- Gang Starr – ‘Family and Loyalty’ (feat. J.Cole)
One of the most influential rap/hip-hop groups Gang Starr return, after 16 years(!), with this old-school treat featuring J.Cole. ‘Family and Loyalty’ is a pure diamond in the genre, and unleashes that unique 90s flavour, sounding fresh at the same time. DJ Premier never gave up hope: “I never lost faith, or wavered. I still felt it inside of me, it just happened to be nine years later (after Guru’s passing)” Premier commented. “We all want the things we want right now, but I am a patient guy. I hung in there and I just kept believing.” Priceless!
Christos Doukakis
- AJIMAL – ‘How Could You Disappear?’
A mesmerizing, ear-melting form start to finish…. That’s the brand new single ‘How Could You Disappear?‘ by AJIMAL, the Doctor by day, Fran O’Hanlon‘s music vehicle. This rare gem marks the 2nd release from his upcoming album, ‘As It Grows Dark / Light‘ produced by Guy Massey (The Beatles, Spiritualised, The Divine Comedy) due for release Spring 2020 on Wow And Flutter. This ambient folk hybrid reminded me of the obscure Welsh band Ectogram on “pop acid”…. Unique, gentle, fragile… Surrender!
Christos Doukakis
- Mass Worship – ‘Proleptic Decay’
Mass Worship are hailing from Stockholm, Sweden. Although the band was formed officially in 2018 the members carry a lot of experience from previous works. Their debut self-titled album was out on October 18th via Century Media.
Mary Kalaitzidou
- Drug Couple – ‘Hissy Fit’
‘Hissy Fit‘ comes to you via Drug Couple, an “anti-capitalist, pro-miscegenation musical duo” formed of Brooklyn based artists, Miles Benjamin, Anthony Robinson and Becca Chodorkoff (Rosebug). Reminiscent of Veruca Salt and Pale Waves with their own unique grit, you don’t want to have a hissy fit – just listen to the track. Check out their debut EP ‘Little Hits‘ on November 15th via PaperCup Music.
Sarah Medeiros
- Wax Heart Sodality – ‘Alphas’
‘Alphas‘ is the spunky debut single by England’s garage rockers Wax Heart Sodality. I would personally describe the track as a mixture of straight-edge garage rock with intense 80s goth rock with references to bands like the great stellastarr*, especially in terms of vocal performance. We suggest you pay attention to those dudes; They unleash some infectious noise being brave enough to sound also pretty melodic and catchy!
Christos Doukakis
Compiled by Christos Doukakis, Mary Kalaitzidou & Sarah Medeiros