is pure pop, a midtempo bop with some R&B flare—think Ariana Grande. The dry guitar intro is a misdirect as to the lushness of the rest of the track, which is quite groovy, not to mention catchy af. That chorus is a real earworm and will definitely be running around any listener’s mind for hours after hearing it. This one will surely make you move, and we have to warn you that Katie might be contagious, because this track is now giving US some symptoms. Go off.

Best Lyrics: “When you get so close you breathe my air.”

Rob Roth - Awol

Awol - Rob Roth (Pop) Rob Roth is getting ready to trek off the beaten track in his latest track, “Awol.” The song is prime for Top 40 radio—from production, to lyrics, to performance, there’s no reason “Awol” can’t sit among today’s top hits. The melody is catchy af, cutting beautifully through an expertly mixed instrumental production. It’s a midtempo—a good head bopper that trots along patiently—and yet has that dance sensibility that primes it for club remixes and incorporation into DJ sets. The vocal is pure pop, and the entire vibe feels like “first single after I grew out of my boy band”. Down to brass tacks—it’s a hit. We challenge you to not hit repeat on Awol.

Best Lyric: “They just tryna keep me on the payroll. Livin’ in the same old same old.“