Corio - Don't Run

Don’t Run - Corio (Rap) Corio is giving everything he has and is pleading you not to leave in his latest track “Don’t Run.” With a rich baritone/bass vocal that contains a pleasing reedy timbre, Corio is backed by a soulful verbed guitar loop and some crisp snaps, centering the track on his vocal layers and harmonies. The production is sparse, using a dense reverb to fill the space behind Corio’s words, which are the most important part of the track. The song shines for its vulnerable lyrics, devoid of cliche, as the swirling instrumentation evokes the mental state of someone who’s about to lose their everything.

Best Lyric: “Don’t take my feelings wrong it’s hard to talk I say it wrong.”

Adam West - Where Did She Go

Where Did She Go - Adam West (Dance) Adam West blasts into the scene with the thudding “Where Did She Go”, a slamming dance track that elevates sidechaining to a whole new level. The track literally pulses like a heartbeat, the heavy kick pushing everything else in the production out of the way when it slams in. With sudden drops outs and restarts, the track is explosive—it’s the musical equivalent of a firework. On top of the heavy production, we’ve got a catchy earworm of a melody in the chorus, where Adam abandons the distorted robot voice of the verses to soar into the rafters. This is a drink in the air while spinning on the dance floor kind of cut.

Best Lyrics: “When we were kids we were best friends.”

Haawa - wake me up

wake me up - Haawa (R&B) Haawa delivers a slinky R&B record with the bass driven “wake me up”, a follow-up to her debut single “Recalibrate”, which was featured on Apple Music’s After Hours playist. Beginning with a soulful guitar, the song is quickly dominated by an all consuming, rumbling bass, on top of which the lilting soprano of Haawa floats. The contrast puts Hawaa directly into your ears, intimate and close, as the NY-based singer slips her lyrics into the subconscious. The track gives us the feeling of a Jazmine Sullivan number, powerful and hypnotic, with some synth moments reminding us of some early 2000s Timbaland productions. With a track like this, we think we could be dealing with 2024’s version of Tweet.

Best Lyric: “Did you think you owned me?”

The Screaming Pope - Neon Heights (LP)

Neon Heights (LP) - The Screaming Pope (Chillwave) Lush and brooding landscapes are painted with the latest release from The Screaming Pope, the broody and relaxing “Neon Heights” LP. Described by the artist as “a challenging but rewarding listen,” we can only agree with the second part, as this collection of sonic appetizers is as easy to slip into as a warm bath. We dig into the production and vibes below, with emphasis on some of our favorite tracks on the album.

But first, a little about the artist. The Screaming Pope is fronted by George Bolton, a former music video assistant and veteran of the Rhode Island, Chicago, Boston and New York music scenes since the early 80s. George began crafting his latest release in 2020, which has garnered some South American and European airplay. Recorded in his home studio in Boston, the project is that of one man band—production, engineering and even cover art are all generated by George.

Boasting a healthy 14 tracks, “Neon Heights” clocks in at the 30 minute mark, with most tracks lasting no more than 1-2 minutes in length. That’s because very few of the numbers follow the classic song structure. In fact, we’d say only “Movie Star”, “When The Beat Drops”, “Me Gusta” and “I Want You” fall into the standard verse, chorus, bridge template. And that’s because, above all, “Neon Heights” is an album about atmospherics. It’s a vibe first album, with the use of vocals often being that of additional instruments in a carefully constructed soundscape.

That sound, with a few departures, mostly sits in a chillwave, down- and mid-tempo brooding R&B genre, broken up with the occasional house/dance record and latin infused “Me Gusta.” The vibe that “Neon Heights” generates is that of a rainy day coffee shop, which means that so much of the gold on this record is primed for chillwave playlists.

The production throughout is flawless. Instrument separation, depth and movement abound throughout each of the numbers, resulting in delectable morsels of moods. It’s a straight through listen, assisted by a well thought out sequencing that has the tracks easily handing off the baton from one to the next. There’s a variety of vocal features throughout, male and female, including some hiphop/rap verses. “Neon Heights” is consistent, yet eclectic, highlighting a myriad of musical influences.

Our favorite track is the album opener “Movie Star”—a broody track about yearning for the affection of someone The Screaming Pope deems superior to all. With a foreboding bass and atmospheric keys, the track reminds us a lot of Kiiara’s “Gold” in its overall vibe. The vocals shine throughout, conveying the pleading nature of the track, delivering some beautifully crafted and memorable lyrics.

