Warren Wolfe, “Careful U”

Posted on February 6, 2018 by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

Warren Wolfe
“Careful U”
Digital Single
Released as an unfinished demo on SoundCloud, “Careful U” is my favorite thing the rising Brooklyn singer-songwriter has put out yet. Though he’s best known for his gorgeous, aching falsetto, he dials back the vocals here, using his angelic voice as hypnotic window dressing rather than the main focus. The result is a swirling slice of dark-wave that wouldn’t sound out of place on a packed dance-floor. Whether it’s a one-off or a sign of a stylistic pivot to come, it’s an encouraging sign that Wolfe won’t be tied down to one particular sound.

Clara La San, “Unplanned”

Posted on February 5, 2018 by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

Clara La San
“Unplanned”
Good Mourning (out now on OCLONES)
I’m not proud of it, but somehow I completely missed the UK singer’s long-awaited debut mixtape when it dropped back in late November. So to make up for that oversight, I wanted to write about one of my favorite tracks on it — this emotional ode to mixing things up in a relationship. “Unplanned” highlights La San’s soft, evocative vocals and subtle songwriting, which are in abundance all over the exquisite, “Good Mourning.”

Images & Words: Mabel x Not3s, “Fine Line”

Posted on January 31, 2018 by TP1.COM in Featured, Images & Words | Comments Off

Mabel x Not3s
“Fine Line”
Digital Single
Mabel and Not3s both appeared on my “Best Songs of 2017” list as solo artists, so it’s not surprising that their second single together is an absolute heater. “Fine Line” has more crossover potential than anything either artist has released before, bringing an anthemic, radio-ready chorus to go with their signature, lithe, Afropop and R&B infused sound. Though Not3s is a rising star in his own right, Mabel sounds incredible here, and it’s starting to feel like she’s the next UK artist who will make true waves in the American pop landscape. Probably my favorite song of this young year.

Images & Words: George Fitzgerald & Lil Silva, “Roll Back”

Posted on January 30, 2018 by TP1.COM in Images & Words | Comments Off

George Fitzgerald & Lil Silva
“Roll Back”
All That Must Be (out in March on Domino)
Though it got roasted by the ever-reliable FACT, I’m not mad about this cinematic slow-burner. Built around Silva’s swelling, arpeggiated synths, which wouldn’t sound out of place in an 80’s sci-fi flick, “Roll Back” is dripping with the kind of sweet nostalgia that always seems to get under my skin. Fitzgerald’s vocals are a bit tinny, but they aren’t the main focus here and don’t submarine the well-crafted arrangement.

Chromeo, “Bedroom Calling” (f/ The-Dream)

Posted on January 29, 2018 by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

Chromeo
“Bedroom Calling” (f/ The-Dream)
Head Over Heels (out soon on Atlantic)
It’s fitting that this track dropped the day after Bruno Mars swept the Grammys, because it wouldn’t have sounded out of place on “24K Magic.” To my ears, Chromeo has always been held back by the lack of a powerful, charismatic vocalist like Bruno, which would bring a human touch to their slick robo-pop. Luckily for us, the Canadian duo outsourced the vocals here, and King Terius delivers, coming through with a vintage, buoyant performance.

Images & Words: 03 Greedo, “Never Bend”

Posted on January 25, 2018 by TP1.COM in Featured, Images & Words | Comments Off

O3 Greedo
“Never Bend”
Money Changes Everything (out now on Golden Grenade Empire)
Not gonna lie, I slept on 03 Greedo last year, but I’m not going to make the same mistake twice. The Watts rapper is one of the most unique, exciting new voices rising today, pairing soulful crooning and sticky bars for a sound that is as bluesy as it is joyous. My favorite track, “Never Bend,” is a perfect example of that dichotomy, as Greedo revels in his resilience without running away from the pain that revealed it. One of the most exciting young artists around.

Mt. Si, “911”

Posted on January 24, 2018 by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

Mt. Si
“911”
911 (out 02.16 on Cascine)
Any project that features Kisses frontman Jesse Kivel and Michael David from Classixx is going to be smooth as all hell. Throw in the angelic vocals of Superhumanoids’ Sarah Chernoff, and you might as well just close your eyes and melt into your sonic beachside chaise lounge. New single, “911,” features remarkably deep and lush synths, which belie Chernoff’s lyrics which touch on anxiety in the digital age.

CFCF, “Self Service”

Posted on January 23, 2018 by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

CFCF
“Self Service”
Self Service EP
Though much of Mike Silver’s work is quiet and piano-based, he’s always had a few house bangers in his locker, and new single “Self Service” is aimed straight at the dance floor. For six buoyant minutes, the cut bubbles and bobs along the surface with warm keys, a steady backbeat, and some well-played “oooh’s.”

Daniel Avery, “Slow Fade”

Posted on January 22, 2018 by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

Daniel Avery
“Slow Fade”
Slow Fade (out now on Phantasy Sound)
It’s been more than four years since the Bournemouth native dropped his gorgeous, dark techno debut LP, “Drone Logic,” but he’s finally back with a new EP that is sure to be a delight. Lead single, “Slow Fade,” is just the kind of sublime track that Avery made his name off. Built around aqueous synths and a low-key backbeat, it builds slowly before subtly resolving to engulfing climax. I can’t wait to dig deeper into this project.

Troye Sivan, “The Good Side”

Posted on January 22, 2018 by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

Troye Sivan
“The Good Side”
Digital Single
On his quietly excellent, autobiographical debut “Blue Neighborhood,” the Aussie made the jump from YouTube star to budding pop-star. The disc was an intimate look at first love — from the intoxicating early days to that unique brand of teenage heartbreak that sets in when it’s over. Though the record shot Sivan’s career into the stratosphere, what became of the man who inspired it?

“The Good Side” is Sivan’s attempt to reach back out to his first love and thank him for the part he played in Sivan’s life and recent success. No doubt, it’s an awkward situation, but the 22 year-old handles it with tenderness and grace, apologizing for the way he capitalized on their relationship without talking down to him. I’d imagine some will find this condescending, which is understandable. But to me, it’s a sincere attempt to reconcile that tricky moment when one’s art mirrors the difficult parts of life.