Sound Selects: September/October

April comes through with the latest edition of Sound Selects. This week she shares her top 4 recent releases (in no particular order). You can find all the songs below in our Spotify playlist.

1. Weirdz - Romantic Call

Release date - 9th October 2020

The upcoming multi-genre Irish singer Weirdz released his 7-track sophomore project this month. Titled Romantic Call, Weirdz focussed on afrobeat and dancehall sounds, with the legend that is Gyptian hopping on the title track to help elevate Weirdz' already sumptuous vocals. This project is an enticing feel-good offering, which is just what we need now that a frosty Winter is getting ready to bite at our heels.

2. Giveon - When It’s All Said And Done

Release date - 2nd October 2020

Giveon's sultrily soothing baritone vocals bless our eardrums once more with his latest project, When It's All Said And Done. Giveon's meteoric rise is still somewhat a mystery but his talent is undeniable and this project is an example of simplicity produced to perfection. This EP also features modern R&B princess Snoh Aalegra on the track Last Time, which is a fitting collaboration as both these singers have cultivated very dedicated fanbases in short timeframes. This EP is perfect for those slow Sundays when your only plan is to have a decent lie-in.

3. Jeshi - Mask On

Release Date - 31st July 2020

Jeshi just released Mask On, a low-fi hip-hop tune with an abundance of choice samples, from - what sounds like - a Koto to jazzy brass segments. This track serves as a reflection on how people often don some kind of masquerade in their day-to-day lives. In a statement, Jeshi said that this could be anything from a “fake smile, or the material things like the nice house, car or jewellery we use to shield whatever it is you've got going on inside from outsiders.” This kind of storytelling is fitting in the age of coronavirus, when we should be re-evaluating what is important and what is truly authentic. Although his delivery and tone are somewhat blasé, Jeshi's wordplay packs a punch and, with his sick beat selection, shows that he has longevity in the game.

4. Eli Moon - Angels, Devils & Empty Vessels

Release Date - 2nd October 2020

Eli Moon, an up-and-comer from South London, has released his project Angels, Devils & Empty Vessels, a brooding and contemplative EP that spans multiple genres. His vulnerability is stark and dark, which feels brave and highly emotional, as Eli lyricises mental health battles throughout the project. You will hear influences from the 80s and early The Weeknd at times, too. Angels, Devils [...] is a super slick production and the immaculate execution of this project makes me think that it won't be long until Eli hits the mainstream.