In this fourth issue of this juvenile blog, the three artists being recommended all make ballsy, game-changing music. In addition to this exquisite trio, since it was so difficult to only pick one best song of the week, I’ve picked two. Fortunately I am yet to have heard a song so atrociously odious that it deserves to fit into the belittling worst song of the week section.

Kelela

30 year old Kelela Mizankekristos, is a determined and talented star-to-be, who mixes soulful vocals with a harsh, futuristic production, the result being grand alternative r&b. Kelela has trod a long, twisted path to get to where she is now, despite academic success at college, she chose to follow her dream of a career in music, paying the bills by whatever means. Many years of her life were spent finding an identity, from a spell in the jazz world to trying to be the next Mariah Carey. In these years of struggle, Mizankekristos recalls herself steeping so low as to steal from her friends. It is merely by chance that she met the right people to aid her escape from this dark abyss yet the raw sorrow from these experiences comes forth in her vocals. Songs that stand out particularly in her admirable collection include ‘Cut 4 Me’, an ultramodern sound with minimalist harmonies swooped precisely over innovative production from Kingdom, one of a pack of producers who Kelela frequently collaborates with. Other highlights are the metallic song ‘Enemy’ produced by Nguzunguzu, where sharp, clanging production is met with a menacing Asian string section as Kelela chants ‘don’t you know it’s me K-E-L-E-L-A’. Yet to sign an actual record deal until she’s completed her debut, Kelela is in control, knowing what she wants to achieve and how it’ll be done. Listeners will find her reminiscent of Aaliyah and similar to those such as Banks.

                                                 Kelela, making a sound before her time

Hozier

It’d be an understatement to say that Andrew Hozier Byrne, an up and coming Irish talent, makes very dark music. In Autumn 2013, Hozier, as he’s otherwise known, had a huge viral hit in Ireland with the song ‘Take Me To Church’, the song reaching number 2 on the Irish charts. As for content, the song itself critiques the prejudice and discrimination of the Roman Catholic church in Ireland as well as homophobic on goings in Russia. As Hozier condemns ‘a fresh poison each week’, being served at the churches, the blue-eyed soul and clear passion of his voice, make him more than a protester. ‘Take Me To Church’, a rock song, with heavy gospel and choral undertones, indeed does what the title says, taking the listener to a dark, gothic place lit only with moonlight, as the upfront lyrics roll on. Hozier openly criticises the little the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland has done to apologise for the pain it has done in the past saying ‘the reparations are all too few’.  Hozier indeed is a welcome example that music hasn’t lost its revolutionary meaning as it had years ago. Other gems in his sombre collection are the acoustic folk song ‘From Eden’. At first listen it seems a breezy juxtaposition to the previous tune, but the lyrics are just as profound.  A song of unrequited love takes a gloomy turn as Hozier bleakly croons ‘a rope in hand for your other man to hang from a tree’. Hozier in a nutshell is a mixture between the enthused tones of James Blake, the activism of Nina Simone and at his peaks akin to Jeff Buckley.

                                                     Hozier: Dark and Revolutionary

Elliphant

Ellinor Olovsdotter, or Elliphant is a Swedish MC, heavily influenced by the urban sounds of London as well as the reggae accents of Jamaica, both strongly coming across in her music. There are Scandinavian influences here also though, in the opaqueness of her work. Elliphant is clearly unafraid to speak her mind, as seen in the endless series of expletives scattered across her work, an outcast at school, the independence she so relishes comes across in her ‘f*** what other people think’ mentality. Perhaps the most striking song of hers is the Skrillex produced ‘Only Getting Younger’, a foreboding, frightening and fierce piece of dubstep-pop. The song is an uncontrollable, destructive monster destroying everything in its path without a second thought. Listeners who appreciate the likes of Diplo, M.I.A or Skrillex will find Elliphant slips nicely into their collection. If not then I’d sidestep this one.

Elliphant: The Scandinavian M.I.A

Best Song(s) of the Week

Don’t Wait by Mapei

This cute, catchy little r&b pop gem sounds like a bona fide hit. Simple but effective, you can almost feel the waves of the sea reaching up to your toes when listening. The stunning, chilled drum beats of the production make this a song even the biggest pop stars would be proud of putting out.

Luvletta by Meanwhile

An overwhelming, quirky, kaleidoscope of colour with a catchy bass line and a wild voice from newcomer Meanwhile, heavily tipped as being the next Prince, Luvletta is like an odd sort of party with party poppers and streamers as you get really drunk… Then it comes to an end, like the morning after, and you can’t even remember what the song’s about. 

Always open to suggestions :)