Can’t get enough…
How are all going fine people? It’s definitely a bit of a wild week for the country, and it’s safe to say we’re all just taking it one day at a time. It’s a pretty tried and tested approach, but it’s definitely not an approach we can take to tackle the tracks being dropped by local artists each and every day (there’s a lot).
But alas, we’d have it no other way. Five tracks by five banging local artists, coming right up!
Check it below.
CXLOE – ‘Cry & Drive’
Sydney explosion of radiance CXLOE is emanating wicked vulnerability on ‘Cry and Drive,’ digging deep into the pain of 2020 for a striking ballad that floods you with emotion. Beginning with a tender guitar line that arpeggiates our heartstrings, the ‘Heavy’ singer opens up about the eternal struggle to come to grips with the death of her grandmother, a struggle heartbreakingly-demonstrated in her tear-heavy drive home from the hospital.
Vocally she opts for soft verses and hooks, both of which feel like she’s almost whispering to us as the swells of heartbreak overwhelm her (and our) spirit. It’s a tune that doesn’t try to find the silver linings or find the positives of loss, it’s simply an honest snapshot of someone trying to deal with their grief in all of its unfairness and pain; and it’ll move even the coldest of hearts. Join us in the emotive catharsis below:
Nerve x JK47 – ‘One In A Million’
An inferno of hip hop resonance that’s got us hyped beyond all belief, Nerve and JK47’s ‘One In A Million’ is th rhythmic spaceship to help you murder your week. Keeping up the intensity of their breakout collab ‘Sunday Roast’ (as well as that of their individual releases) the two MCs take no prisoners on the new joint, and it’s clear they’re out for blood in 2021.
Written as a call to arms for all those fearful of their detractors as well as their own potential, the ravenous horn-heavy beat goes totally ham in reassuring the listener that they matter, and that quite honestly, the haters can go fuck themselves. It also captures the competitive hip hop spirit that defined the mid 90’s and early 2000s, with JK’s and Nerve’s hard-hitting verses almost competing against one another; the two rising stars battling for the hip hop crown whilst still paying respect and building up their fellow MC.
It’s essentially three minutes of hip hop excellence, and is a compelling reminder of the power of Aussie rhymers; the homegrown power to set the soul a’fire and get you through whatever struggles you may be facing. Check it below.
Hayley Mary – ‘Young & Stupid’
Melbourne alt-rocker Hayley Mary is a serenader’s dream in ‘Young & Stupid,’ jamming out an emotionally-charged tune that’s universal in appeal but singular in execution. Starting off with a lone piano and those trademark honest vocals, the ‘Would You Throw A Diamond?’ singer sets a ballad-like tone as she resembles songbird-like purity. The subtle introduction of the acoustic guitars is a mad edition as well, matching the increasing emotion of Mary’s vocals and lyrics with resolute unity.
Singing about the fragility and preciousness of life demonstrated during the worst parts of COVID living, the Melbourne muso really dials in on the irreversible change brought about by the events of 2020. But it’s not all doom or gloom, with Hayley capturing the cathartic beauty that results from forgotten pieces of times gone piercing through the veil of pandemic living; the most apparent being the unfamiliar sound of a landline ringing, a symbolic reminder of the multi-dimensionality of life in uncertain times. A tune we’re definitely vibing, we back it hard. Check it below.
Mariam Sawires – ‘Meaning Of Our Love’
Egyptian beauty Mariam Sawires delivers a mesmerising offering in ‘Meaning Of Our Love,’ striking a lush balance of ethereality and soulful-blues on her first release of 2021. Keeping up the intricacy and vibrance of past tracks like ‘Choose’ and ‘Together,’ the Sydney-sensation doubles down on her R&B bag for a Lauryn Hill-like exploration of love in all of its essence and meaning.
The tune sees her embrace some wavy synths and soft drum lines as she twirls and flutters in that instantly-recognisable tone, bouncing up and down her range as she revels in her inherent musicality; one that’s taken her all across the world. The tune is just a lush request to the universe for guidance and peace, infused with a cosmic aura as the singer-songwriter again proves that she’s in the music game for the totally right reasons; to create and express. Check out her latest offering below.
DoloRRes – ‘Heelys’
Melbourne innovator of rhythmic sensibilities DoloRRes is bubbling with MC pride on ‘Heelys,’ inviting us into a drug-induced nightmare rife with paranoia and fear. The claustrophobia of the concoction is demonstrated in all aspects of the musical offering, from the black and white visual (that’s equal parts disjointed and surrealist) to the alternating flows and tones. All of the above layers collide and retract with a fun-loving steeze as well, further enhancing the sonic backdrop as the Melbourne MC refuses to confine himself to any one style or genre.
The collage of the numerous layers is almost overwhelming at first, but the more you engage and immerse yourself the more you come to appreciate the certain intricacies it’s bubbling with. Get familiar with the talent below.
