New Boots editor Phil Moore takes you through the best new tracks this week.
L30 Robinson ‘Sopranos’
This is another highlight in a career of supreme singles in the last couple of years from Leo. L30 Robinson has seen enough of people and the scene to have perspective – “My one love is karma/You’ll meet her somewhere after” nailing his worldview perfectly. The bass on this production by ZEL is fierce, and full of the snappy drama the lyrics refer to. Buy it, stream it, support the Menace Media crew.
Aside From That ‘The Heart Of Dreams’
“Wave goodbye to what you know/This sparks the new revolution”. New solo metalcore project from former Wovenlung vocalist Phil Walker, this is some serious fun. Slamming guitars face up to a barrage of processed beats, whilst your man relates his parable of betrayal. A live band is coming soon to fully realise the vision, and man it will be something if it manages to get close to this intensity.
Nxrth ‘Go’
Teaming up with producers Roddy Beatz and Ree McClean, this is a smooth hip-hop R&B flavour from the NN. No biog to relate, just a phat sound to share and a bright future to imagine.
Li-Likeisaid ‘Dry Jan’
Leon Henry is a master of words, and has the confidence and vision to bring his ideas to fruition very quickly. On production duties this time is Whoosh Beats, who provides the sympathetic bed for the artist to flow uninterrupted and with devastating results. Nice video too!
Tu-Kay & Ryan ‘Anyway I Can’
With their own studio set-up its no big surprise the duo are able to keep knocking out single after single. To their immense credit they keep the quality high, as this warm blanket of a song about not giving up hope effortlessly shows. Fans of harmony, pull up a seat.
Deadboi feat Rob Wilks ‘Smiling Lately’
Ketrin’ rapper, part of the Dakota collective. Slap bang sat amongst the post-Eminem emo rappers, hes’t taken all his personal limitations and turned them inside out with panache. “Every time I go through pain I think its good for my health” sings the vocoder-ed guest vocalist Wilks. The music is epic, dripping drama amongst the echo piano and minor-chord synths.
Apollo ‘Vanilla’
New Northampton rock band – vocalist Ellis Thomas, guitarist Oliver Law, drummer Joe Durham and bassist Lliam Rae – with their second single display their chops with pride. They bring the funk alongside the fuzz for this comfortably retro sound, which brings in elements of classic rock and pop-punk too. Keep an eye on these lads, there’s some good times ahead.
In Peril ‘The Life Of Gary’
Post-’77 hard punk vibes with the band’s third single. Recalling a story in the life of their drummer Gary, it’s a heads down Motorhead-worshipping stone-cold beauty from the Northamptonians.
Paxx ‘Love’
Relaxed hip-hop beats, plaintive guitar riff, and a hypnotic vocal from the Northampton newcomer on his fourth single. A strong visual style suggestive of a strong future; keep them peeled for more in 2021.
Vestian ‘I See A Light’
Been very excited about this ever since producer extraordinaire Jay Russell announced the project. Bubbling analogue instrumental electronica with some lovely string samples and god knows what else thrown in the mix here on the first release. If you like your big beat, your Amorphous Androgynous, and your Andrew Weatherall remixes you’ve come to the right place!
