THREADS

Adventures in new music

[threadsmusic-blog]

Huuge House banger from Blonde featuring Alex Newell. The mix of soulful vocals and 90s beats set this off so well. Sick track!

[threadsmusic-blog]

Continuing those nineties vibes with some old school UK Garage, love the sampling and vocal riffs on this track! 

[threadsmusic-blog]

Huuge 90s vibes and razor sharp harmonies coming from M.O! Loving their sound!

[threadsmusic-blog]

Saturday Vibin’

[threadsmusic-blog]

Lion Babe - Treat Me Like Fire (Snakehips Remix)

[threadsmusic-blog]

Lion Babe - Treat Me Like Fire

[threadsmusic-blog]

Lion Babe - Treat Me Like Fire

Having released only a few tracks, the American duo, Lion Babe aka producer Lucas Goodman and vocalist and daughter of prolific ex-model and actress Vanessa Williams, Jillian Hervey, are relatively new to the RnB scene. They are however making waves on the scene with an ear-catching blend of sharp production and smoky, husky tones. I recently heard a clip of one of their initial tracks - Treat Me Like Fire, and was hooked. The video, with its soft, natural styling and Hervey’s voluminous locks,  immediately draws Beyoncé-esque Single Ladies comparisons. Having listened to the track over, vocally, Hervey’s strongest sounding influence, however, is a young Erykah Badu, as she soulfully overlays and toys with the minimal backing, pulling around and playing with the very much stipulated beat. The pairing of vocals and production is mere perfection; and is conducive to a great easy-listening vibe. 

Having also recently just released the remixes for the track, I have to say the reworking from British production duo Snakehips places the track in Badu territory - a funky uplifting east-coast vibe prevails - chunky block chords, funky rhythm guitars and cleverly incorporated rap samples. I honestly cannot decide which version I prefer best, however I think we’ll be hearing big things from Lion Babe in the future! Great track!        

[threadsmusic-blog]

Jess Glynne - R. Kelly - Ignition (1Xtra Live Lounge) 

Sick. 

[threadsmusic-blog]

Banks - Warm Water (Snakehips Remix)

Not a new one, but still a firm favourite! 

[threadsmusic-blog]

Sinead Harnett ft. Snakehips - No Other Way

[threadsmusic-blog]

New Music - Sinead Harnett ft. Snakehips - No Other Way

No Other Way is the upcoming single from London-based vocalist Sinead Harnett. The track, expertly produced by Snakehips, is a soulful head-bobber that showcases Harnett's credentials as a solo artist. Having been a huge fan of her early work with Disclosure; providing the vocals behind tracks such as Boiling and What's In Your Head, and more recently her work with London collective, Rudimental on their debut album, on tracks such as Baby, featuring MNEK and Hide and also as a vocalist on their extensive album tour. No Other Way is a contrast from her work with these heavyweights, moving away from the house and garage genres, and showcasing the soulfulness of her vocal. 

Past solo releases of Harnett's; namely Got Me have failed to generate mainstream acclaim, although well written and produced. I think No Other Way leads the way to a brighter future for Harnett in her solo ventures. The track is the ultimate summer tune; the airy synths and soulful hand claps compliment her laid-back vocal. The one thing the track is possibly missing is an appearance from a collaborator, which may have thrust Harnett further into the mainstream. On this occasion however, I personally hope No Other Way speaks for itself and gains her the attention she deserves. A great Summer track.      

[threadsmusic-blog]

Jessie Ware - Tough Love (NEW)

[threadsmusic-blog]

Tough Love - Jessie Ware (NEW)

I've just eagerly awaited the first play of the new single from Jessie Ware on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show. I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. I've been a huge fan of Jessie Ware ever since her debut, Devotion; an album which has to be up there in my all time favourites, and one I have returned to countless times; unlike others, for me, Devotion never seems to get old. 

Tough Love epitomises what has become known to be typical Jessie Ware - a record that exudes class, elegance and true artistry, in comparison with some of Ware's releases from Devotion, Tough Love serves as a mature progression. On Tough Love, Ware sounds more assured in her musical approach and songwriting, along with her status as a formidable vocalist; reinforced through her poised and assertive falsetto opening. A self-confessed pessimist, one can only assume the success of Devotion and its Mercury Prize and Brit Nominations has contributed to a more confident and equally successful followup.

