Tag Archives: electronic

Album Review, Indie, New Music

NTHN ‘Delta’ Album

NTHN is set to release his debut album ‘Delta’ on September 14th. Artist and producer from the North West, England, NTHN draws from hip hop and emo rap. Composing and sampling dark and ambient atmospheric sounds inspired by metal and emo genres, NTHN is inspired by his immediate surroundings and is using his music to break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and displays of vulnerability. A self-taught producer, he started out as purely instrumental but has begun to bring in his own vocals as he becomes more confident in his sound. 

Using atmospheric soundscapes, emotive lyrics and a skillful blend of genres, ‘Delta’ displays NTHN’s intricate and emotive songwriting. The album is a candid and therapeutic exploration into the artist’s own journey with mental health expressed through swirling electronics, heavy beats and cinematic soundscapes. Strong synths create a seamless pulsing current between each track, this is most evident between the icy ‘Alone’ and ethereal ‘Enough’.

NTHN ventures from auto tune to smooth vocal lines with sombre-toned melodies throughout. ‘Conflicted’ is the most heavy and R&B focused track on the album with pining stings haunting the background of this dark, smothered, claustrophobic track while the R&B embellished ‘Sustained’ takes the role of the most pop track on the album. 

NTHN’s tender songwriting and ability to compose smooth melodies blended with airy electronics and ethereal soundscapes creates a well crafted, engaging listening experience.

Written, recorded and produced by himself, NTHN explains the process as cathartic, allowing him to accept the many facets of his identity. Wanting to break the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly men’s mental health, ‘Delta’ is structured in three distinct phases; awareness, acceptance and action. The album varies in genre, with each track addressing a different aspect of his struggle with mental health. ‘Delta’ is a sublime, expressive album from NTHN and an intriguing display of musical prowess.

‘Delta’ is set for release on September 14th. You can pre save ‘Delta’ here https://push.fm/ps/NTHN-Delta


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Nathan Mac ‘Carolina’

27 year old Dubliner, Nathan Mac has released his second single ‘Carolina’.‘Carolina’ is the latest link in the chain of the ‘Start of Something Blue’ project. As the second major release, the bar has been set by the success of his first single ‘Better Off Without You’. This song hit 70,000 streams on Spotify in the first two months alone and has received acclaim internationally from the likes of  ‘Buzz music LA’, and ‘The Music Nerd’.

With emotive songwriting laced in pristine ethereal synths and moving melodies, ‘Carolina’ showcases the mature, earnest and poignant musicianship of Nathan Mac. With coiling sticky beats twisting between twinkling synths ‘Carolina’ oozes a dark undertone. The song has a push and pull effect as it flows through darker elements and glimmers of bright scintillation which provide innocent moments of hope. Nathan’s smooth emotive vocals coo and tenderly whisper through the bottomless flickering soundscapes adding a contrasting sweet, velvety tone the the tracks more icy elements. The heavier beats slowly venture into EDM pop without fully committing to the genre as Nathan surges his alternative pop with emotion and passion. With reverb vocals and clean production this wistful gem is a relatable earworm ready for repeat listens. An exceptionally rich and lyrically deep second single from this promising artist. 

‘Carolina’ is a song of second chances. Once again this track is an outstretched hand to anyone struggling with self-worth. Through his lyrics, Nathan explores the power of being seen by a stranger (and artist) by the name of Carolina. They met online when Nathan commissioned a portrait of his little sister. “Back then I was so low that any interaction with a stranger would add to my self-worth. The people who liked my songs or just wanted to say ‘hi’ made me feel like I had value.” Using the metaphor of an artist drawing him back into existence, Nathan set about writing this song as a thank you to Carolina, not just for the wonderful portrait, but for giving him a new sense of self.

Stream ‘Carolina’ below 

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Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, New Music

Dagny ‘It’s Only A Heartbreak’

Norwegian singer Dagny has released her new single ‘It’s Only A Heartbreak’.The single is the first taste of the second half of her long awaited debut album Strangers / Lovers set for release October 2nd via Little Daggers Records.Showcasing her growth as an artist and her focused creative vision, the album – divided into distinct halves, tracks the journey of a relationship. The first half documenting the blossoming early stages of a new love, and the second – examining the fall out of that relationship.Following the release of Side A of Strangers / Lovers in May earlier this year, its two lead singles “Come Over” and “Somebody” undoubtedly proved Dagny is in the songwriting form of her life. “Come Over” spent 3 weeks at the top of the Norwegian radio-airplay charts, and “Somebody”, having already amassed over 14 million streams, was a mainstay in the Norwegian Top 10 on Spotify upon its release, and also hit the top 5 on the Norwegian radio-airplay charts.

