Every week, we trawl through the darkest recesses of the Internet to find the music that you NEED to listen to.
Jai Paul - Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones) and Do You Love Her Now/He
https://open.spotify.com/album/6Wsai43KQmmKlN29AWlXFr?si=UsHNT3-KRdyMrJ--UudU6w
Following a six year hiatus, Jai Paul has finally bestowed new music upon the world. Not only has he released two new songs as a double B-side 'Do You Love Her Now/He', but he also made his unofficial debut album Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones) available on all streaming services. Bait Ones was leaked onto Bandcamp in 2013, which caused the producer to 'withdraw from life in general', according to the man himself.
However, after 'therapy of various kinds', Jai has returned. The track listing of Bait Ones include the terms 'demo' and 'unfinished' on almost all songs, ensuring the audience that the tunes were destined for far more than their current form. However, the album still sounds as unique as ever. Likewise, the two new songs represent an evolution of a producer who several leading lights in electronic music cite as an influence.
Here's hoping he doesn't leave it another six years until his next release.
Jonas Brothers - Happiness Again
https://open.spotify.com/album/1Uf67JAtkVWfdydzFFqNF2?si=DL_Qzp5jSIuzG0bn6sNNvw
The bros are BACK. Six years after their last release as a trio, the Disney Channel alumni are back with a varied sound with its foundations in pure and unadulterated pop. The chemistry of the three was never in doubt, they are brothers after all. However, it is hard to believe that their cultural zenith was a decade ago. Is this what it was like when Take That reunited?
Either way, Happiness Again has got a multitude of pop bangers that could find a home in any pre-drinks playlist. 'Sucker' and 'Cool' kick off the album in the right way, allowing for the slower songs to creep in later on. Employing the likes of career hit-makers Ryan Tedder and Greg Kurstin to flesh out the album was a masterstroke too.
Future - SAVE ME EP
https://open.spotify.com/album/65hRa80KDworqyE8242rLN?si=r95O7RFVSFmtKzWWEGSb7w
We're only in June, yet Future has graced us with another project. Sure, the Atlanta MC is only five months removed from releasing Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD. Yet, SAVE ME showcases a more melodic form of autotuned warbling. The title may be a dead giveaway, but 'SAVE ME' is a 7 track plea for deliverance, not least from the 'XanaX Damage' on the first track.
The EP contains the trademark trap sound Future has become known for. However, there's speculation abound that 'Shotgun' samples the song 'Promise' by Ciara, Future's ex. Gossip like that makes this EP infinitely more interesting.
Ok but anyone else notice shotgun by future got a similar beat to promise by Ciara ? Or am i trippin 👀🤔 pic.twitter.com/3GDmiEdhUW
— Jay 😮💨 (@onlyjaye) June 7, 2019
Pixies - On Graveyard Hill
https://open.spotify.com/album/2lfB1Qx3v3IR2znbRWDfGQ?si=lDXtZTiGTB6T3JMuuYJcuw
'On Graveyard Hill' marks Pixies first release since their 2016 album 'Head Carrier', and contains all the staples of a Pixies release. The driving guitar leads the song, with singer Black Francis referencing 'the witching hour'.
The aesthetic of 'On Graveyard Hill' fits into the construct of Pixies' new album. To be released in September, Beneath the Eyrie is a 12 track LP which deals with 'witches, Daniel Boone, and misfits'.
MoStack - STACKO
https://open.spotify.com/album/0R5KmJ4WOkMSgiQhNJ92Bi?si=NstdCZ7pTcKHyxnS7_cytQ
I will give a fiver to anyone who can listen to the opening salvo of MoStack's song 'Stinking Rich' without laughing. That being said, 'Stinking Rich' and the STACKO album as a whole, is an excellent debut for the North London MC. With a featured list including Dave, Fredo, Stormzy and J Hus. In fact, its J Hus who MoStack shares the most similarities with. Both have an ear for an infectious hook and the sound to transcend summertime speakers.
STACKO is an album which will find itself on pre-drinks playlists, an enjoyable 40 minutes without a whole lot of substance. 'Stinking Rich' is certainly an album highlight, with the trio of Dave, J Hus and MoStack an all-star line-up. Otherwise, 'I Want You' is an absolute banger. Garage-infused anthems in 2019, you love to see it.