“When The Beat Drops”, which along with “I Won’t” bring a 90s house/dance vibe to the album, feels very Robyn, specifically her “We Dance To The Beat” from the acclaimed 3 part “Body Talk” project. We also have a soft spot for album closer “The Battle”, featuring a female vocalist addressing and adversarial relationship that only lead to her growth and success. Some excellent lyrics here as well, and we almost wish this one extended into a longer track.

Alesandra Pollack - Deep End

Deep End - Alesandra Pollack (Pop) Alesandra Pollack is sending an SOS to her friends and family in “Deep End”, pleading for help as she battles life’s turmoil. The track is brooding and melancholy, while at the same time keeping a pop/dance center. Alesandra’s strong vocals roll in like a storm, reaching heights as the track progresses into richly layered vocal walls and a soaring melody. The vocals come from the soul on this one, and the gravity is doubled when she’s joined by the wailing guitar in the outro. Though the track was written when Alesandra was only 17, the song has a weighty maturity to it in the lyrics, albeit imbued with the emotional angst we all felt at that age. With “Deep End”, Alesandra opens a conversation on mental health battles by letting us into her own struggles.

Best Lyric: “Started as a joke, ended with a dare.”

Lana Del Rey - Say Yes To Heaven (Alex Zelenka Remix)

Say Yes To Heaven (Alex Zelenka Remix) - Lana Del Rey (Synthwave/Dance) Alex Zelenka is taking Lana Del Ray into synthwave with his remix of “Say Yes To Heaven.” With a kick driven percussion, the track is club ready fresh out of the box, utilizing some 80s inspired analog synths to paint a retro canvas, with Lana’s vocals melting into the track. As the song progresses, it becomes more brooding, a dark cloud settling in. There’s tension throughout the track, which makes for a very engaging dancefloor number. We also enjoyed how much of Lana Alex used—these remixes have a way of just taking one piece of the lyrics and looping them. Here, the superstar doesn’t take a backseat, she is merely transformed into a danceclub siren. With his remix. Alex’s take can for sure sit comfortably next to the famed “Summertime Sadness” dance mix.

Sheena-Rae - Still Won't Stay

Still Won’t Stay - Sheena-Rae (R&B) Sheena-Rae is being very upfront in her latest track “Still Won’t Stay”, an afrobeat hipwinder featuring Sam Heavens. The song is a tango of a duet, with Sheena-Rae letting her suitor know that there’s no way she’s sticking around. In a very “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” way, like J. Lo, Sheena-Rae’s love can’t be bought—her exit is inevitable. The production is crisp and well balanced, certainly radio ready, as the lilting guitar provides movement to the afrobeat percussion which come together to make a simmering R&B number. The perfect mix of chill vibes and dance, though Sheena-Rae won’t stay, this song will definitely stay on your playlist.

Airyen Vay - Gimme Love

Gimme love - Airyen Vay (Pop) Airyen Vay delivers a pop/R&B crossover banger with latest track “Gimme Love.” The track exemplifies yearning, with a strong vocal performance delivered in a cavernous reverb, conjuring images of pleading in the rain. The instrumental is steady and patient, hammering away with a verbed snare that gives the track its sonic identity, and brooding 80s synths that carry you away like turbulent waters crashing to the shore during a thunderstorm. The strength of the track is the slow build, hitting the crescendo with the outro where Airyen flies into the rafters with her belted adlibs. This is a prime karaoke choice track if we’ve ever heard one, if you can keep up with Airyen’s vocals.

Gone Sugar Die - Love Isn't Real

Love Isn’t Real - Gone Sugar Die (Emo Pop) Gone Sugar Die is going through it with “Love Isn’t Real”, a melancholy track giving an 80s/90s pop vibe. The Vancouver-based act featuring Patrick McWilliams (The Cut Losses) and Mike Hindert (The Bravery) is a prelude to an upcoming 5-track EP slated for next month. The single is defined by its cavernous vocal reverb and sparkling synth that together cast a haunting and brooding atmosphere. The mood is immersive, a sound bath of raw emotion that seeps into your pores and flows throughout the body. The strength of this track lies in its ability to convey the emotional truth of the song through the production. Play this one when you’re in your feels.

Best Lyric: “I spent all night in the rain.”

Edie Yvonne - No Rain

No Rain - Edie Yvonne (Pop)  In our journey with Edie, we started with a genre-blending pop/folk/country timeless record with “In The Rain”, a funky summer roadtrip anthem in “Queen Bee” and then a rousing anthem with “Girl Code”. Today, the prolific and versatile Edie Yvonne returns with her cover of Blind Mellon’s “No Rain”. Edie really takes us back to our childhood with this one. Unlike most remakes these days, Edie doesn’t turn this brooding midtempo into a heavily produced dance track. Instead, she captures the magic of the original, including that iconic melodic guitar line, adding a bit more to the lush wall of layered vocal walls and injecting some wide reverbs to add her own brand of melancholy to the track. With her cover, Edie triumphantly reintroduces a classic track to modern audiences.