‘It’s Only A Heartbreak’ is a snappy electronic/pop bop as Dagny spreads skittish beats over lavish synth flourishes to provide a tantalizing listening experience. The buoyant beat bubbles between soft twinkling on keys and wispy soundscapes creating an ethereal burst of adrenaline while the pulsing percussion provides a danceable foundation. Dagny’s sweet emotive vocals melt over the bittersweet pop melody while the lush harmonies and upbeat backdrop surge with the effortless charm of Dagny’s sound. This effervescent track is a positive and infectious medium for the conversational lyrics which see Dagny reflecting on her own emotions post-breakup – and telling herself she can get through this: “Most days I wake up I’m okay / I’m doing my own thing, I don’t have a moment to think about you / Most days I’m up on a high wave, And I’m just like urgh, It’s only a heartbreak, I got to get through you”.

‘It’s Only A Heartbreak’ is another shimmering, richly crafted gem from Dagny. Looking forward to the release of her debut album in October.

Speaking on the new single release, Dagny commented: “It’s Only A Heartbreak is actually partly inspired by the classic movie “Casablanca” from 1942, and Humphrey Bogart’s famous quote: “Here’s looking at you, kid”. Like the movie, the song is about knowing that you will never get someone back, but you can secretly still look at, and admire, that certain someone. The song carries a nonchalant expression, but the undertone makes it pretty obvious that you’re not over that person yet.”

Stream ‘It’s Only A Heartbreak’ below


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

HEKA ‘Fake Smile’

Bristol based five piece HEKA have released their debut single ‘Fake Smile’. Oozing a sinister, cold undertone this mysterious electronic gem rushes and flutters with 80’s pop synths and rich musicianship. It’s well crafted as punchy soundscapes and sticky beat slaps flash and shimmer through the biting atmosphere providing a dark dance floor backdrop. The band place a smooth emotive melody and passionate vocals over this dynamic indie pop instrumental before the intense soundscapes envelope the track in a sense of loneliness. Exuding dramatic sonic flairs, rapid synth progression and throbbing bass line all wrapped up in a jittery uneasy atmosphere, ‘Fake Smile’ is an exhilarating display of deft production from HEKA. Keep an eye on this five piece.

Watch the animated video for ‘Fake Smile’ directed by Tom Sharp below 


Author : Danu

Electronic, New Music

Pink Star Universe ‘Pyramids of El Salvador’

Released to raise awareness and save children from child trafficking, ‘Pyramids of El Salvador’ is the latest single to come from Indie Dance group Pink Star Universe. As part of this mission Pink Star Universe has been developing new quantum light and sound technologies to encourage better ways of living. Their music is entangled with quantum frequencies designed to help all people heal from the traumas of systemic oppression, discrimination, and thought slavery. 

‘Pyramids of El Salvador’ is a catchy electronic number as Pink Star Universe use a labyrinth of beats, soundscapes and techno elements to create an engaging dance number. With shimmering synths flickering between sticky rapid beats and catchy vocal hooks it’s quite the dazzling track. The smooth vocals soothe while the backing harmonies lull in the backdrop adding an upbeat and positive vibe to the songs atmosphere. Driven by hypnotic beats and flashing electronics ‘Pyramids of El Salvador’ is a unique, emotive and uplifting track from Pink Star Universe.

Stream ‘Pyramids of El Salvador’ below

https://soundcloud.com/pinkstaruniverse/pyramids-of-el-salvador-4?in=pinkstaruniverse/sets/pyramids-of-el-salvador


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Robert O’Connor ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)

Robert O’Connor has released his new single, ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’.The track is the third in a series of collaborations with EDM artist Skynem GT, who won a competition to remix Robert’s single “Real Good Fight” in 2019. The pair went on to enjoy streaming success with “Older ‘20”, which proved a slow burn hit, landing on Spotify playlists and receiving steady radio play.

Glazed in summer soundscapes ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ is a bittersweet electronic number from Robert O’Connor. A soft acoustic intro blossoms into a lush electronic jam as tropical synths shimmer around ethereal soundscapes and danceable beats to create a laid back radio ready track. O’Connor’s vocals exude a velvety tone while a soft tender melody bubbles in the backdrop. ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ is another emotive and full bodied track from Robert O’Connor.

Stream ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Heist At Five ‘Friday Night’

Heist At Five are back with their new single ‘Friday Night’, featuring guest vocalist Francesca Confortini. ‘Friday Night’ is the third single released since their debut EP ‘The Blacklist’, this is the band’s most commercially accessible song yet.Heist At Five call London their home, but have their roots spread across Europe, with each member hailing from a different country.Regular gigging between releases has seen Heist At Five hone their live shows, and have played at venues such as The Black Heart in Camden, The Facebar in Reading, Phoenix Bar in High Wycombe and The Wheatsheaf in Oxford.

‘Friday Night’ is a vibrant anthem that blends Latin pop elements into Heist At Five’s dynamic glittering electronic rock. This feel good track is instantly infectious. The funky bass groove wriggles between jaunty guitar refrains while the Latin pop melodies and shimmering electronics weave throughout. Francesca Confortini’s vocals provide a sultry element to the track while the velvety pop melody and glossy soundscapes create a sublime contrast to the bands edgy guitar heavy sound. ‘Friday Night’ is a fun, richly textured track oozing swagger and dazzling luminosity.

