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MAY-JUNE 23 SBTRKT - 'L.F.O' In anticipation of T
he Rat Road (due May 5), SBTRKT taps frequent collaborator Sampha and West London songstress George Riley for this fascinating cut of experimental, Dubstep leaning R n’B. Ethereal synth swells begin the journey, breaking down into jagged rhythmic pulses as Samphas remarkable voice evens out rough edges. George Rileys smooth, soulful tenor provides a delicious counterpoint to the fray, and the years dedicated to putting the song together are made evident in the ever evolving electronic composition beneath. Over its four and a half minutes, the trio manage to explore and execute more ideas than some musicians might over the course of an entire album. AOC Pio Hartnett - 'When I Go There' Alongside the release of his debut EP, Cargo, Pio Hartnett has also released the single ‘When I Go There’. The eighth track on the EP offers ethereal harmonies, poignant piano and solemn lyricism which has a certain ‘mono no aware’ about it. He teamed up with videographer Andy Asco on the music video conveying the encapsulation of these feelings he portrays sonically. Who knows how far Pio will go, but we are all there behind him. Catch him at The Ruby Sessions in Doyle’s on Tuesday May 30th. NR Big Sleep - 'Shivering' Irish-Italian ensemble Big Sleep have championed the vicinity of indie pop with their newest single ‘Shivering’. Partnered with jovial hooks and pensive lyrics, ‘Shivering’ lends the theme of detachment in the face of looming heartbreak. Rónán’s rich timbre melts into the riffs drawing the listener into a state of enchantment. NR Dubh Lee - 'Animals and Friends' Animals and Friends is the debut EP from alt Folk artist Dubh Lee. This body of work covers topics and styles unique to the budding artist but easily related to by all. The performances here by Niamh Dooley and her band are super tight and crisp. Dubh Lee stays pure and true to her literal and playful methods of song craft and this is an amazing example of an artist just discovering her power and grace as she moves into a bright future. Stay Tuned! DG Baxter Dury - 'Aylesbury Boy' Despite descending from the brash bravado and rugged charm of the late Ian Dury, there's no such stylistic paternal dependency for his son Baxter. For over twenty years Baxter Dury has been crafting his own unique sense of disaffected nonchalance, delivering rye observation through a poetic slew of gruff grumblings. 'Aylesbury Boy', the lead single from Dury's upcoming album is no exception. Sordid and seedy yet upbeat and addictive, Dury builds an unsettlingly positive atmosphere which feels polished despite decay. As ever, Dury presents and represents decadent slime. IS Blood Donor - 'Baby No More' Blood Donor is the solo project of ex-Otherkin frontman Luke Reilly and, much like his previous work, it has class stamped all over it. Here Luke is definitely showcasing his poppier side as he eschews the guitars for dreamier synths and vamped piano chords but there's a cool edge to the track that makes it stand out from the pack. Luke is a brilliant live performer and I can see this track being a big live favourite when he puts his foot on the overdrive pedal. The album is eagerly awaited. PF Alien Parade - 'Medicine Man' Finding fusion between neo-psychedelia and early grunge, Cork band Alien Parade cement their sound with their third official release 'Medicine Man'. Coining their unique style as 'sandal-rock', in part a nod to the lead singer's donning of such, but also appropriate footwear to counter the effects of this band's blistering haze, Alien Parade push their blended murky ethereal aura to the forefront. Pulsing bass, punchy and driving drums, expansive guitar work and equally otherworldly lyricism make Alien Parade ones to watch as they continue their country-wide conquest through the year. IS Thundercat/ Tame Impala - ‘No More Lies’ Stephen Bruner has carved out a lucrative and singular niche in the music industry, his virtuosity seeing him work with everyone from FlyLo to Kendrick, as well as a stellar solo career of futurefunk, marrying his falsetto to inventive and sometimes impossible basswork, both silky in equal measure. This new track, pairing Thundercat with indie darling Tame Impala, plays to these strengths. An infectious groove nestled in blankets of dreamlike synth tones from Kevin Parker, and an unmistakable bass line has the duo trade off up to the wonderful middle section before the track blossoms into the neopsychedelic soul that leads to the closing movement. Both of these rightly lauded creatives have melded their respective finer points perfectly on this short, woozy and sumptuous cut of dangerously modern R & B, and as the first new Thundercat single since ‘It Is What It Is’ sees a welcome return for the young prodigy to a stage that is always poorer without him. AOC PAGE 11