The kids are coming up from behind.
American singer-songwriter and producer, who grew up in Germany the son of diplomats, Dijon Duenas (monikered as just ‘Dijon’) orchestrates progressive pop and R&B, derived from Prince but absorbing contemporary influences from the likes of Bon Iver, Clarence Clarity and Frank Ocean. Dijon’s long-awaited debut album, Absolutely arrived in 2022, made in conjunction with frequent … Read more
Tahliah Debrett Barnett, monikered ‘FKA Twigs’ released her third studio album, Eusexua, her most straightforwardly danceable album yet, mostly overseen by Welsh producer, Koreless. No doubt her vulnerable whisper can still captivate but the production is often unflattering. The addition of ‘club’ music arguably detracts rather than contributes to her emotional style which still manifests … Read more
Maryland DIY singer-songwriter Marcus Elliot Brown AKA Nourished By Time released the much-anticipated follow up to 2023’s Erotic Probiotic 2, The Passionate Ones, a unique singer-songwriter approach centred on a DIY aesthetic and a compositional style that blends the starry synth-pop of the 1980s and the vocal melodies of 90s New Jack Swing with icy … Read more
Mac Demarco further stripped his sound back on the melancholic folk-pop home recordings of Guitar, a series of lazy, relaxed meditations, reminiscent (as always) of John Lennon, barely 30 minutes in length. The shy delivery works best on the cute Shining and the solemn lament Home, where the melodies are given space to breathe. Terror, … Read more
Wisconsin’s Bon Iver, ostensibly the project of solo singer-songwriter, Justin Vernon released their fifth studio album SABLE, fABLE, split between the earnest acoustic ballads on the first half and blue-eyed soul on the second half. The lyrics, which are largely romantic and optimistic, form a 180 with the heartbroken and tragic bard of the debut … Read more
Alex G, the project of lo-fi singer-songwriter Alexander Giannascoli, a consistent source of inventive melodic concoctions, released his major-label debut, Headlights,co-produced by Unknown Mortal Orchestra bass guitarist Jacob Portrait, following up one of his strongest records, God Save The Animals in 2022. The album opts for a more sedate and moody sound but also with … Read more