Stream ‘Friday Night’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Noah Elliott ‘Never Feels The Same’

Noah Elliott has released his new single ‘Never Feels The Same’. Noah Elliott is a 23-year-old artist based in Los Angeles. In 2018, Noah released a stream of self-produced singles resulting in over 700k listens on Spotify. In fall 2019, he joined forces with producers Dylan Bauld (Halsey, Bea Miller), Rune Westberg (Colbie Caillat, Daughtry) and Jon Santana (SuperM) to finalize his first record. The 7-song project titled Songs for the Optimist will debut as singles over the next 6 months. Along with his artist project, he is putting the finishing touches on a 5-song EP for sync (co-produced by Jordan Frye of Position Music), and writes for other artists such as Mackenzie Bourg (American Idol), Stela Cole and Ben Hon.

‘Never Feels The Same’ is a groove driven dance number doused in cool R&B as Noah Elliott ruminates through dark electronics and honest songwriting. Elliott’s smooth vocals caress the infectious melody with a lonely tenderness as the track ferments through subtle mysterious layers of confusion and turmoil while an elastic bassline coils around a sticky beat and intricate synths. This glossy number is saturated in night time vibes boasting crisp production and a catchy melody and rhythm. ‘Never Feels The Same’ is an utterly irresistible earworm from Noah Elliott.

Stream ‘Never Feels The Same’ below


Author : Danu

Electronic, New Music

Farnature ‘Stage’

Stage’ is the latest single to come from Japanese solo project Farnature. Written about the intersection of nature and city life, ‘Stage’ gives the spotlight to the sounds of the natural world, and contrasts this with the bustle of daytime in the city. ‘Farnature’ is a solo project from Japan who co-writes with a UK based writer and collaborates with guest vocalists from around the world. Farnature’s songs are characterised by their 6/8 time signatures and emphasis on the 3rd and 6th beats of the bar.

‘Stage’ is a vibrant and rich hybrid of electronic and world music that creates quite the intense and full sound.The song is meticulously crafted to create layers of rich and unique soundscapes as Farnature experiments with quirky instrumentation to create a sound wholly their own. With flamenco rhythms bustling behind light guitar refrains and swirling synths the track whirls with progressing intensity allowing the rhythms imitate the hectic pace of the city while a sweet melody builds as the track reaches its epic crescendo. With the rooted bass grooves weaving between the songs ethereal electronics and powerful vocals ‘Stage’ is quite the unique and intriguing track. 

Stream ‘Stage’ below


Author : Danu

Electronic, EP Review, Indie, New Music

1000 Beasts ‘On A Different Page’ EP

1000 Beasts has released his debut EP ‘On A Different Page’.1000 Beasts is an electronic producer & musician from Cork City. Starting off producing electronic pop songs in 2017 he has already achieved great critical success, with spins on BBC R1, heavy radio support in Ireland (TodayFL, 2FM…) and some of the biggest editorial playlists on Spotify (Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds: Pop, New Music Friday UK, The Pop List, A breath of Fresh Eire…), Apple Music, and Deezer.

‘On A Different Page’ reveals 1000 Beasts impeccable ability to create rich layers of brooding electronics filled with R&B, pop and lo-fi elements as he provides a collaborative EP ready to tantalize the senses. The laid back night-time vibes envelope tracks like ‘Is This Love?’ in ethereal atmospheres of swirling synths while the sticky slapping beats provide a danceable groove.

The use of different vocalists on the EP gives each track its own character and persona. 1000 Beasts pulls in mesmerising vocals from Shiv, Kayleigh Noble, Lenii and Alex Tierney to surge soul, warmth and R&B sass into the EP. However it is through the subtle intricacies and layering that 1000 Beasts excels. If it’s the soft jazz guitar in ‘Le Marais’ and funk elements in ‘It’s Cool’ to the tropical rhythm and bubbling electronics in ‘Tokyo’ the soundscapes within each track are meticulously crafted for a satisfying listening experience.

The tone of the EP is quite dark at times and this dark theme continues in ‘Waistcoat’ which boasts sweet vocal coos over skittish trap beats and a smooth noir pop melody. There is something eerie about the track as it ventures down a sound that could fit on Billie Eilish’s debut ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’

The tender ‘5 Points’ brings an end to the EP – a euphoric track with a building background full of suspense-filled synths and breathtaking pulsing beats.

‘On A Different Page’ is an engaging musical experience with laid back lo-fi pop elements sweetening the more weighty electronic and groove rich moments. 1000 Beasts presents himself as a musician to get excited about as he creates a sound laced in depth and dexterity with masterful musicianship at its core. 

Stream ‘On A Different Page’ below


Author : Danu