Astralix - Lost and Found

Lost and Found - Astralix (EDM)  We are blessed this week with another dance floor turner from Astralix, the sparkling “Lost and Found”. The track follows previous jam “The Rhythm Fills My Soul” to continue Astralix’s departure from their previous sound. This is one of those kick-forward tracks, with the thumping heartbeat of the record pushing everything along, including some dreamy synths, a delicate organ and of course some heavenly vocals. Where we said the prior single sounded like it was in the realm of Cher’s “Believe”, this track is much more Robyn “Call Your Girlfriend” and “Missing You”. Not only is it a standout pop/dance record in its own right, but we could see this getting a lot of love in DJ remixes.

Gianfranco GFN - Supernatural

Supernatural - Gianfranco GFN (Funk) We feature Gianfranco GFN this week with his latest track “Supernatural”, a song about the end of a relationship that had such potential at the start. We get funk vibes right out of the gate delivering a bittersweet sensation, with a great live band sound complete with funk organ, a pulsing percussion arrangement and a panned guitar lick that serves as some delicious earcandy. Gianfranco GFN’s voice has a mature husk to it, heavy with experience, conjuring images of a smokey jazz lounge. The change up in the chord progressions at the conclusion of the track elevate the tune, and we guarantee this is one you’d want to hear live in concert.

Diamond Blacc - REMEDY

REMEDY - Diamond Blacc (Rap)  Creative pursuits have a way of exposing the real ones around you, and more importantly, the fake ones. That’s the message delivered in “REMEDY”, the latest from Diamond Blacc, who is clearing house of the those around him whose jealousy has surfaced to betray them. With warbling strings and a trap percussion, the track bumps, with crystal clear instrument separation and a cruising down the highway flow. There’s a 90s sensibility to it as well, and at times the brooding nature of the track and sonic landscape kind of reminded us of Coolio’s “Gangster’s Paradise” in a way we’re not sure we can explain. With a relatable message, especially for artists, and a knocking beat, this is one to ruminate on.

Best Lyric: “Haters talk a lot shit but I’m the one they wanna be.”

Kaiyah Mercedes - How To Get Over You

How To Get Over You - Kaiyah Mercedes (Pop)  Kaiyah Mercedes comes to us with a heart wrenching and soulful piano ballad about the aftermath of a breakup. The production is understated in order to set Kaiyah’s mature, sullen and emotive voice as the main feature. Piano centers the instrumental with, when paired with the swelling strings, offers descending cadences that really pull you into the melancholy that the track paints. That’s not to say there isn’t a fair share of ear candy—audible teardrops and rolling thunder help add to the atmosphere and add a good dose of uniqueness to the record. Hats off the lyrics as well, it’s a well explored subject matter but Kaiyah’s lyrics are as memorable as they are fresh.

Best Lyric: “I misread the room, I spoke to soon.”

Jody Cooper - Isolation

Isolation - Jody Cooper (Pop)  Jody Cooper brings us a moving piano ballad about the state of the world and our increasing solitude in the aptly named “Isolation.” The track is one of yearning, hoping to change a situation but feeling helpless to do so—knowing it would be for the best. Jody’s vocals are front and center here, utilizing a simple vocal production to focus on the words and emotion over effects and tricks. The song begins with just the piano, slowly rolling in drums and swelling strings to build through the verses, until finally we get a rock guitar taking this up to 11. By the end of the song, it feels like we’re in U2 or Coldplay territory with the the vocal layering and harmonies on top of the fully developed production.

Best Lyric: “Caught in the headlight.”

The Unusuals - Pressure

Pressure - The Unusuals (Rap)  We’ve got a rap all star team with The Unusuals, comprised of Pacific Northwest duo Ninjaface and Xperience, bringing us their latest single “Pressure” along with a super expensive looking, vampire hunting, Tim Carpenter directed music video with fight coordination from the coordinator on “The Mandalorian”. We’ve got a Bone Thugs feeling chorus on this midtempo jam about life’s moral dilemmas, a layered melodic rap, with each of our rappers having a distinct timbre to their equally rapid flows in the verses. The instrumental serves merely to prop up the vocals, though provides for a bevy of ear candy and switch ups that keep the track engaging throughout, along with the diversity of sound from our rappers who prove the adage that something can be more than the sum of its parts. Overall, it’s a windows down cruising through the neighborhood jam reminding us of 90s West Coast hiphop.

Best Lyric: “I got devil’s on my 6, pray for me.”