In his wide-ranging annual survey, Michael Sumsion revisits the defining releases of the past twelve months. The year of 2021 threw up a mixed bag of consummate thrills, jaded re-runs and playlist wonders. In the mainstream, punters craved the comfort of the familiar rather than off-kilter novelty; the most engaging music emanated from more obscure quarters. It was, however, … [Read more...] about The 30 Albums That Made 2021 (part 1)
ZOLA: The Kid – EP Review
In her sophomore EP The Kid, ZOLA shows that being a wallflower has its perks. Zola Johnson’s Bandcamp biography is made up of one humble request: “just don’t put me in a box”. Her latest EP The Kid resists any form of typecasting, with its fluid style, and lyrics that refuse to fall into the usual traps of pop and popularity. Known more commonly by her all-caps mononym … [Read more...] about ZOLA: The Kid – EP Review
New Music Fridays – 17th December 2021
Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? If not, don't fret, there's still another week so take some time out and catch up with our four choices for this week's New Music Fridays! As always, click the pics for a listen. M.E.G - Better This Way M.E.G’s first release, Better This Way, showcases the sincerity and thoughtful song development of a new artist. Written … [Read more...] about New Music Fridays – 17th December 2021
Alicia Keys: KEYS – Album review
Alicia Keys’s latest release KEYS offers an intimate and extended exploration of her sound, while maintaining her signature vocal and virtuosic pianism. Divided into two halves, separated by the KEYS piano interlude, the release consists of new tracks (Originals) followed by mostly remixes of the previous material (Unlocked). Sadly, the new versions of tracks often … [Read more...] about Alicia Keys: KEYS – Album review
Jlin: Embryo – EP Review
Indiana-based producer Jlin is back with Embryo, her boldest and most ambitious work to date. After her breakthrough release Dark Energy, Jlin has continued to push the boundaries of techno and Embryo is a prime example of this. Much like the industrial landscape of her home state, the sound of the EP is noisy and bleak. There are clear Detroit techno influences, but Jlin … [Read more...] about Jlin: Embryo – EP Review
Teen Daze: Interior – Review
Canadian electronic producer Teen Daze’s latest album, Interior, is club music made comfortable. British Columbia-based electronic producer Teen Daze has racked up an extensive discography since the release of his debut album, Four More Years, in 2010. After eleven years, and twenty-two albums and EPs to date, you might expect Teen Daze (or his music) to have become somewhat … [Read more...] about Teen Daze: Interior – Review