Razor-sharp 80s synth riffs inflect Tough Love, underlined by a reverb-laden percussive beat and thudding bass drum which provides a somewhat minimalistic and clean edge to the record. Smooth, doubled vocals and harmonies beef up the bridge sections whilst driving up to a simplistic, yet effective chorus line; 'That's called tough love'.    

Overall, Tough Love has the potential to be the beginning of a strong comeback from Jessie Ware, I personally cannot wait for the new album.  

[threadsmusic-blog]

Sam Smith - Lay Me Down

[threadsmusic-blog]

In the Lonely Hour - Sam Smith

In the Lonely Hour is the much anticipated and revered debut from Sam Smith. Sam is gaining a lot of attention at the moment, and it's easy to see why. I've been a big fan of his voice since his debut hit with Disclosure, Latch. Since then, Lay Me Down was a hit for me, along with Nirvana, and more recently, Money On My Mind and Stay With Me. I believe there was a real gap in the market for someone like Sam; a powerful and emotive male vocalist has long been missing from the singles chart. 

Along with his status as a talented and very able vocalist - his strong and assertive falsetto has much become a trademark of his style (featured on the tumultuous Latch), along with his ability to switch effortlessly between this and his natural range, his songwriting skills are just as accomplished. Anyone who manages to convey a narrative through their writing, whilst at the same time, conveying the raw emotion of the subject is a true artist in my opinion; Lay Me Down and Stay With Me are particular examples of this; 'told me not to cry when you were gone/but the feeling's overwhelming, it's much too strong…' Smith pleads on Lay Me Down.

A large proportion of songwriting today appears flippant and trivial, begging the question as to whether it's a case of finding words that rhyme, as opposed to writing anything that makes logical sense or has any emotional significance or bearing. So many 'artists' today release songs which are described in interviews as 'party' or 'summer' songs, about 'having a good time'. I sometimes think true songwriting and artistry is hard to come by in the top 40.

Anyway, moving back to the subject of Sam Smith; I think the unequivocal success of ITLH is testament to his authenticity and relevance as an artist. As he has become more of a household name, many comparisons have been made; 'the male Adele' was one which stuck out for me. I think in some ways this is correct; the true artistry of both is undeniable, however, is there really need to compare the two, or put things in a metaphorical box? 

Overall the album is great; Restart is one of my favourites; a contrast to the other songs on the album, the song is a refreshingly upbeat number and one which I hope to see in the top 10 soon!           

[threadsmusic-blog]

Kelis - Jerk Ribs

[threadsmusic-blog]

Kelis - Food

I've always been a fan of American songstress, Kelis. Probably most remembered for her sugary sweet hit, 'Milkshake' taken from her 2003 album, 'Tasty'. Kelis has come a long way since - however, the overt obsession with culinary themes has seen to evade influence on her behalf.  You could easily say that Kelis had started to move in her own direction on her 2010 album 'Flesh Tone', from which 'Acapella' serves as the reigning, and arguably most associated single release. 'Fleshtone' was very much the dance album; electronic drum beats, synth lines and multi tracked vocals inflect singles such as 'Scream'.

'Food' contradicts this, and in an age where 'electronic' is very much in vogue, this is a commendable and brave venture. Never one to follow the crowd, Kelis has always marched to the beat of her own drum, so to speak.

The big draw of 'Food' for me, was the opportunity to hear the signature rasp that has always very much been a defining feature of Kelis' records. 'Food' does not disappoint. 'Jerk Ribs' is a personal favourite of mine - on first listening, this new retro sound of hers is very much apparent, with no electronic techniques in sight. Bold horns, sweeping violins and twanging guitars accompany reflective and pensive songwriting, showcasing Kelis' true artistry: 'He played the notes and keys, He said to look for melody in everything'. The rest of the record also continues this almost motown sound; 'Forever Be' and 'Biscuits n' Gravy' also reflect Kelis' songwriting credentials; again, reflective and searching, teamed with catchy riffs and bold chorus accompaniments. Overall, 'Food' is a wonderfully layered record. Definitely Food for thought.