Hello again you beautiful people as we embark upon the next item in my (hopefully decent) blog. In this current issue you’ll be introduced to an anthemic Swedish pop group,  the next You Me at Six and a troublesome trio of hip-hop rockers, who will hopefully become part of the soundtrack to your summer.

NoNoNo: 'cold, complex production'

 NONONO

Straight out of Stockholm, indie pop trio NoNoNo, are the latest from the seemingly endless stream of talent seeping out of Scandinavia. Compromised of vocalist Stina Wappling and production duo Astma and Rockwell, they have already experienced mild global success around much of Europe and even in the US, their break out single ‘Pumpin’ Blood’ has already sold a whopping 700,000 copies worldwide! Called NoNoNo, as a criticism to uninspired song writers (many of whom Wappling in previous solo projects has had the formidable task of working with), the band fashions a brand of pristine pop. ‘Pumpin’ Blood’, or ‘the whistling song’ as some may coin it, is the most famed of their collection. Wappling’s breathy vocals join a militaristic, marching drum beat and intricately placed synths, forming a stunning alternative summer jam. Add on thought provoking lyrics such as ‘you’re a catalyst to your happiness’, and you have a sure-fire hit, even though Wappling emphasizes how that wasn't her aim in writing it saying ‘if it had been ‘let’s make a whistling hit’, then maybe we’d have had to worry’. Another standout track is the distant ‘like the wind’; the complex, cold production showcases the trio perhaps at their greatest. With an album poised for release in the UK that has already had commercial and critical success in native Sweden, NoNoNo are on the brink of something mega. I recommend NoNoNo for fans of Robyn and her similar counterparts or who can take a slightly more easy listening version of the white stripes. 

Sons and Lovers: 'climbing their way up the totem pole of the pop world'

Sons and Lovers

Little known about London based rockers Sons and Lovers are slowly climbing their way up the totem pole of the pop world. Having toured with the likes of Ellie Goulding and One Republic and performed at the BBC Introducing stage, it seems now is the time that their tight harmonies and intense melodies (with much of the coldness of NoNoNo) will gain a larger audience. The clear masterpiece is recent single ‘lover’, a clear stadium filler, with an epic chorus and a thunderous drop questions identity and loneliness in its hostile lyrics.

Sons and Lovers are clear favourites for fans of You Me at Six, Vampire Weekend or even Bastille.

RDGLDGRN: 'dirty basement rockers'

RDGLDGRN

Virginia based, garage rockers RDGLDGRN, have worked with legends such as Dave Grohl and Pharrell Williams to produce a unique and interesting sound. From last year’s full length album ‘Red Gold Green’, highlights include ‘a million fans’, a real head banger with a raucous electronic guitar, as well as Angel Haze team up ‘lootin’ in London’. The former being loud and boisterous ‘dirty basement music’ as the words ‘ain’t no one f***** with me’ are screamed. The name does need some explaining ‘RD’ only wears red, ‘GLD’ is always clad in gold and… (you get the picture). Imagine Wale mixed with You Me at Six or a more bad-ass rapping Sons and Lovers and you get the picture.

Best Song of the Week: *****

When we’re Fire by Lo-Fang (3^rd)

A restrained piece of perfect pop music, Lo-Fang is careful to not be overly climatic dropping light scatterings of synthesisers to precise effect throughout the song. This magnum opus also holds the title for one of the most delicately sung expletives I've come across in years.

Down On My Luck by Vic Mensa (2^nd)

Clearly house music is anything but sparse to come by these days nonetheless this piece of dance-rap by Chicago based Vic Mensa is truly electrifying. The dark smooth bass and soulful chorus makes this an inevitable summer club monster. ‘Do you think the things you do or who you know’, shows Vic as actually quite a philosophical character as he questions the entire basis of the rap game, making Vic Mensa a clear one to watch.

Good Kisser by Usher (BEST SONG OF THE WEEK)

R&b crooner Usher returns with an exemplary example of a good ‘baby making song’, clearly from an expert on the topic at hand. The slick refrain and pulsating beat that make this sensual work of art align to make one statement. Usher is back.