LOST IN THE GIRL (EP) | kwamie liv

After sharing a few tracks with us, Danish-Zambian singer-songwriter Kwamie Liv has finally released her Lost in the Girl (EP). Let us take the time to thank the music gods for their delivery today.

The track list:

1. Magic

2. What You Need (The Weeknd Cover)

3. 5 AM

4. Follow You

5. Lost in the Girl

6. comin THRU

7. Coming Down

We've already had the pleasure of hearing 4 out of the 7 tracks, so let's talk about the new tracks. To read my thoughts about those 4 already released tracks, visit my past posts 1. introducing kwamie liv and 2. new track tuesday "comin THRU."

MAGIC | the introductory track 

There's nothing significantly special about this track. As the introductory track, it serves to prepare you for the rest of the EP. "Magic" is meant to set you in the mood of what Kwamie is about to deliver with her next track, "What You Need." Track 1 smoothly transitions you into track 2. Is it necessary? No, but it is more of a guide to the sound of Kwamie Liv.

LOST IN THE GIRL | the standout track

My favorite of the new tracks. It is a nice blend of her Lana-esque and MIA influences. Though it starts by sounding like a lullaby, it then smoothly changes course toward a dance-friendly path. Her whispery voice lends itself nicely on this track to guide you through its non-linear structure. There are so many grooves in this track to get lost in, but just follow the voice and you'll be one happy listener. Complemented by some good beats, Kwamie's voice is undeniably seductive. It is no wonder why Kwamie named her EP after this track. It is so good --- definitely a good example of her talent. 

COMING DOWN | the closing track

After the danceable tracks "Lost in the Girl" and "comin THRU," Kwamie mellows it down for her closing track. She ends the way she began: grooving to a downtempo beat. 

Overall, Kwamie Liv delivers a well put-together debut EP of trip-hop/R&B material. Thanks for the musical goodness, Kwamie. Much love and respect from me, the Aesthetic Aficionado.

new track tuesday | feel the "sound" of telepopmusik

The French electronic collective known as Télépopmusik have just released their new single "Sound." Featuring subtle vocals by Mark Gardener, the track's focus remains on the soft ambient effect it produces.

"Sound" is a fitting addition to their collection of work -- the beats, vocals, and production collectively re-create their moody downtempo aesthetic. The track serves as a reminder that Telepopmusik knows how to work with a minimalist sound. Like the lyrics say, "feel the sound."

Telepopmusik's new album is expected to be released later this fall.

Merci beaucoup, Telepopmusik.

review | "go" by grimes ft. blood diamonds

*Disclaimer: "it's kinda different from regular Grimes." - Grimes

Grimes has just blessed us with a "new" track -- "Go," the song that she originally wrote for Rihanna. The song, reportedly rejected by Rihanna, is Riri's loss and our gain.

"Go" is an intricate work of trap-pop music, beautifully crafted by Grimes and Blood Diamonds. Listen to all the layers within the track: ticking clocks, the keyboards (plural), the EDM influence, her voice, all amid a backdrop of screams (hear them?). Grimes and Blood Diamonds manage to place all these elements in harmony with their track.

It's the most mainstream-ready song that Grimes has released to date. One can actually make out what she's singing (less Bjork, more Sia). Perhaps, she's eying to break into the mainstream market and expand her fanbase beyond the music festival circuit.

To me, "Go" suggests that Grimes is exploring sounds, unafraid of new territory, and growing as an artist.

You can decide for yourself, by listening to the track below. 

premiere | "tough love" by jessie ware

Oh, what a glorious Monday this is turning out to be. Although I just lost my MacBook Pro to the Apple store geniuses to replace my faulty hard-drive, I am choosing to stay on the bright side of things. I dug out my old white MacBook from a few years ago to make this post happen. When laptop #1 is down, move on to laptop #2. #firstworldproblems

Today, not only have we been blessed with one but two new songs! Thank you, mighty music gods.

Earlier today (while I was at the Apple store), the talented Jessie Ware gifted us with the release of her new single "Tough Love" from her forthcoming sophomore album. Her debut album Devotion put her on the map, allowing her to perform at several music festivals around the world. I was fortunate enough to catch her live at 2012 Coachella and SF Outside Lands. And, she was amazingly humble and sweet both times. She sings her heart out during her live performances. She even had fans ready for her fans to cool down during her set at Coachella. That was much appreciated. Thanks for that by the way, Jessie.

And now, here we have "Tough Love." Enjoy.

premiere | "feel your love" by le youth

Hello, it's Monday again, but at least we have a reason to celebrate: new music from Le Youth.

After debuting his new single "Feel Your Love" this past Saturday on BBC R1 and 1Xtra, Le Youth (aka Wes James) released it on his Soundcloud this morning.

With "Feel your love," Le Youth raises the vocals of Javeon with 90s house energy. This serves as the third single from his highly-awaited debut studio album to be released later this fall.

So, click play and dance your Monday away.