A selection of new and/or relevant pop and pop-leaning tracks that have recently left an impression on us. For the full playlist click here
Express Office Portico – “No One”
Express Office Portico are making all the right moves to win my heart over, or rather all the right sounds. “No One” is the first single from the band’s upcoming ‘Incommunicado‘ EP and it acts as a splendid introduction to what the band are all about. Yes, this is indie pop at its core but the Nottingham band’s infusion of vibrant instrumentation and lush synths adds depth to a sound that is already full. Tara Freeman‘s vocals are stellar, offering at least 3 different melodies you will be humming for weeks to come. It slightly reminds me of The Cardigans, in the way it masterfully blends sweet melodies with clever arrangements, crafting an atmosphere that is both sleek and seductive, yet never mundane. Personally, I find the track shines the brightest when Freeman‘s vocals bounce off those of vocalist/keyboardist Billy Townsend, creating a dynamic interplay that elevates their sound to new heights.
As the quintet prepares for the release of their debut EP, Express Office Portico emerge as the ones to watch both on record and by all accounts on stage. With its infectious energy and undeniable catchiness, “No One” is a track worthy of repeat visits.
Hannah Johnson – “Slow Motion”
In her debut single “Slow Motion,” Philadelphia’s Hannah Johnson effortlessly melds retro soul with contemporary pop flair, crafting a track that is both captivating and soul-stirring. With a decade devoted to honing her songwriting craft, Johnson‘s musical finesse shines like she has always been ready for this moment. The track’s infectious bassline and glistening synths create a lush backdrop for the singer-songwriter’s velvety vocals to take flight. Johnson‘s talent shines bright in this funky, soulful ode to love, marking her as a rising star.
Etherdene – “You Are My World“
Etherdene‘s “You Are My World” navigates the centuries-old tale of unrequited love with a celestial grace that captivates from the first note. Guided by Dala Botha‘s excellent production, the track unfurls like a nebula, each layer revealing the intricate dance of emotion. Etherdene‘s ethereal vocals serve as the North Star, guiding listeners through a celestial journey of longing and uncertainty. With synths that twinkle like distant stars and beats that pulse like the thrusters of a spacecraft, the track propels us into the outer reaches of the universe, where love’s gravitational pull is undeniable. In this experience, Etherdene emerges as a cosmic captain, charting a course through the infinite expanse of indie pop.
Fantastic Mr Marcel – “Science & Magic”
Fantastic Mr Marcel emerges as a shining star with his latest single, “Science & Magic.” Infusing smooth soulful R&B with dynamic pop percussion and subtle hip-hop undertones, Marcel crafts an irresistible hybrid that’s part science fiction, part slow jam. With vocals reminiscent of a captivating blend between funk’s all-time greats and the sex appeal of Prince, Marcel dabbles in celestial textures and timeless charm. “Science & Magic” embodies a magnetic fusion of exploration and mystique, captivating from the first note to the last. Surrender to the allure and let Fantastic Mr Marcel‘s unique sound sweep you away.
Kiey – “white boy i sat next to on the plane“
We present Kiey, the first artist we have ever featured from Vietnam. His latest offering, “White Boy I Sat Next To on the Plane,” crafts an emotive narrative akin to the fleeting encounter in the clouds it describes. With his dreamy falsetto and haunting piano, Kiey paints a vivid tale of unspoken desires and missed connections. The track’s laid-back melody lures listeners with its hypnotic unconventional rhymic pattern, further muddling the point where fantasies intersect with reality. Seeped in a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. “White Boy I Sat Next To on the Plane” plays as a diary entry exposing the heart and mind of an artist who dares to dream big and invites us to dream along with him.
